September 24, 2025 – Nisku, AB – The CWB Group, the Canadian Institute of Non-destructive Evaluation (CINDE) and Holloway NDT and Engineering Inc. are pleased to announce the development and launch of an Ultrasonic Phased Array (UT-PA) Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Training and Certification Program in Alberta, Canada. 

This three-year initiative has been made possible thanks to the Government of Alberta’s Industry Skills Grant and will aim to support up to 120 residents of Alberta (including women, Indigenous Peoples, youth, underrepresented groups, and other existing Level 2 UT professionals who want to upgrade their skills in UT-PA) with training in UT-PA NDT processes. 

UT-PA is an advanced ultrasonic NDT technique offering faster, enhanced detection capabilities and is primarily used for detecting various cracks and corrosion mapping during inspections. Through targeted training from certified NDT experts, this program will help address the current and future workforce needs of Alberta’s industries that rely on NDT, including oil and gas, construction, aerospace, among many others. 

The UT-PA NDT Training and Certification Program will provide a combination of online learning and in-person training that will prepare participants for the industry’s growing needs. In-person training will take place at the CWB’s Nisku, Alberta location. Participants who successfully complete the training will have the competencies and skills to undergo testing to obtain certification to the CAN/CGSB-48.9712 standard. This certification is recognized across the country - enhancing employment opportunities and career advancement for NDT professionals.

“Our government is committed to ensuring Albertans are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market and tomorrow’s economy. Working with organizations like the CWB Group and others to develop programs like this is an important part of our government’s goal to create jobs, grow our economy, and keep Alberta the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Hon. Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration.   

The development and delivery of this program will bring together the industry’s leading experts and collectively, over 40 years of experience in practicing, training and certification in NDT. “The CWB is excited to partner with these leading organizations to deliver this program to Alberta’s NDT professionals. This specialized training in UT-PA NDT will advance participants’ skills in this process that many of Alberta’s key industries rely on,” said Trent Konrad, Vice President, Business Development and Sales, CWB Group.  

“Phased array testing is a fascinating and incredibly versatile technology. Encouraging skilled trades and NDT is a passion and we are excited to introduce it to the next generation,” shared Paul Holloway, President, Holloway NDT and Engineering Inc. 

The UT-PA NDT Training and Certification Program is expected to launch in 2026 and will be offered on a rotating basis until 2028. More information about the program can be found at: https://www.cinde.ca/courses/phased_array_blended.php. 

 

About CWB Group   

The CWB Group is an industry-supported private sector organization providing welding certification, training, and education resources; industry-specific auditing services; and technical advice and support. Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, with staff and offices across the country, the CWB Group is an accredited Certification Body to certify NDT personnel to CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 as well as the administration of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) welding-related standards. The CWB Group engages directly with stakeholders to promote and advocate on behalf of the industry and address challenges faced by the welding sector. cwbgroup.org

 

About CINDE   

The Canadian Institute of Non-destructive Evaluation is Canada's NDT member society dedicated to the professionals and companies engaged in the business of non-destructive testing, inspection and evaluation. The organization is a leader in NDT training and certification testing for Radiography, Ultrasonics, Magnetic Particle, Liquid Penetrant, Eddy Current and emerging NDT technologies. https://www.cinde.ca/

 

About Holloway NDT and Engineering Inc.

Since 2015, Holloway NDT and Engineering Inc. has provided non-destructive testing services, specializing in ultrasonic inspection applications. It also provides Ultrasonic Testing Level 3 consulting, procedure development and training, as well as mechanical engineering services related to inspection system tool design and development. https://www.hollowayndt.com/

This program has been funded by the Government of Alberta’s Industry Skills Grant.