Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Working Life

Quality assurance takes place in all manufacturing and production industries. It is a process designed to make sure that a product meets standards of quality and safety. Quality assurance inspectors make sure that everything from raw materials to finished products meets quality and safety standards.  
 
It would be impractical to test every product that leaves a factory. Instead, inspectors make regular checks and tests on samples of the product.  
 
Testing methods vary depending on what type of product is being made, and on the particular set of quality and safety standards that applies to the product. Inspectors may make visual inspections with the naked eye or they may use technical equipment like microscopes. Further tests may be necessary, perhaps including weighing and measuring.  
 
Some quality assurance tests may be routine and quick. Increasingly, quality control inspectors use automated systems to test thousands of samples very quickly. Other tests may be more complex and take much longer. The nature of the tests varies depending on the industry. For example, in food processing industries, inspectors may be responsible for making sure products meet food safety and nutritional standards. In a pharmaceutical company, an inspector may test the safety and purity of drugs. Quality Assurance Inspectors are required to communicate with production workers and work together to develop systems that promote quality.  
 
Quality assurance inspectors keep records of all the tests they have carried out. They may use charts and statistics to analyse their results. They may then write and perhaps present a report to show their findings. If there is a problem, quality control inspectors meet with production staff to decide if current processes need to be changed at all. They analyse quality assurance data and make recommendations for improvements. They are also responsible for compiling reports on all their findings.  
 
Quality standards are usually set by the manufacturing company itself, by a statutory body like the National Standards Association of Ireland or by legislation.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Collect and analyse production samples to evaluate quality.
• Analyse quality control test results and provide feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
• Stop production if serious product defects are present.
• Monitor performance of quality control systems to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Communicate quality control information to all relevant organisational departments, outside vendors, or contractors.
• Instruct staff in quality control and analytical procedures.
• Produce reports regarding nonconformance of products or processes, daily production quality, root cause analyses, or quality trends.
• Participate in the development of product specifications.
• Review statistical studies, technological advances, or regulatory standards and trends to stay abreast of issues in the field of quality control.
• Identify critical points in the manufacturing process and specify sampling procedures to be used at these points.

Further Information

• Quality assurance manager- from: GradIreland
• Quality Manager- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

During the last twenty years interest in quality assurance and its practice, both preventative and detective, has grown enormously. Quality has become the most important variable in the marketing mix and regularly surpasses price as the prime consideration in the purchasing decisions of many consumers.

The job of quality assurance occurs in every producing industry and covers a very wide range of activities. Quality assurance inspectors have a correspondingly wide variety of qualifications.

At the simplest level quality assurance inspectors may be experienced production line or shop floor workers. Vacancies may be advertised under several different titles, including quality tester, quality controller, laboratory assistant or technical assistant.

Quality assurance positions in, for example, the food or pharmaceutical industries require technicians who have a qualification in their discipline, for example in applied biology. Some jobs where responsibilities may, for example, include the design of quality systems may require a degree.  Certificate and diploma and degree level courses in for example, manufacturing, food & drink production, pharmaceuticals, applied biology/chemistry, etc. All place heavy emphasis on the quality dimension of manufacturing and production processes.

The many employment opportunities available to the manufacturing technician, particularly in the mechanical/manufacturing and electronic sectors include quality control and quality assurance.

Progression to quality management positions is likely to need a degree or diploma or be members of a professional body.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: supervisory management, quality management, quality assurance.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, compliance, data management, product design and manufacture, occupational health and safety.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering, Manufacturing, Lean Sigma Management, Principal Engineer.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: analytical chemistry, quality assurance, engineering, manufacturing, mechanical, manufacturing engineering design.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: quality management, validation, pharmaceutical quality assurance, biotechnology, quality.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €60k - €110k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / Brightwater / Clark / Morgan McKinley/ Azon/ Collins McNicholas/ Excel

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Design and development engineers; Production and process engineers; Quality control and planning engineers; Quality assurance and regulatory professionals; Environmental health professionals.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly for this occupation between 2018 and 2021, although employment remained unchanged in the most recent time period. Almost three quarters were employed in industry. Despite the static employment levels in 2022, there was a significant increase in the number of employment permits issued between 2021 and 2022 (by 1,100), with the industrial sector accounting for half of the increase. Roles for which permits were issued included quality, process, and design engineers.

This occupation had the highest number of mentions of vacancies that were difficult to fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey, especially for quality control/assurance, compliance/regulatory and process engineering roles. Employers (through Skills for Growth and/or Spotlight on Skills) have cited roles in design engineering (with specific industry knowledge), quality control and production engineers as being difficult to fill. Demand continues to be strong for this occupation despite static employment levels and issues with recruiting suitably qualified/experienced candidates for these roles are likely to persist. 

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