In the dynamic world of Nondestructive Testing (NDT), education and training are the foundation for future professionals. And when it comes to shaping the next generation of NDT experts, few have made as significant an impact as Donald Booth, CEO of the American Institute of Nondestructive Testing (AINDT).
With a passion for education, innovation, and accessibility, Mr. Booth founded AINDT in 2013, revolutionizing NDT training with a hybrid learning model that has empowered countless individuals to transition into successful careers. From his early days as an NDT assistant on Alaska’s North Slope to becoming a leading educator in the industry, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into his career-defining moments, the evolution of NDT education, and the challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry. Join us as we explore how AINDT is reshaping NDT training, the impact of emerging technologies, and the future of the industry through the eyes of a true visionary.
Hello Mr. Booth. Welcome to OnestopNDT. To get things started, can you start by introducing yourself to our amazing readers?
Thank you for the warm welcome!
I’m Donald Booth, CEO of the American Institute of Nondestructive Testing. I started AINDT with a passion for advancing the NDT education industry, I’ve dedicated my career to innovation, and excellence in the education sector of the industry.
What’s the story behind the birth of the American Institute of Nondestructive Testing? Was there a defining moment that made you say, “I have to do this”?
The story behind AINDT starts with my own journey—kicking off in 2006 on Alaska’s North Slope as an NDT assistant. I climbed the ranks, earned certifications, and found myself really enjoying the experience. After I became a level II and started teaching assistants during their on-the-job training and seeing their ‘aha’ moments, it lit a fire in me for the education part of the industry. In early 2013, I launched AINDT with the idea that NDT deserved a fresh, accessible way to train the next wave of technicians and here we are!
Over the years, AINDT has grown into a well-respected institute. What are you most proud of in this journey, and what’s still on your wish list for the future?
AINDT has transformed lives—watching students go from apprentices to certified NDT pros, landing dream jobs, is the ultimate win. As for the wish list? We are aiming to expand our reach—creating the most accessible and interactive courses available, global partnerships, and pushing NDT tech to new heights. The future’s wide open, and we’re just getting started!"
You’ve been in the NDT world for a long time. What first drew you to this industry? Was it love at first sight, or did the passion grow over time?
Actually, it was a friend of mine who was working in the industry that sparked my interest. He was working on the North Slope of Alaska, and I was intrigued with the location as well as the 3-week on – 3-week off work schedule. I went to school for NDT and eventually got hired on the North Slope as well. After I started my career, I really enjoyed the fact that there was really no limits on learning and advancement if a person wanted to keep expanding their knowledge.
Mr. Booth, your training programs have impacted many careers. What do you think makes AINDT’s approach to NDT education stand out from the rest?
When I started designing how AINDT would deliver education, I found that so many people were looking for a second career, a new start, it wasn’t just people straight out of high school. The issue was that these people already had jobs, bills, and families and they couldn’t just pick up and move away to college. So we launched the first hybrid vocational model for NDT. Creating an online training component, followed by an in-person training session to complete their education. This really struck a chord with people looking for a new career and took off rather quickly.
From AI to robotics, technology is changing the game in almost every industry. How do you see these advancements shaping the future of NDT? Exciting or challenging?
I think techs like AI and robotics are both exciting and challenging. These technologies are coming at every industry fast, and I think they need to be embraced but with a modicum of caution as well. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. We need to do the right amount of R&D before we replace existing techniques of inspection with these new ones.
If you had a magic wand and could instantly fix one of the biggest challenges in the NDT industry today, what would it be?
If I had a magic wand, I’d zap away the lack of awareness of NDT! The industry’s booming, but finding enough entry-level technicians? Everyone knows about trades such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC, but NDT is vastly unknown to the public.
Finding and keeping skilled professionals is a big concern in NDT. What’s your take on the best way to attract fresh talent and keep them engaged?
As far as finding new technicians, I think outreach: school demos, community engagement and starting pay that turns heads. Keeping them? It’s about growth and upward mobility, certs that stack up, and avoiding burnout of technicians.
We all have that one mentor (or a few) who shaped our path. Who’s been that person for you, and what’s the best piece of advice they ever gave you?
As for NDT mentors, I’ve had a few that made an impact on the start of my career. I remember on one project I kept asking my Level II various questions about our procedures and he finally said “You know why I know how to answer these questions? It’s because I have read those procedures a hundred times. Look it up yourself and if you really can’t find it, then come ask me and I’ll help you.” That made a huge impact on me and after that, I spent a lot time in the procedures becoming proficient and knowledgeable myself.
If someone brand new to NDT came to you and asked, “What’s the one thing I absolutely need to know to succeed in this industry?”—what would you tell them?
I always tell our students one thing. I tell them that when they walk up to an item that they are going to inspect, to ask themselves how it was made. Was it rolled, forged, cast, welded, machined? Does the temperature of the item vary greatly during its life, is it vibrating, is it under load and stress? Once you know how something was made, and what its purpose is, you know what type of possible defects you may need to be looking for.
Running an institute, staying on top of industry trends, and probably a hundred other responsibilities—how do you juggle it all without losing your mind?
Building the right team is the only way to grow and scale a business. People are the foundation of every company and hiring right and keeping good people is the biggest challenge.
When you’re not talking about flaw detection and training the next generation of NDT pros, what do you love to do? Any surprising hobbies?
Nothing too surprising. I love business, I always say it is a puzzle with no edges, just one piece that leads to another piece and so on. Other than business I love to travel and see the world with my wife and two boys.
In a world that never slows down, how do you make sure you’re not just working all the time? Any tricks for keeping work and life in check?
I don’t believe a person who is an entrepreneur should think of it as “Working all of the time”. I think as an entrepreneur you have to just accept work as part of your journey in life. Work as much as you want or need and then enjoy your family and other interests the same way. Once you accept the journey as all one journey, you’ll find your balance.
Fast forward 10 years—where do you see AINDT, the NDT industry, and yourself? Any big dreams still waiting to be realized?
I am not looking that far forward. The “NOW” is the most important time for me. Of course, I plan for the future, but it will be here soon enough, so I just do the day-to-day tasks I feel will give me the best results when it arrives.
Finally, what are your thoughts on OnestopNDT? Do you think our efforts to provide real, authentic and accurate content are helping the industry? Also, do you think our platform helps the community connect with like-minded people?
I think your platform is looking great! I like the way it flows and also how it is bringing fresh content to the NDT industry. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be involved. I look forward to working with you to provide insight into the NDT industry across the world.
