Quality Inspector Review

As a Quality Inspector I would inspect manufactured components to ensure the meet specification i.e. drawing. This could be on a Coordinate Measuring Machine or by using Measuring Equipment such as Micrometers or Verniers. Then reporting the results and submitting problem reports for out of specification components.

I have learnt how to operate and program a CMM and using different measurement equipment. I have learnt how to read and understand engineering drawings. I have also learnt the basics of machining on Manual Lathes and Milling Machines and also on CNC Machines. I also have an understand of the importance of Quality and working life.

I enjoy the last 18 months, this is the placement side where we go around the company on different placements. i did not enjoy the first 18 months too much as we spent it doing machining. I understand that knowing the basics of machining is important with quality but i feel doing only 9 months of basic machining and then moving on to even more placements or longer placements would be better. We could have even moved onto learning about Quality and first principles and more detail about GD&T, Drawings and measuring.

I don't feel our programme was well organised or structured at all. I think the company needed more Quality Inspectors and hired apprentices without actually thinking of what would be in the programme. Other programmes seemed to have been structured and organised well but not Quality. There are many improvements that can be made or things that should be done differently.

I do receive a lot of support from my employer and there are many different people/services i can go to for support. I do feel help is there if i need it.

For the requirements of our training that we currently have I do get a lot of supported on how to complete the training and achieve the qualification. i just don't think the content of the training is what it should be.

Even though the first 18 months didn't help much the last 18 months have made up for it. But i personally thinking have this programme as a 3 year programme is time wasted for what we have to do. it does not need to be 3 years long for what we are doing. if they add more to make it more about Quality then 3 years would be fine.

We do have some extra-curricular activities that we can get involved in. we also have a team of apprentices called the 3A's which try to arrange apprentice meetups and social events. we also have a recreational centre just outside of site which we use.

Yes

The company is a good company and there are plenty of different opportunities, job roles and apprenticeships you can do. But there does need to be some improvement on the Quality Apprenticeship.

Try to get a full understanding for what you are applying in for and what that job/ apprenticeship involves and what you will get out of it. Ask the employer as many questions as possible.