Luke was asked to be featured in the Industrial Eye, Member Profile this month. Here is a copy of the interview where he tries his hardest to not mention being a muso
How many years have you worked in the NDT Industry?
17 Years
Why did you choose a career in NDT?
Like so many others, I fell into NDT. Out of school I was torn between becoming a Music teacher and working for the family business. I choose the latter and worked for my old man and learnt everything about building, civil works and general hard, back breaking labor. I did give Music teaching a try for a few years, got my Cert IV Music and pulled out halfway through my Diploma. A friend of mine was in NDT and saw me flipping between Music and Building and suggested I try NDT, and I’ve never looked back.
Briefly describe your current role?
Trainer and consultant for Kuzer Technical. It’s nice to be able to pass on the lessons I’ve learnt throughout my career as a NDT Tech. I genuinely love my life as a trainer, where I can meet new people, catch up with old work colleagues and be on the forefront of helping steer the industry in a positive direction.
Do you have any advice for people new to the industry?
Take a look at the most recent release of the standards! Many techs simply follow instructions without actively seeking out the necessary information on their own. Standards undergo regular changes and updates .If someone tells you “XYZ fails,” make the effort to locate the corresponding reference document, read it and acquire the most up to date and precise knowledge instead on relying solely on someone else’s word!
How has your career benefited from being a member?
- Enjoying the company of new friends and colleagues through networking at AINDT branch events
- Some great reading and advice in the AINDT Industrial Eye
- Tech nights for learning new techniques and products
- The sweet discounts on re-certification is a definite benefit
Can you share with us a career highlight?
A penetrant test on Wild Turkey and Cola bottles comes time mind; and the objective? To spot tiny cracks in the threaded areas. The result: no cracks, but we got four cartons, fresh off the shelves. And trust me, we handled the beverage disposal with utmost responsibility.
Possibly more relevantly, another major highlight involved performing radiography on the Deepsea Challenger, the personal submarine of James Cameron, which daringly plunged into the Mariana Trench’s unimaginable depths. His successful encounter with the mysteries of the deep was a tangible experience that strongly reinforced the reasons behind my career choice.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Never give up!
Always be happy.
Try again
Be nice, even if you’re sad
I Found this advice on a post-it note written by my 8-year-old daughter.
Who/what inspires you?
Everyday mysteries! As an NDT trainer, nothing fires up my inspiration like the unknown. Seeing beneath the surface, uncovering hidden faults, and solving puzzles that the naked eye can’t see – it’s like being a detective in a world of materials. And when I get to pass on that sense of curiosity to others, that’s when I truly feel inspired.
What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?
- Perform NDT on spacecraft: There’s a thrilling allure to the idea of inspecting something that’s journeyed through the cosmic unknown.
- Travel more
- Make a pilgrimage to the Gibson Factory in Nashville and place an order for a custom guitar: It would be a dream come true to touch, see, and hear the birth of a personally crafted instrument.
Fun fact that people probably don’t know about you!
When I’m not navigating the world of Non-Destructive Testing, I’m a musician. I frequently perform in various bands and have six Spotify releases. Currently, I’m recording a blues album, and a solo album. My music career highlight was when I got featured in Australian Guitarist Magazine.
What would be the theme song of your life right now?
Don’t worry, Be happy.
