Quality control assistant

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree, which includes quality control options, for example:

• production management
• business and management
• manufacturing engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

You can get relevant qualifications through the Chartered Quality Institute, and as part of management courses with the Chartered Management Institute.

Career tips

Some knowledge of British quality standards and working methods will be useful when applying for jobs in quality control.

Further information

You can find out more about working in quality control through the Chartered Quality Institute.

You'll need:

• 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

• deal with customer feedback and complaints
• assess and rate suppliers
• design, review and update quality control policies
• train new staff
• produce reports

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