To become a quality control technician plays a big part in ensuring that products and materials are of a certain quality. Quality Control Technicians are responsible for inspecting, testing, and monitoring the production processes to ensure products are produced in compliance with certain specifications. A job as a quality control technician is well suited for detail-oriented people who like to work with technical processes and are good at problem-solving and quality control. Becoming a quality control technician could be a good fit if you are interested in working in manufacturing, production, or engineering. This guide describes the steps to becoming a quality control technician and the qualifications and key skills required.
What Does a Quality Control Technician Do?
A quality control technician inspects products or materials, for instance, at the beginning, middle, and end of the production process to identify any issues and ensure products meet the required standards. This role ensures that products meet customer expectations and the required regulatory standards. You could be asked to carry out some of the following duties:
- Testing Materials and Products: Quality Control Technicians inspect raw materials, in-process items, and finished goods to ensure they meet product specifications and quality standards.
- Performing Tests: They test materials and products using measuring instruments and devices like callipers, gauges, and microscopes to measure dimensions, strength, functionality, or any other quality.
- Documenting Findings: Quality Control Technicians can record their findings, keep and maintain inspection records, and write detailed reports on why specification standards have been violated. Documentation of findings is crucial in maintaining a quality record of issues and regulatory compliance.
- Identifying Defects: Technicians are tasked with identifying defects (e.g., product defects, inconsistencies, or discrepancies from a specification) and notifying the production team to correct them.
- Working with the Floor Crew: As part of a production team, they collaborate with engineers, production managers, and other staff to troubleshoot problems, suggest improvements, and ensure that any defects or quality problems are handled promptly.
- Ensuring Compliance: Quality Control Technicians ensure that products meet industry regulations and company quality standards, and they might work with external auditors or regulators.
Average Quality Control Technician Salary in the UK
In the UK, the salary of a Quality Control Technician depends on the employee’s level of experience, the industry, and the location. Junior workers can earn between £18,000 and £23,000 per year.
With experience, mid-level Quality Control Technicians can expect to earn between £24,000 and £30,000 per annum, and senior technicians or those working in certain specialised industries—such as pharmaceuticals and aerospace—can earn more than £35,000. Salaries may be higher in large cities or highly specialised fields, as the work is more complex and fewer skilled professionals are available.
Key Skills for a Successful Quality Control Technician
To succeed in the Quality Control Technician role, a combination of technical knowledge and soft skills is required. Some of the key skills are:
- Attention to Detail: Quality Control Technicians’ work relies heavily on spotting the smallest defects or variances from the norm. You must have high accuracy and precision to succeed in this job.
- Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of the materials or products being inspected and the quality control testing equipment is helpful. Familiarity with manufacturing processes and norms is also helpful.
- Problem Solving Skills: Technicians must be able to identify problems and quality issues and work with production teams to find effective solutions.
- Communication Skills: Quality Control Technicians must communicate with production teams, engineers, and management, reporting findings and proposing ways to improve processes.
- Organisational Skills: Keeping detailed records of complete inspections, testing, and results is vital to the job. Good organisational skills help a technician stay on top of reporting and paperwork.
- Physical Dexterity: In some quality control jobs, technicians must test tools, measuring instruments, or products with their hands, so they need to be comfortable with hands-on or practical work.
- Knowledge of Industry Standards: Knowledge of relevant industry standards (for example, ISO 9001 for quality management systems) is required to ensure that products comply with legal requirements and other regulations.
Steps to Become a Quality Control Technician in the UK
Here’s how you can become a quality control technician in the UK:
- Earn a High School Education: To become a Quality Control Technician, most employers require a minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths, science, and English. These subjects provide the foundation for understanding measurements, technical specifications, and clear communication, which are important for the role.
- Consider Further Education or Training: While it’s possible to start a career as a Quality Control Technician with just a high school education, many employers prefer candidates who have pursued further education. A BTEC, NVQ, or HNC/HND in engineering, manufacturing, or applied sciences can be beneficial. These courses provide more in-depth knowledge of technical processes, quality standards, and inspection methods. Additionally, some employers may offer apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with classroom learning. An apprenticeship in a field like manufacturing, engineering, or quality control can provide you with valuable experience while earning a qualification.
- Gain Relevant Work Experience: Gaining hands-on experience in a production or manufacturing environment is highly beneficial. Many Quality Control Technicians start in entry-level roles, such as production assistants or machine operators, before transitioning into quality control. This experience helps you become familiar with production processes, equipment, and common quality issues. Internships or part-time roles in manufacturing or engineering can also provide insight into the quality control function and help you build practical skills.
- Develop Proficiency with Quality Control Tools: To become a successful Quality Control Technician, you’ll need to become proficient with the various tools and equipment used for inspection and testing. This may include:
- Callipers and Micrometers: For precise measurements.
- Gauges and Metres: To test products for strength, durability, or performance.
- Microscopes and Magnifying Equipment: For close inspections of small or detailed items.
- Software for Data Analysis: Some quality control roles may require using software to record and analyse test results.
Becoming familiar with this equipment is often done on the job, but having prior knowledge or experience with these tools can be an advantage when applying for roles.
- Get Certified (Optional): While not mandatory, obtaining certifications in quality control or quality management can enhance your qualifications and career prospects. Certifications such as Six Sigma Green Belt or ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System can demonstrate your knowledge of quality management principles and improve your employability. Many employers value these certifications, particularly if you plan to work in industries with strict quality control regulations, such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing.
- Apply for Quality Control Technician Roles: Once you have gained relevant education and experience, you can start applying for Quality Control Technician positions. Look for job openings in manufacturing, engineering, pharmaceuticals, food production, or any industry that requires quality assurance. In your application, highlight your attention to detail, experience with quality control processes, and any relevant certifications or technical skills. Tailoring your CV to showcase your practical experience and familiarity with quality standards will improve your chances of landing a job.
Tips for Aspiring Quality Control Technicians
- Keep Up With The Standards: Industry standards change over time, reflecting the evolution of a particular industry. For instance, plastic rather than glass is now preferred in some areas of the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, and companies must stay up to date to keep their skills current.
- Build analytical skills: For example, suppose you need to determine the root cause of a defect or issue. In that case, you need to be able to dive deep into the analysis. Why did this happen? What other variables in the production process may have contributed to it?
- Network and Connect with Industry Contacts: Join an industry association, attend a trade show, or network with others in manufacturing or engineering. Having contacts can help you find a new job and learn about best practices.
Get Qualified as a Quality Control Technician
Quality Assurance Basics, Certificate in Quality Assurance, Quality Assurance Training, Essentials of Quality Assurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Become a Quality Control Technician?
Becoming a Quality Control Technician is a great career choice for those who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and ensuring that products meet high standards. This role is essential in manufacturing, engineering, and many other industries, offering a stable and rewarding career path with opportunities for specialisation and advancement.
Is a Career as a Quality Control Technician Right for You?
A career as a Quality Control Technician is ideal for individuals who have strong attention to detail, enjoy working with technical processes, and are comfortable with hands-on work. If you are interested in ensuring that products meet quality standards and enjoy collaborating with production teams to resolve issues, this could be the right career for you.
What Are the Salary Prospects for Quality Control Technicians in the UK?
Entry-level Quality Control Technicians typically earn between £18,000 and £23,000 annually. With experience, salaries can rise to £24,000 to £30,000, and senior technicians can earn over £35,000 in specialised industries. Salaries tend to be higher in industries such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and food production.
What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Quality Control Technician?
Most employers require a minimum of GCSEs in maths, science, and English. However, pursuing further education, such as a BTEC, NVQ, or HNC/HND in engineering, manufacturing, or applied sciences, can be advantageous. Gaining certifications in quality control standards, such as ISO 9001 or Six Sigma, is also beneficial.
Do You Need Work Experience to Start a Career as a Quality Control Technician?
Yes, work experience is often important for starting a career as a Quality Control Technician. Many employers look for candidates who have experience in manufacturing, production, or engineering environments. Entry-level positions, such as production assistants, machine operators, or quality control assistants, can provide valuable experience and help you develop practical skills needed for the role. Internships or part-time work in relevant industries can also give you a head start in the field.
What Is the Career Outlook for Quality Control Technicians?
The demand for Quality Control Technicians remains steady across many industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food production, and aerospace. As companies increasingly focus on product quality and meeting regulatory requirements, skilled Quality Control Technicians are in demand to ensure products meet both customer expectations and industry standards. With experience, there are opportunities to move into more specialised or senior roles, such as Quality Assurance Manager, Process Improvement Specialist, or Quality Engineer.
What Are the Career Progression Options for Quality Control Technicians?
Quality Control Technicians can advance their careers by gaining experience and obtaining further qualifications. With additional training, you could progress into roles such as Senior Quality Control Technician, Quality Assurance Supervisor, or Quality Engineer. Some technicians choose to specialise in a particular industry, such as pharmaceuticals, food safety, or automotive quality control, which can lead to higher-paying positions. Further certifications, such as ISO 9001 or Six Sigma Green Belt, can also improve your prospects for career advancement.
What Are the Exit Options and Opportunities Beyond the Quality Control Technician Role?
The skills you develop as a Quality Control Technician—such as problem-solving, technical analysis, and attention to detail—are transferable to many other roles within quality assurance and production management. You could transition into roles such as Quality Assurance Manager, Process Improvement Consultant, or Manufacturing Supervisor. Some technicians also move into more specialised roles, such as Quality Systems Auditor or Compliance Officer, depending on the industry and their qualifications. Additionally, those with strong leadership and technical skills may have opportunities to move into management positions within production or manufacturing departments.