Len Jordaan – Best Welding and Fabrication Inspector Level 1 Award

A JOURNEY OF PRECISION, PASSION, AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Len Jordaan, an accomplished Welding and Fabrication Inspector, has been recognised with the prestigious 2024 Best Student in Welding & Fabrication Inspector Level 1 Award. Known for his unwavering dedication to quality and excellence in welding inspection, Len’s journey in this field is marked by an impressive blend of technical mastery, resilience and a passion for continuous learning.

Background and Inspiration

Len’s journey into the welding inspection profession began unexpectedly during his high school years when a friend introduced him to the field. That initial spark led him down a path focused on quality assurance from the outset of his career.

Reflecting on what inspired him to pursue this career, Len says, “What began as curiosity soon became a passion for precision and excellence. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside industry experts in both the Authorised Inspection Authority (AIA) and Pressure Vessel Inspector (IPE) fields, each experience deepening my respect and fascination for this discipline.”

Over the last eight years, Len has demonstrated a commitment to growth and specialisation, enrolling in advanced welding and fabrication inspection courses, including the CP PV and CP SG assessments through SAIW. His dedication has fuelled his ambition to attain future certifications as an IPE and work toward becoming a Welding Engineer.

Overcoming challenges

Len’s career, like any journey toward mastery, hasn’t been without challenges. Initially, he faced the steep learning curve of adapting to the highly technical aspects of welding inspection, especially in meeting rigorous testing standards such as API 510. Len’s response was rooted in resilience: he committed to after-hours study and actively sought mentorship from experienced professionals, whose insights proved invaluable.

Balancing career demands with personal life has been another area where Len has demonstrated his adaptability. With projects that involve intensive travel and tight deadlines, he’s had to find effective ways to maintain a balance between work and family life. By setting clear boundaries, prioritising time management, and planning ahead, Len has continued to excel professionally without sacrificing his family commitments.

Innovative collaboration

In one of Len’s recent projects involving pressure vessel fabrication, he and his team faced the challenge of meeting strict quality standards due to the vessel’s intricate design, with sections of varying thickness and complex weld configurations. Len’s innovative solution was a collaborative approach, bringing together inspectors and welding engineers at each stage of fabrication to ensure accuracy.

By assigning lead inspectors for each section and verifying weld parameters in collaboration with engineers, the team achieved a seamless workflow and met the high standards required, enhancing the vessel’s integrity under pressure.

Advice to aspiring professionals

As a respected role model in the welding and NDT community, Len shares his advice for those aspiring to excel in this field. He emphasises the importance of a commitment to continuous learning and technical excellence. “Start with the basics and build from there,” he advises. “Ask questions, seek mentorship, and network with professionals across different specialisations. The certifications and recognition will come with time, so stay patient and focused on growth.”

With his dedication to excellence and a drive to constantly expand his skill set, Len Jordaan’s contributions and achievements continue to inspire those around him, reinforcing his status as a leader and innovator in the field of welding and fabrication inspection.