NDT Advocacy in Action: Emiliano Paz

By Eddie Pompa

Nondestructive testing (NDT) was first introduced to the Aldine Independent School District over 15 years ago as a viable career pathway for these students who were looking for meaningful work.

This program graduated its first NDT seniors in May of 2023. For this article, I checked in with one of the graduates to learn more about how his NDT career has grown since graduating the program. This young man was determined to step out and challenge himself to find a job in NDT and discover what NDT had to offer.

Emiliano Paz’s career journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of networking. Fresh out of high school, he embarked on a path that many find daunting, entering the workforce with little to no prior experience. The early days of his job search were challenging, as Emiliano found himself competing with candidates who often had previous careers or relevant work experience. Despite these hurdles, he secured the job through a contact from his high school. This opportunity marked the beginning of a learning curve that would see him grow both personally and professionally.

In June 2023, just after graduating, Emiliano secured a position with Iris NDT, a move that would set the foundation for his burgeoning career. His initial employment seemed promising and filled with opportunities, but a “Shut Down” cycle meant there were some lean weeks, which led to some stress and frustration about his choice of employment. Emiliano remained patient, put forth his hard work ethic, and made himself available to take on any opportunities IRIS had for him. Since these early days, Emiliano’s career development has been marked by a continuous pursuit of certification and skill enhancement.

Currently, Emiliano is certified as a Level 2 in magnetic particle testing and ultrasonic thickness testing, and is qualified in Positive Material Identification (PMI). His work has taken him to various locations across the United States, including North Dakota, Utah, Illinois, Wyoming, and soon, Alaska. These assignments have exposed him to diverse working conditions, from extreme cold to unfamiliar environments at various elevations. Being from Texas, working in snowy conditions for the first time was a unique experience that tested his adaptability and resilience.

Such experiences have not only broadened his skill set, but also enriched his personal growth. Among the shutdown work, he has had opportunities to perform inspections on a nuclear reactor as part of a monitoring cycle for the facility. This activity reminds him of the importance of his role as an NDT professional and the safety he provides to the community by doing his job. This purpose helps him enjoy doing his job well and the meaningful work his NDT career will provide.

Despite the early challenges of limited work hours and low pay—which at times made Emiliano contemplate a career change—his perseverance paid off. He credits his success to patience and the drive to earn certifications that would open more doors. His story highlights the importance of not giving up, even when the road seems tough.

Networking has also played a crucial role in Emiliano’s journey. He has leveraged his connections to help others find employment. This aspect of his career underscores the importance of

building and maintaining professional relationships, which can be as valuable as the technical skills in one’s career development.

Looking ahead, Emiliano has set his sights on obtaining additional certifications, such as UT Shear Wave, which will further enhance his expertise and career prospects. His journey is far from over, but his story so far is a powerful reminder that with determination, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships, success in NDT is within reach for those willing to pursue it.