Joshua de Monbrun projects the new direction of Non-destructive testing
Joshua de Monbrun, a board member of ASNT (The American Society for Nondestructive Testing), began his career in non-destructive testing after an unexpected turn; in the midst of college training to become an Air Force pilot, the 9/11 attacks led him to a new destination: NDT. Driven by a spontaneous decision, he was assigned to the area with the highest sign-on bonus, nondestructive inspection, thus unknowingly beginning a career path that would span more than two decades.
That first contact with radiography and eddy current testing on military aircraft sparked an interest that grew over the years. Today, with more than 25 years of experience, Joshua has worked in diverse industries and extreme environments, from underwater inspections to rope access, always with a technical and multidisciplinary view of NDT.
A passion born underwater
The sea was a key factor in his vocation, as Joshua, the son of a Navy man, grew up on naval bases surrounded by water and underwater adventures. At the age of 15, a dive in the wreckage
Shortage of talent in a key sector
Currently, the nondestructive testing industry faces a critical challenge with a lack of trained professionals; Joshua notes that the shortage affects technicians as well as engineers, software developers and innovation specialists. The high demand for inspections in industries such as energy, aerospace and marine are not matched by the number of available personnel.
To address this gap, many organizations are turning to technology as an ally, so the ASNT is working on strategies that integrate automated solutions, IoT and robotics, with the goal of increasing productivity without compromising inspection quality.
Technology as a generational gateway
One of ASNT's main goals is to also use technology as a tool to attract new generations to the world of NDT. According to Joshua, there is huge potential in connecting young people's interest in virtual reality, video games and digital platforms with the possibilities of modern NDT.
"If we can engage them at an early age, introduce them to virtual inspections, and make the training feel like a video game, we'll have a better chance of them considering this industry as a real career option."
Joshua de Monbrun.
With this approach, ASNT' s advocacy committee develops initiatives that range from engaging visual materials to immersive experiences that explain what NDT is and what it is for, seeking to arouse curiosity and engagement.
Five-year vision: technology + technicians
Joshua foresees an accelerated transformation of the industry in the next five years, where the incorporation of artificial intelligence, automated systems and advanced sensors will redefine the training, certification and deployment of field technicians. Contrary to the notion that technology will eliminate jobs, he argues that it will establish a complementary relationship, as the synergy between human operators and digital tools will facilitate greater accuracy, better data interpretation and safer structural integrity decisions.
The balance between passion and relaxation
Although not everything in Joshua's work revolves around technical advances, one of his biggest personal challenges has been learning to slow down, as his passion for solving problems, serving clients and facing challenges prevents him from disconnecting easily, transforming breaks and vacations into a real effort. However, he is aware that time with the family and quiet spaces are equally fundamental for a lasting and fulfilling career, because in his experience, maintaining that balance is as crucial as mastering the technical tools.
Inspiring from experience
Throughout his career, Joshua has collected certifications in multiple testing techniques, worked in extreme environments and collaborated on pioneering technology inspection teams; however, what he appreciates most is the ability to share that knowledge to inspire others. Through lectures, training events or interviews, his message remains clear: finding a vocation in a technical industry is entirely possible, and with the right tools, that passion can become a rewarding and future-proof career.
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Source: Inspenet.
