VUT Students gain hands-on experience in non-destructive testing
By: Qhawekazi Memani – 07 June 2024
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Integrity (Non- Destructive Testing) NDT Projects, a member company of Two Roads Group established in December 2023, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) semester 3 and 5 NDT students visited Grootvlei Power Station on 28 May 2024.
According to Ms. Khathutshelo Shavhani, VUT NDT Program Coordinator and Junior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences, this initiative aligns seamlessly with the MOU’s core objective of cultivating future professionals in the critical field of NDT. “This industrial exposure helps our students prepare for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and for work experiences after the completion of their Diploma. Through the MOU, Integrity NDT Projects assists with career support and advancement in the broad field of NDT,” she said.
The accurately designed program provided VUT students with a comprehensive understanding of the essential role NDT plays in safeguarding the integrity and reliability of infrastructure, with a particular focus on South Africa’s power generation sector. The program covered a wide range of topics, giving students valuable insights and practical knowledge about NDT.
They learned how NDT helps prevent catastrophic failures, equipment downtime, and potential safety hazards. Additionally, they explored how NDT techniques are applied in power plants, from construction and commissioning to in-service inspections and maintenance outages, gaining practical knowledge about various NDT methods used at different stages of a power plant’s lifecycle.
Nkolonyane Tsolo, a second-year student at VUT pursuing a Diploma in Non-Destructive Testing, shared her experience: “It was an honour and a privilege to be one of the students who got to visit Grootvlei Power Station. This experience provided me with a deeper understanding of how Non-Destructive Testing correlates with power generation across our country. Before this visit, I didn’t realize the significant role NDT plays in ensuring the quality of critical machinery like turbines. These trips organized by Integrity NDT greatly enhance our confidence and prepare us for our careers in NDT. I hope Integrity NDT continues to organize such trips to inspire and educate students about the vast field of NDT.”
Two Road Integrity NDT Projects is a leading specialist Non-Destructive Testing company offering a comprehensive portfolio of conventional and advanced NDT methods. As a valued member of the Two Roads Group, Integrity NDT Projects is unwavering in its commitment to upholding the highest standards, ensuring quality and service in all their endeavours.
Lastly, “this hands-on experience not only enriched the students’ understanding of NDT but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the crucial role it plays in maintaining the integrity and safety of critical infrastructure. VUT is proud to collaborate with industry leaders like Integrity NDT Projects to provide our students with such invaluable learning opportunities,” said Ms Shavhani.