Quality Control Assistant
Job Description:Quality control assistants check that a company's services or products meet necessary standards.
Job Category:What you will do:
You could:
- make sure required standards and regulations are met
- inspect and test products or processes
- identify faults or errors
- record and tell other people about complaints and fixes
- design, review and update quality control policies
Skills:
You’ll need:
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- active listening skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Quality Control Assistant, there are no specific subject requirements, but you can focus on subjects that will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for this role. Quality control involves ensuring products meet certain standards and specifications. Here are some subjects that can be valuable:
- Mathematics: Math skills are essential for measurement, data analysis, and statistical quality control.
- Science (Physics or Chemistry): Understanding scientific principles can be valuable, especially when working with quality control in manufacturing or laboratory settings.
- Design and Technology (DT): DT subjects can provide insights into the manufacturing process and product design, which can be beneficial for quality control in production environments.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer applications and data analysis tools is important for managing and analyzing quality control data.
- Business Studies: Knowledge of business concepts can be helpful when dealing with quality control processes in a corporate or organizational setting.
- English Language: Effective communication skills are necessary for documenting quality control processes and reporting findings.
- Geography: Depending on the industry, an understanding of geographical factors may be relevant, such as the sourcing of materials and the distribution of products.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Subjects that cover quality control include:
- production management
- business and management
- manufacturing engineering
Apprenticeship
You could take a Quality Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship which usually takes a year and 2 months to complete.
With this apprenticeship, you could work in any industry or sector that has quality control processes.
Direct Application
You could apply directly for jobs if you have a a lot of experience in other areas, like engineering or health and safety.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 41-43 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends on shifts.
You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience and training you could become a manager or move into research jobs.