Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Materials Technician- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working Life
Materials technicians help materials scientists and technologists. They work with a very wide range of materials, from basic matter like atoms and molecules, to metals, plastics, cement, glass, sand and electronics. They investigate materials characteristics under different conditions and test for strength, safety, reliability, efficiency and environmental impact.
In primary processing, technicians help to extract and refine materials, including metals. They may recycle materials like ceramics and glass, and metals like steel. In secondary processing, technicians convert materials into products, for example, making plastics from materials produced when petroleum is refined.
Technicians work to strict standards, including government and European Union legislation. For example, they may work on materials that meet or surpass fire safety regulations, using X-rays to analyse the internal effects of high temperatures on metals. A senior technician often interprets results and may produce a written report for scientists and technologists.
Technicians operate and maintain sophisticated equipment, including automated testing systems, electron microscopes, X-ray machines and computers. The materials technician works in oil rigs, aviation, medical equipment and in civil engineering.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Analyse product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives, such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Further Information
- Materials Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Materials Technician
As a materials technician, you must be interested in practical science and the potential uses of materials. You will need a patient, methodical and investigative approach to research, development and testing. You should have good analytical and problem solving skills.
You must be able to express your findings clearly. Senior technicians may write reports of the team's work. You will need good communication skills to express your findings clearly to team members. You should have good computer skills. Teamwork is important in this career.
You should have normal colour vision.
Interests - Materials Technician
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
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.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
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.
Entry / Progression - Materials Technician
There are many pathways to become a materials technician. Relevant courses include higher certificate and bachelor degree programmes in materials science, metals technology, ceramic science, and engineering.
A range of courses are available at the institutes of technology/technical universities nationwide.
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: manufacturing technician, cleanroom and packaging, CNC, computer numeric control operator, life sciences, manufacturing operations, quality management, engineering, OEM, laboratory assistant, engineering technology, precision manufacturing.
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: engineering, ceramics, design techniques, applied sciences.
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, Lab Analyst, Lab Technician.
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: general engineering, engineering, process, chemical engineering, ceramics glass, design techniques, applied sciences.
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: business, management, engineering, research, innovation.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Materials Technician
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €55k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
CPL/ Morgan McKinley / Collins McNicholas/ Azon/ Sigmar
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Materials Technician
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.
Useful Contacts - Materials Technician
-
Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
- (01) 665 1300
- Click Here
