Looking to advance your career in Manufacturing by using your skills and understanding of production to become a Quality Inspector? There are many opportunities to take on the challenge all around the UK. Let’s look at what you need to apply for the role and what a Quality Inspector does.
To become a Quality Inspector, you will usually need experience in the industry you intend to work in. This is so that you have a good knowledge of industry regulations, as these will vary by industry, and analytical skills that will help you analyse relevant data. Knowing how to read blueprints for products is also an important skill that you can learn from other roles.
Your CV should include the skills and experience you’ve gained in your field of expertise, such as your knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, and how you’ve been able to fix any issues that don’t meet regulations. You may not need prior qualifications, but if you intend to specialise in something such as engineering, you may need certification.
There are other roles which require skills that overlap with those of a Quality Inspector, including Quality Assurance Specialist, Quality Assurance Manager, Production Supervisor, or Quality Engineer. Some of these depend on leadership skills or the management of quality systems, but all require some analytical skill.
Manufacturing spans many industries, and as such, there are many roles within Manufacturing that might interest you outside of Quality Inspection. Production Planners will plan and schedule production activities, Supply Chain Managers will focus on the flow of materials and goods, and Maintenance Technicians will ensure that all manufacturing equipment is in good working order. However, there are also roles such as Fabricators, Welders, Production Operatives, and other roles that deal with the production of goods.
These roles have varying salaries and work hours; some may also offer part-time hours for those looking for a more flexible role to work around other responsibilities.
Because Manufacturing is such a massive industry, Quality Inspectors are needed all over the UK. Some roles may be more specialised; however, if you have experience in a particular industry, there is always the potential to find the right roles for you.
Becoming a Quality Inspector offers good stability and pay, as well as the opportunity for advancement into higher-paying roles. You will need to keep up to date with industry standards, but the work is fulfilling.
Quality Inspectors need varying skills from technical skills to practical skills, such as an understanding of quality control, knowledge of industry regulations, analytical skills, and documentation-writing ability.
Tasks that a Quality Inspector performs may be monotonous and repetitive, and they require a high level of focus to remain consistent. It is also crucial to adapt to evolving quality standards.
A successful Quality Inspector will have to be detail orientated, computer literate, and adaptable, as well as having great communication and problem-solving skills.
