Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
Special Requirements
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
Most inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers enter the occupation after spending years at a particular company or in an industry. They usually get their training on the job.
Education and training. Training requirements vary, based on the responsibilities of the inspector, tester, sorter, sampler, or weigher. For workers who perform simple “pass/fail” tests of products, a high school diploma generally is sufficient, together with basic in-house training. Training for new inspectors may cover the use of special meters, gauges, computers and other instruments; quality-control techniques; blueprint reading; safety; and reporting requirements. There are some postsecondary training programs in testing, but many employers prefer to train inspectors on the job.
Chances of finding work in this occupation can be improved by studying industrial trades, including computer-aided design, in high school or in a postsecondary vocational program. Laboratory work in the natural or biological sciences may also improve one’s analytical skills and enhance the ability to find work in medical or pharmaceutical labs where many of these workers are employed.
As companies implement more automated inspection techniques that require less manual inspection, workers in this occupation have to learn to operate and program more sophisticated equipment and learn software applications. Since this requires additional skills, the need for higher education may be necessary. To address this need, some colleges are offering associate degrees in fields such as quality control management.
Other qualifications. In general, inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers need mechanical aptitude, math and communication skills, and good hand-eye coordination and vision. Another important skill is the ability to analyze and interpret blueprints, data, manuals, and other material to determine specifications, inspection procedures, formulas, and methods for making adjustments.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
