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Quality control technicians, also known as quality assurance technicians, work across the manufacturing, commercial and public sectors, and are responsible for carrying out checks on products and processes to ensure they meet predetermined national and international quality standards, for example, ISO 9000. Their work also includes putting in quality management systems to continually improve the standard of product or service being offered.

Some examples are outlined below and offer an insight into the duties carried out by technicians in particular sectors:

Food and drink manufacturing – setting up Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures (widely used quality assurance system in food production where hazards are removed at specified stages throughout the production process), including microbiological, chemical and physical tests on samples; making sure labelling is accurate; and checking that production methods conform to relevant legislation.

Manufacturing engineering – monitoring each stage of the production process, using methods such as statistical sample analysis to make sure that products or components fall within specified tolerance levels; inspecting materials and products for defects using a combination of visual checks and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, such as ultrasonics, X-rays and resonant testing. For more details, see the profile for NDT Technician.

Local government administration – carrying out departmental and interdepartmental performance reviews to ensure quality standards are meeting internal and external benchmarks; identifying areas of weakness and drawing up recommendations for corrective action; monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs); and developing strategies to enhance the quality of services provided to the public.

Generic duties common to all sectors include:

• monitoring client/customer feedback and complaints, and passing on issues to managers where necessary
• assessing and rating suppliers
• reviewing and updating quality control and assurance policies in line with new quality guidelines and standards
• training and mentoring new staff
• producing reports for quality managers.

Quality control technicians usually work in a team under the supervision of a quality manager. See the Quality Manager profile.

Hours and Environment

Technicians working in the public or business sector normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Technicians in manufacturing may work on a shift rota, including evenings and weekends.

Workplaces vary, depending on the sector but include offices, laboratories and factory production lines.

Skills and Interests

To be a quality control/assurance technician you should:

• have excellent  verbal and written communication skills
• have technical knowledge relevant to your sector
• have knowledge of legislation and guidelines relevant to your sector
• be well organised with a systematic approach to work
• be able to prioritise workloads
• be able to meet project deadlines
• pay close attention to detail
• be able to work as part of a team.

Entry

Most technicians working in quality assurance and control have experience and/or qualifications relevant to their sector, for example, the BTEC Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering contains units in quality assurance and control.

For entry to specific sectors, please see relevant profiles in job families, for instance, technician profiles in Engineering and Manufacturing, and local government and civil service profiles in Administration and Clerical. Most sectors now have some form of quality control role within them, so please check other job families.

Most employers will ask for some GCSE/S grades or A level/H grades or equivalent, including maths and English and, depending on the sector, science.

For young people aged between 16 and 24, it may be possible to train as an apprentice within your chosen sector, then move into a quality control position. For opportunities as an apprentice, see contacts in the Training section.

There are some higher level awards, such as foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs and degrees in quality management, assurance and control. Similar level awards in specific disciplines, for example engineering or food science, could also be used as entry to assistant or trainee positions. Check with local colleges and universities for entry requirements.

Some knowledge of quality standards and methodologies will be helpful when applying for positions within quality control. Details of these can be found on the website of the British Standards Institution (BSI) in Further Information.

Training

Training is carried out on the job and will cover internal testing procedures and quality standards, as well as external regulations. NVQs/SVQs are available for those working in quality control. Some examples include:

• Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2
• Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial) levels 1 to 4
• Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations levels 1 to 3
• Business and Administration Level 4
• Quality Management Level 4.

There are many other on-the-job awards available for specific sectors, covering quality assurance. Contact the professional body relevant to your field for more details.

The Chartered Quality Institute offers training courses in all areas of quality control. The Certificate in Quality Assurance at Level 3 is aimed at new entrants and provides the basis for the Level 4 Diploma, a six module/unit approach, which counts towards Continuing Professional Development. For details about the Institute’s awards and training centres, see their website in Further Information.

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) also offers a Diploma in Quality Management. For details see CMI website in Further Information.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Opportunities are available in all sectors. Quality control and assurance is playing an increasingly important role as a way of demonstrating a company’s competitiveness in a global market.

With experience and further training, technicians can progress to supervisory, management and policy research positions. As many of the quality assurance and control methodologies and techniques are generic, there may be opportunities to move across sectors into a higher position or into a consultancy firm.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £12,500 and £15,000 a year.
Experienced technicians can earn between £16,000 and £20,000.
Senior technicians and those with special skills can earn up to £24,000 a year.

Further information

Management House
Cottingham Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 1TT
Tel: 01536 204222

12 Grosvenor Crescent
London
SW1X 7EE
Tel: 020 7245 6722

389 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4AL