The enormous amount of work generated by the oil and gas industry has greatly taxed virtually every service company. The challenge in today's market place is to meet the demand for additional services without jeopardizing the quality of workmanship or the company's performance.

Owensby & Kritikos, Inc. (O&K) has known for some time that a lack of non-destructive testing (NDT) training schools in Louisiana would have a negative impact on the industry if the work load increased appreciably.

O&K recognized this problem and has committed itself to resolving it.  The company tripled its training and education budget and hired a professional instructor that specializes in the field of teaching NDT. O&K began in-house education sessions concentrating on industrial radiography, ultrasonic, AWS, CWI programs and other testing and inspection methods.

This program allows existing personnel the opportunity for additional training and professional schooling while retaining their availability to work in areas where they already have expertise.

O&K's goal is three-fold.  First, the company will be able to expand services with existing staff by training individuals to perform multiple testing methods. O&K's personnel possess the skills to operate more efficiently and this allows the company more flexibility with assignments. Secondly, it will allow O&K to select new applicants with academic capacity to learn and the desire to achieve on-the-job training. Third, it provides O&K the opportunity to offer an ASNT Level III instructor to the outside business community.

There is a demand for this type of education and schooling. All companies have varying levels of quality control in their manufacturing processes. Some are existing customers who are involved in offshore fabrication, others are chemical plants and refineries wishing to upgrade their own staff.

Providing professionally taught NDT schools are just another step in solidifying O&K's position in a changing market environment. Those clientele and customers who are interested in expanding their own education can contact Owensby & Kritikos, Inc. for more information. Call us at 1-800-749-3122 or e-mail us at okinsp@ok-insp.com.