Quality Inspector

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Quality Inspector. A Quality Inspector performs measurements using precision and other instruments/resources and compares product/services against set standards to assess any variation to ensure compliance with specifications. He/she collects information and maintains records of inspections, prepares lists of defects/deviations and interacts with other departments to ensure compliance. A qualified learner will be able to: • Interpret customer and other specifications, national and international standards and applicable legislation. • Inspect and verify input, resources and output for conformance against standards and specifications and report non-conformances. • Collect, record, summarise and report quality information.

Globally and in all economic sectors, companies and customers focus on quality. Customers expect high-quality products and services. The consistent focus on quality results in the reduction of waste and costs and the continual monitoring of resources, processes and procedures ensures the quality of products and/or services. Therefore, the rationale of a Quality Inspector part-qualification is to reduce costs, waste and the likelihood of liability claims which emanates from field recalls and may lead to lawsuits. This part-qualification aims to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and competencies required to effectively participate in quality control activities in various sectors, processes and services. Typical learners to enrol for this part-qualification include those with workplace experience, and this part-qualification can be used in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without formal education or training. The part-qualification describes the learning outcomes (the skills, knowledge and competencies) required to effectively perform the duties of a quality controller in workplaces within various industries and services sectors. This part-qualification guides education and training providers to develop learning programmes. It guides employers to identify skills gaps and develop programmes for closing those skills gaps. The knowledge and skills allow learners to verify conformances and to identify non-conforming products and services, ensuring production and processes meet and maintain quality standards, customer, safety and legal requirements and all other quality-related requirements to meet both national and international standards. Thus responding to domestic and export markets to ensure the development of new products and services are ongoing to meet the changing customer needs. The part-qualification is intended to cover small, medium and large enterprises where adjustments to processes and services are and could be recommended by the Quality Controller. The knowledge of appropriate action allows the Quality Inspector to contribute to correct the process/product constructively. This part-qualification will enable qualified learners to participate effectively in the quality control activities within various sectors. It forms a first stepping stone in the career path of quality management. Qualified Quality Inspectors can be employed as Quality Controllers and progress to become Quality Assurers, Technical Quality Specialists and Quality Managers and find occupations in Quality Systems and Processes in various sectors, such as services, hospitality, health, manufacturing, construction, information technology, etc. The following industry associations or professional bodies were consulted and to provide feedback and comment on the qualification: • South African Quality Institute (SAQI). • Southern African Society for Quality (SASQ). • South African Welding Education (SAWE).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the part-qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

• Interpret product/service specifications, customer requirements and statutory requirements and apply at all times during the process to meet customer and legal requirements, upstream and downstream implications, cost implications of non-compliance and customer expectations.
• Inspect, verify or measure input, output and processes/services for conformance against specifications, applying all set standards of quality assurance systems during the inspection, ensuring compliance.
• Record, collate and summarise information related to quality conformance.
• Recommend corrective action in terms of process/service deviation or non-conformance to prevent re-occurrence.