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Quality Assurance Inspector

Also known as Quality Assurance Officer, Quality Control Officer, Quality Coordinator and Quality Technician.

Quality assurance inspectors examine manufactured products, primary produce, goods and services to make sure they meet all standards of presentation and quality.

With experience and sometimes further training, it may be possible to become a quality assurance manager, who has responsibility for all quality systems within an organisation.

Quality assurance inspectors are required to communicate with production workers, production managers and suppliers and work together to develop systems that promote quality.

TASKS

Quality assurance inspectors may perform the following tasks:

study product and/or service specifications
sample products or services to determine whether they meet specifications and quality standards, and initiate corrective action if necessary
analyse quality assurance data and make recommendations for improvement
train and assist operators to carry out their quality control functions
check details of assemblies
compile reports

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy clerical and administrative work
good oral and written communication skills
able to work independently or as part of a team
eye for detail
able to analyse and solve problems
conscious of safety and the environment

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a quality assurance inspector without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry into this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in quality auditing. Entry to this course usually requires you to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12 with relevant professional experience. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Quality assurance inspectors work in all sectors of the economy, but especially in the manufacturing and processing industries. They are usually experienced workers who have worked their way up through the company.

Many private organisations and government departments have developed or are developing formal quality assurance and continuous improvement programmes.

There is a growing trend with employers seeking graduates who can coordinate quality systems rather than simply carry out quality assurance inspection.