Quality control assistant

Entry Requirements:

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

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could take a Quality Practitioner Level 4 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.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly for jobs if you have a a lot of experience in other areas, like engineering or health and safety.

OtherRoutes

You could take a quality control qualifications through the Chartered Quality Institute  or the Chartered Management Institute .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• administration skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Quality control assistants check that a company's services or products meet necessary standards.

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

Location : You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience and training you could become a manager or move into research jobs.