Key information

  1. Reference: ST0282
  2. Date updated: 09/12/2024
  3. Level: 3
  4. Route: Health and science
  5. Regulated occupation: No

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Occupation 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:

Analytical measurement technician Applications technician Approvals tester Assistant metrologist Assistant metrology scientist Calibration technician Co-ordinate measuring machine (cmm) programmer Field technician Inspection technician Instrumentation technician Measurement room specialist Measurement technician Metrology technician Portable co-ordinate measurement system programmer Precision measurement technician Process support technician Quality technician Test technician Type tester

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Identify measurement needs and specify the measurement process or system requirements.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K11 K13 K14 K16

S1 S2 S17 S18 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 2 Prepare for measurement tasks in accordance with relevant standards, procedures, methodologies and environmental requirements.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K11 K13 K14 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21

S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S13 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S21

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 3 Select and qualify measurement equipment in accordance with relevant standards, procedures, methodologies and environmental requirements.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K14 K16 K18 K19 K20 K21

S2 S4 S5 S6 S7 S17 S19 S20 S21

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 4 Carry out measurement tasks and maintain records and results in accordance with relevant standards, procedures and methodologies.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21

S8 S12 S13 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 5 Analyse and interpret measurement information, results and data.

K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K14 K16 K17

S4 S11 S12 S15 S17 S18 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 6 Verify and validate conformance of parts, other items and processes to specification and identify any non-conformities.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K9 K10 K11 K14 K16

S5 S6 S7 S8 S12 S17 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 7 Maintain the work area and store measurement equipment in accordance with company requirements and procedures.

K6 K7 K12 K14 K16 K21

S9 S10 S16 S17 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 8 Communicate through various channels and contribute to the production of technical reports and other measurement documents.

K1 K2 K4 K5 K14 K15 K17

S12 S15 S16 S17 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 9 Collaborate with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders.

K4 K5 K13 K14 K15 K22

S8 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 10 Support continuous improvement.

K6 K8 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16

S14 S15 S17 S18 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4 B6

Duty 11 Maintain up to date knowledge of working practices, techniques and technologies through career and professional development.

K1 K2 K3 K6 K14 K15 K16

S17 S18 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4 B6

Duty 12 Follow health, safety, environmental and ethical legislation, regulations, company requirements and procedures.

K18 K19 K20 K21

S8 S9 S10 S20 S21

B1 B2 B3 B4 B7

KSBs

Knowledge

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. Back to Duty

K2: Principles of metrology and their application within industry, law, business, science and society, including measurement units, capability, metrological traceability and measurement uncertainty. Back to Duty

K3: Requirements for metrological traceability, including calibration, measurement uncertainty and documentation. Back to Duty

K4: Metrology language, terminology, standard presentation and conventions, for example units of measurement and the guidance documents available including the International Vocabulary of Metrology. Back to Duty

K5: Importance of using appropriate metrology language, terminology, standard presentation and conventions. Back to Duty

K6: Importance and application of a measurement strategy and how it applies to the role of a Metrology Technician. Back to Duty

K7: Potential sources of variability in a measurement system and the impact of variability on measurement uncertainty, data collection, analysis, interpretation and results. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

K9: Underpinning mathematical techniques relevant to metrology including statistics, data analysis, trend analysis, algebraic expressions, formulae and calculations. Back to Duty

K10: Types of statistical tools and techniques and associated analytics relevant in metrology including process control methodologies and measurement system analysis. Back to Duty

K11: Problem solving techniques relevant to measurement, for example 5 whys, root cause analysis. Back to Duty

K12: Continuous improvement techniques relevant to measurement and the organisation, for example lean tools and techniques. Back to Duty

K13: Commercial awareness, commercial implications and the commercial environment in which the organisation and its customers and suppliers operate. Back to Duty

K14: Methods to manage time, resources and workload. Back to Duty

K15: Benefits of digital tools, for example business efficiency, cost saving, time saving, customer satisfaction, competitive advantage, security. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

K18: Health and safety legislation, regulations, industry and organisational policies, procedures and requirements relating to safe working practices. Back to Duty

K19: Personal responsibilities relating to health and safety. Back to Duty

K20: How to identify, analyse, assess, manage, record and review risks. Back to Duty

K21: Environmental and sustainability regulations, guidance, working practices and organisational policies, procedures and requirements. Back to Duty

K22: Principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and their impact on organisations and its customers and stakeholders. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Identify measurement requirements and make informed decisions about the measurement method, process and timescales required. Back to Duty

S2: Identify and select tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs to meet measurement requirements. Back to Duty

S3: Plan and prepare for measurement tasks following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation. Back to Duty

S4: Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process, for example data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates. Back to Duty

S5: Prepare the work environment. Back to Duty

S6: Select and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs, determine suitability for use and metrological confirmation. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

S9: Maintain the work area following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

S11: Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate, format, record and store measurement results and data in line with organisational specifications and data management regulations and procedures. Back to Duty

S12: Produce, manage and store records, reports and other measurement documentation in line with data management regulations and organisational procedures. Back to Duty

S13: Solve problems, take an analytical approach, corrective and preventative action within level of own authority, following organisational policies and procedures. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

S15: Communicate relevant, specific and accurate information through various channels to meet customer requirements and the needs of the audience. Back to Duty

S16: Work with others and maintain effective professional relationships by working flexibly and collaboratively. Back to Duty

S17: Plan and manage own time effectively and prioritise resources and own workload to meet deadlines and customer requirements. Back to Duty

S18: Use digital tools, software and techniques for work, collaboration or continuous professional development. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

S21: Contribute to risk assessments following organisational policies and procedures. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Focussed on quality and maintains concentration with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy. Back to Duty

B2: Inquisitive, asks questions to gain knowledge and understanding and is confident to speak up and challenge when appropriate. Back to Duty

B3: Act professionally, ethically and conscientiously by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations, standards and organisational procedures. Back to Duty

B4: Maintain impartiality and confidentiality. Back to Duty

B5: Supportive of an inclusive culture, valuing diversity and treats colleagues and external stakeholders fairly and with respect. Back to Duty

B6: Committed to learning and continuous professional development keeping up to date with metrology trends and advances in technology. Back to Duty

B7: Committed to environmental sustainability when using resources and carrying out processes and takes personal responsibility for own sustainable working practices. Back to Duty

T Level in science

Qualification type: T Level

Qualification level: 3

Awarding organisation: NCFE

Approval date: 19/01/2021

Available from: 01/09/2021

Occupational specialism: Technical: Metrology sciences

Product page

Aligned occupational standards

ST0282 Metrology technician


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