Quality control technicians are responsible for checking that products and services meet required quality and safety standards such as ISO 9001:2015, the matrix Standard and Investors in People. They work in a wide range of industries including food and drink, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

The Work

You could be:

• making sure that measuring and testing equipment are set up and working correctly
• inspecting and testing samples of products
• dealing with customer complaints and passing the information onto suppliers
• collecting information and writing reports on your findings to be passed on to managers
• checking that production methods meet relevant legislation
• keeping accurate results of checks and tests carried out
• testing products bought from suppliers and keeping records of suppliers' performance
• identifying inconsistencies and faults and finding the cause
• setting up and managing quality control systems.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salary for quality technicians is around £24,000 to £30,000 a year. With experience this can rise to £37,000 a year. Managers can earn £40,000 or more.

Conditions

• You could work in any type of organisation, in either the private or public sectors.
• You would be based in an office, a laboratory or on a production line.
• You would usually work normal office hours, Monday to Friday, but some weekend work may be required.
• If working in manufacturing you may have to work shifts including evenings, nights and weekends.
• In a factory the environment might be dirty, dusty and noisy.
• You may have to wear protective clothing to stop contamination.

Useful Subjects

• Administration and IT
• Business
• Business Management
• Business Skills (SCQF Level 6)

Getting In

• Most employers will look for at least 4 subjects at National 4 or 5 including English, Maths and a science subject.
• Many entrants already have experience from working on the factory production line or shop floor.
• For specialised and technical jobs you may need an HND (SCQF Level 8) or degree (SCQF Level 9-11) in a science or engineering discipline.
• You may be able to train as an apprentice and work your way up to a quality control position.
• Knowledge of quality standards and working methods would be useful.

Jobs are advertised on recruitment websites including Find a Job.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

What Does it Take?

You should have:

• excellent spoken and written communication skills
• an accurate and methodical approach to work
• an interest in analysing and interpreting statistics
• the ability to prioritise your workload and meet deadlines
• strong attention to detail
• strong problem solving skills.

You need to be:

• able to work as part of a team
• computer literate
• willing to keep up to date with legislation and standards
• able to multi task.

Training

• Training is usually on the job with assistance from more experienced colleagues.
• The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) offer recognised professional qualifications at foundation, practitioner and professional levels.
• Depending on which industry you work in, you may need to do specialised training. For example, in food and drink you may need to do Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training.

Getting On

• With experience and further qualifications you could become a quality manager.
• You could go into work in a related area such as production management.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.