Mid Green occupation

Health and science

Metrology technician

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Using, designing and repairing equipment for taking measurements.

Summary

Metrology is the science of measurement and its application; it includes all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement.

This occupation is found in different industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, construction, energy, environment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and within all sizes of organisation. Measurement activities can range from measuring galaxies to graphene, molecules, chemical pollutants, hip joints, aircraft and industrial emissions.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to identify measurement requirements, and then to plan and perform measurement tasks using tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs. Metrology Technicians access and interpret information and documents to support the measurement process and apply measurement principles whilst carrying out measurement activities. They perform tests and checks on measurements tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, processes or software programmes to determine their suitability for use. They analyse, interpret and validate measurement results and data. They will also produce and store measurement records and documentation following specified procedures and methodologies.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation may interact with and report to a senior metrology technician, a metrologist or a quality manager. They may also liaise with internal and external stakeholders, for example customers, team colleagues, colleagues from different functions and departments within the organisation and suppliers.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for adhering to relevant statutory regulations, national and international standards and organisational procedures and requirements, including policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, handling and disposal of resources.

Employees also need to adhere to legislation, regulations, standards and organisational requirements relating to health and safety. They will carry out work with minimal supervision, take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake, and will have a high level of attention to detail. They will manage their own time to meet deadlines and customer requirements.

Typical job titles include

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1:

Importance of metrology and its impact on industry, science and society, for example safety and security, quality assurance, risk management, confidence in data, business integrity, business reputation, consumer confidence and protection.

K2:

Principles of metrology and their application within industry, law, business, science and society, including measurement units, capability, metrological traceability and measurement uncertainty.

K3:

Requirements for metrological traceability, including calibration, measurement uncertainty and documentation.

K4:

Metrology language, terminology, standard presentation and conventions, for example units of measurement and the guidance documents available including the International Vocabulary of Metrology.

K5:

Importance of using appropriate metrology language, terminology, standard presentation and conventions.

K6:

Importance and application of a measurement strategy and how it applies to the role of a Metrology Technician.

K7:

Potential sources of variability in a measurement system and the impact of variability on measurement uncertainty, data collection, analysis, interpretation and results.

K8:

The role of quality requirements, calibration requirements, assurance, qualification, testing, verification, validation, inspection, accreditation, audit systems and processes in metrology and why these are important.

K9:

Underpinning mathematical techniques relevant to metrology including statistics, data analysis, trend analysis, algebraic expressions, formulae and calculations.

K10:

Types of statistical tools and techniques and associated analytics relevant in metrology including process control methodologies and measurement system analysis.

K11:

Problem solving techniques relevant to measurement, for example 5 whys, root cause analysis.

K12:

Continuous improvement techniques relevant to measurement and the organisation, for example lean tools and techniques.

K13:

Commercial awareness, commercial implications and the commercial environment in which the organisation and its customers and suppliers operate.

K14:

Methods to manage time, resources and workload.

K15:

Benefits of digital tools, for example business efficiency, cost saving, time saving, customer satisfaction, competitive advantage, security.

K16:

Metrology codes of conduct including relevant national and international regulations and standards, industry and organisational processes, procedures, ethical practices and requirements and the importance of their application.

K17:

Data management, data protection and data and cyber security national and international regulations and standards, industry and organisational processes, procedures, ethical practices and requirements and the importance of their application.

K18:

Health and safety legislation, regulations, industry and organisational policies, procedures and requirements relating to safe working practices.

K19:

Personal responsibilities relating to health and safety.

K20:

How to identify, analyse, assess, manage, record and review risks.

K21:

Environmental and sustainability regulations, guidance, working practices and organisational policies, procedures and requirements.

K22:

Principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and their impact on organisations and its customers and stakeholders.

Technical Educational Products

: ST0282: Metrology technician (Level 3) Approved for delivery

: TL0016a: Science - Technical: Metrology sciences (Level 3)
Technical education progression

Reference:: OCC0282

Status:: Approved occupation

Average (median) salary:: £32,266 per year

SOC 2020 code:: 3119 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3119/99 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.
- 3111/99 Laboratory technicians n.e.c.
- 5224/02 Camera and photographic equipment technicians

S1:

Identify measurement requirements and make informed decisions about the measurement method, process and timescales required.

S2:

Identify and select tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs to meet measurement requirements.

S3:

Plan and prepare for measurement tasks following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.

S4:

Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process, for example data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates.

S5:

Prepare the work environment.

S6:

Select and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs, determine suitability for use and metrological confirmation.

S7:

Take appropriate action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs have been identified, for example reporting any non-conformance via the appropriate channels.

S8:

Perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable, traceable and reproducible results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.

S9:

Maintain the work area following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.

S10:

Follow organisational policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, control, handling and disposal of resources, for example standards, samples, materials, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software.

S11:

Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate, format, record and store measurement results and data in line with organisational specifications and data management regulations and procedures.

S12:

Produce, manage and store records, reports and other measurement documentation in line with data management regulations and organisational procedures.

S13:

Solve problems, take an analytical approach, corrective and preventative action within level of own authority, following organisational policies and procedures.

S14:

Contribute to continuous improvement activities individually or as part of a team, recognising the relevance of efficiency and the need for change to processes and procedures to meet commercial and customer requirements.

S15:

Communicate relevant, specific and accurate information through various channels to meet customer requirements and the needs of the audience.

S16:

Work with others and maintain effective professional relationships by working flexibly and collaboratively.

S17:

Plan and manage own time effectively and prioritise resources and own workload to meet deadlines and customer requirements.

S18:

Use digital tools, software and techniques for work, collaboration or continuous professional development.

S19:

Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards relevant to the organisation, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks.

S20:

Comply with health and safety legislation, regulations, industry standards and organisational policies and procedures for safe working practices, raising any concerns via the relevant channels.

S21:

Contribute to risk assessments following organisational policies and procedures.

Technical Educational Products

: ST0282: Metrology technician (Level 3) Approved for delivery
Technical education progression

: TL0016a: Science - Technical: Metrology sciences (Level 3)
Technical education progression

Reference:: OCC0282

Status:: Approved occupation

Average (median) salary:: £32,266 per year

SOC 2020 code:: 3119 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3119/99 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.
- 3111/99 Laboratory technicians n.e.c.
- 5224/02 Camera and photographic equipment technicians

B1:

Focussed on quality and maintains concentration with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.

B2:

Inquisitive, asks questions to gain knowledge and understanding and is confident to speak up and challenge when appropriate.

B3:

Act professionally, ethically and conscientiously by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations, standards and organisational procedures.

B4:

Maintain impartiality and confidentiality.

B5:

Supportive of an inclusive culture, valuing diversity and treats colleagues and external stakeholders fairly and with respect.

B6:

Committed to learning and continuous professional development keeping up to date with metrology trends and advances in technology.

B7:

Committed to environmental sustainability when using resources and carrying out processes and takes personal responsibility for own sustainable working practices.

Technical Educational Products

: ST0282: Metrology technician (Level 3) Approved for delivery
Technical education progression

: TL0016a: Science - Technical: Metrology sciences (Level 3)
Technical education progression

Reference:: OCC0282

Status:: Approved occupation

Average (median) salary:: £32,266 per year

SOC 2020 code:: 3119 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3119/99 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.
- 3111/99 Laboratory technicians n.e.c.
- 5224/02 Camera and photographic equipment technicians