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ASNT RISE Leadership Development Program

Join our year-long leadership program and elevate your career alongside other emerging NDT professionals. Connect, grow, and lead with us.

Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will open in February 2026.

The ASNT RISE Leadership Development Program offers a unique one-year experience tailored for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals with less than 10 years of work experience. Designed to equip participants with essential leadership tools, this program empowers them to lead the NDT industry into the future. Participants engage in a blend of in-person and online training, active event participation, and valuable mentorships as part of the ASNT RISE experience.

Benefits of the RISE Program

The RISE program takes a multifaceted approach to equip you with the skills and connections needed to excel in your NDT career.

As a participant of the program, you will be able to:

Grow Your Network

Connect with a global cohort of NDT peers from across different industries and engage with the ASNT Board of Directors and influential industry leaders.

Receive Mentorship

Gain valuable knowledge and guidance from a one-on-one mentor throughout your program.

Advance your Leadership

Receive training around established leadership development principles and deepen your understanding of ASNT history and programs to prepare for Society leadership roles.

Access ASNT Events

Hone and perfect NDT skills and job knowledge through ASNT conferences, Section meetings, your mentor, and your network of diverse RISE peers.

This year was my first time attending the Annual Conference, and I found these three benefits from the RISE program drastically improved my experience: an introduction to a network of other early-career members, arrival a day early to get established, and access to board members and leaders from the beginning."

Richard Lee Hollenbach III, PhD
2023-2024 RISE Member

RISE Program Overview

Built on the proven FranklinCovey leadership framework, the program blends world-class leadership training with organizational learning and applied practice. Participants gain practical skills and insights to accelerate their careers and strengthen their impact within ASNT and the broader NDT community.

The curriculum is structured around three core areas of growth:

Leadership Development

Participants explore what it means to lead with clarity and purpose. They practice setting direction, building trust, and empowering others, while also developing habits that drive personal and professional effectiveness. These lessons emphasize how to communicate with impact, make sound decisions, and collaborate across diverse teams.

Professional Skills and Effectiveness

This area focuses on the personal and interpersonal skills leaders need to thrive. Students learn how to manage their time and energy, handle difficult conversations with confidence, and strengthen resilience in the face of complex challenges. The training also emphasizes how to create trust-based relationships that support organizational success.

Organizational Insight

Participants gain a deeper understanding of how ASNT and the NDT industry function. Through monthly sessions, they explore ASNT’s role in certification, membership, workforce development, research, and advocacy, giving them the perspective needed to connect leadership principles with real-world industry needs.

Requirements to participate include:

  • Monthly Online Sessions: Engage fully in monthly virtual sessions focused on both leadership concepts and ASNT’s mission, and how they apply to participants' careers.

  • Industry Involvement: Complete at least 12 hours of NDT-related activities (such as attending section meetings, webinars, or industry events) and reflect on how those experiences connect to their professional growth.

  • Conference Participation: Attend two ASNT Annual Conferences and one optional conference*.  While there is no cost to participate in the program, participants are responsible for travel-related expenses to the conferences**. 

  • Capstone Presentation: Present a capstone project, which connects leadership skills and industry knowledge to real-world challenges, at the ASNT annual conference.

  • Post-Program Involvement: Maintain ASNT membership and volunteer with a local section for three years after completing the program.

*Registration is provided to participants. Optional conferences include ASNT's topical conferences or the Research Symposium.
**ASNT encourages participants to seek financial support for expenses through their employer or ASNT Section. 

Ready to Elevate Your NDT Career?

Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will open in February 2026.

Empower the Next Generation of NDT Leaders

Share RISE with Your Team

Encouraging early-career NDT professionals on your team to participate in the RISE Leadership Development Program is an investment in both their growth and your organization’s success. Participants are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections to:

  • Become future-ready leaders with enhanced communication, decision-making, and collaboration skills.

  • Bring fresh insights from exposure to mentors, peers, and ASNT events.

  • Increase retention and engagement by demonstrating your organization’s commitment to employee growth.

  • Expand visibility as your employees represent your organization within the global NDT community.

RISE participants are responsible for required travel expenses. Organizations are encouraged to support these expenses as a meaningful investment in their team.

Support the Future of NDT Leadership

Help us empower the next generation of NDT leaders. Companies can sponsor the ASNT RISE Program and make a lasting impact on workforce development.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact our sales team.

sales@asnt.org

Explore Other Opportunities to Grow and Connect

Get involved as an ASNT Volunteer
Join the ASNT Connect Online Community

Have Additional Questions?

Reach out to our team for any questions you may have about the RISE Program.

Contact us

Send us a message at rise@asnt.org.

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