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home Health and science
Metrology technician

Metrology technician

Health and science

Level 3 - Technical Occupation

Using, designing and repairing equipment for taking measurements.

Reference: OCC0282

Status: assignment_turned_inApproved occupation

Average (median) salary: £24,083 per year

SOC 2020 code: 3111 Laboratory technicians

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:

  • 3111/99 Laboratory technicians n.e.c.
  • 5224/01 Calibration and precision instrument technicians

Technical Education Products

Employers involved in creating the standard:

AgustaWestland, BAESYSTEMS Submarines, British Measurement and Testing Association, BSI Group, CoMech Metrology Ltd, Coventry University, Dupont Teijin Polyester Films UK Ltd, Gauge and Tool Makers Association, Hexagon Metrology, Institute of Measurement and Control, Institute of Physics, Jaguar Land Rover, LGC Group, London Borough of Havering, Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), Manufacturing Technology Centre, Mitutoyo, National Measurement and Regulation Office, National Physical Laboratory, Physical Digital Limited, Reliance Precision Ltd, Renishaw, Rhopoint Metrology Ltd, Rolls-Royce Plc, Science Council, SEMTA, SGS Emics, Taylor Hobson Ltd, TUV SUD (NEL), UKAS, UKWF, University College London, Waters Corporation

Summary

Metrology is the science of measurement and includes all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement. Measurement underpins the UK economy and international trade. Each year in the UK over £600 billion worth of goods and utilities are sold based on the measurement of their quantity and quality. Metrology takes place across a wide range of industries as diverse as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, construction, energy, environment, pharma and healthcare and space and within all sizes of organisation. Important measurement activities can range from measuring galaxies to graphene, molecules, chemical pollutants, hip joints, aircraft, industrial emissions, etc. This important work is carried out by skilled Metrology Technicians who understand core measurement principles and practices and whose role is to interpret and apply these whilst carrying out measurement activities in whichever industry they work. They are also able to identify measurement needs and plan and perform measurement tasks using tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs. Metrology is vital to improve the quality and throughput of goods and utilities, which in turn is essential to increasing productivity and customer satisfaction. Metrology Technicians must comply with statutory regulations and health and safety requirements. They will be able to 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. The successful apprentice will become a valuable measurement specialist, within their organisation, significantly contributing to the future of the Metrology industry and the UK economy.

Employers involved in creating the standard:

AgustaWestland, BAESYSTEMS Submarines, British Measurement and Testing Association, BSI Group, CoMech Metrology Ltd, Coventry University, Dupont Teijin Polyester Films UK Ltd, Gauge and Tool Makers Association, Hexagon Metrology, Institute of Measurement and Control, Institute of Physics, Jaguar Land Rover, LGC Group, London Borough of Havering, Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), Manufacturing Technology Centre, Mitutoyo, National Measurement and Regulation Office, National Physical Laboratory, Physical Digital Limited, Reliance Precision Ltd, Renishaw, Rhopoint Metrology Ltd, Rolls-Royce Plc, Science Council, SEMTA, SGS Emics, Taylor Hobson Ltd, TUV SUD (NEL), UKAS, UKWF, University College London, Waters Corporation

Typical job titles include:

calibrator
measurement researcher
measurement tester
metrology inspector

Keywords:

Health
Instrument And Equipment Use
Manufacturing
Measurement Research
Science
Technology

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1: The principles of metrology and their application within industry, law, business, science and society, including; measurement units, capability, traceability and uncertainty.
K2: Safe working practices and legislation, regulation, industry and organisational policies, procedures and requirements relating to health and safety.
K3: The commercial environment in which the organisation operates, the national and international regulations and standards, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to metrology codes of conduct and the importance of their application.
K4: Quality requirements, assurance, verification, inspection, accreditation, audit systems and processes, why these are important and their role in Metrology.
K5: The measuring environment, the potential sources of uncertainty, the impact on data collection, analysis, interpretation and results.
K6: The appropriate mathematical techniques including; statistics, process control methodologies, measurement systems analysis, data analysis, trend analysis, algebraic expressions, formulae and calculations required to perform measurement tasks.

S1: Identify measurement needs and make informed decisions about the measurement process and timescales required, including selection of; tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs.
S2: Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process including; data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates and computer-generated information.
S3: Prepare the work environment and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs and determine suitability for use.
S4: Take action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs have been identified.
S5: Plan and perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies.
S6: Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate and record measurement results and data in line with specifications.
S7: Contribute to the production of records, reports and other measurement documentation.
S8: Communicate relevant and specific information through various channels to meet customer requirements.
S9: Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks.
S10: Comply with relevant Health and Safety legislation, regulation, standards, industry and organisational policies and procedures and requirements relating to safe working practices.
S11: Comply with policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, standards, control and handling of samples, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs.

B1: Focus on quality and maintain concentration with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
B2: Take an analytical approach to solving problems through systematic monitoring and checking of information to meet industry standards,
B3: Be self-motivated and inquisitive, being confident to speak up and challenge when appropriate.
B4: Be committed to learning and continuous improvement.
B5: Work with and respect others by working flexibly and collaboratively, maintaining effective professional relationships with clear organisational and personal benefits and showing commitment to equality and diversity.
B6: Act professionally, ethically and conscientiously by adhering to relevant legislation, regulation, standards, organisational procedures and demonstrate accountability and reliability.
B7: Plan and manage time effectively and prioritise workloads to meet deadlines and customer requirements.
B8: Be commercially aware and recognise the relevance of efficiency and the need for change to processes and procedures to meet business and customer requirements.

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

Technical Occupations

Levels 2-3

Higher Technical Occupations

Levels 4-5

Professional Occupations

Levels 6-7

This is the focused occupation.
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Level 3

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Progression link from focused occupation.
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Level 3

Progression link from focused occupation.
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Level 5

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Engineering and manufacturing

Health and science