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Manufacturing Inspectors examine, measure, and test materials and products to find out if the physical, chemical, and operating characteristics are within acceptable standards, specifications, or contract requirements.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Manufacturing Inspectors may:

Examine materials or products for surface defects such as cracks, pits, dents, and splits

Compare products with parts list, prints, wood or plastic models, or reference parts to ensure completion of assembly

Verify specified dimensions of products or materials using dial indicators; fixed, thread, and go-no-go gages; templates; preset micrometers; scales; and fixtures

Separate rejected parts and mark the type of defect on parts, containers of parts, or color-coded tags attached to parts

Test products for structural flaws such as leaks, internal defects, and missing welds using water pressure tests

Test parts and materials for hardness and flexibility

Record types of defects and number of parts rejected

Monitor government imposed regulations.

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Manufacturing Inspectors may specialize in these areas:

609.684-010 INSPECTORS examine materials and products such as connecting rods, sheet steel, cars, refrigerators, and air-conditioners for conformance to specifications.

726.381-010 ELECTRONICS INSPECTORS use precision measuring instruments to inspect electrical and electronic systems such as radar navigation, computer memory units, television and radio transmitters, and auto ignition and fuel injection systems. They use blueprints, wiring diagrams, contract requirements, and manufacturing standards.

619.261-010 METAL FABRICATING INSPECTORS examine materials received, finished products, and partially finished metal products to assure conformance with work orders, diagrams, blueprints, and template specifications. They might specialize in a single phase of inspection.

601.281-018 GAGE AND INSTRUMENT INSPECTORS verify the accuracy of and adjust gages, testing equipment, and measuring devices to assure that these instruments operate according to their design specifications. They may also disassemble this equipment to inspect for wear or other defects and make necessary adjustments to or replacements of parts.

721.261-014 FINAL TESTERS use electrical testing equipment, measuring instruments, and hand tools to run final tests on electrical equipment such as generators, motors, switch gear, and control devices to determine conformity to specifications.

Most large manufacturing plants have quality control Inspectors who specialize in examining materials and products at various stages of the production process. These Inspectors may be known as receiving inspectors, layout inspectors, piecework inspectors, or final inspectors. Others may be designated according to the item inspected such as forging inspectors, transmission testers, core checkers, or sheet steel inspectors.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Explorations Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Manufacturing Inspectors receive general instructions from their supervisors about work assignments, deadline requirements, reporting formats, and other similar matters. Inspectors usually work alone, but occasionally they work as part of a team. Working conditions vary for Inspectors. Generally, they work in areas that are well lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, work areas may be dusty, dirty, greasy, and noisy. Hazards include cuts, burns, bruises, shocks, and muscle strains.

Manufacturing Inspectors generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week with occasional overtime. Since many manufacturing plants have more than one shift, Inspectors may work the second or third shift.

Tools used in the inspection process may be supplied by the employer or have to be purchased by the Inspector.

Most Inspectors are members of the labor unions representing the industry in which they work. Many Inspectors are members of the Inter-national Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers (UAW), and The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Inspectors belonging to unions must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Using machines, processes, or methods in your work

• Working with your hands

You Should Be Able To:

• Compare and see differences of lines, figures, and objects

• Picture objects from drawings or diagrams

• Apply shop mathematics

• Learn and apply principles of electronics

• Keep accurate and neat records

• Evaluate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What is the method of calculating a bill, assuming a monthly use of 600 kilowatt hours at $6.75 per hour?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The management processes are those engineering programs that improve production, encourage quality, reduce design complexity, create technology progress, and foster product improvement.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

After a product inspection, prepare an analysis indicating any defects and malfunctions.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in examining products.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: A person may qualify for this occupation by completing: (a) On-The-Job Training provided by the employer, (b) a High School Diploma or Equivalent with specific Vocational Education classes, or (c) a Community College Certificate or Associate Degree program.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Explorations Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 1600 FOREIGN LANGUAGE , 2200 MATH, 2300 METALS , 2900 SCIENCE , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

033 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS REPRESENTATIVE

Approved vocational education programs in Electrical and Electronics repair prepare students to test, install, maintain, and repair electrical and electronics systems and components. These programs generally prepare students to operate, maintain, and repair electronic business machines, communications equipment, large and small appliances, and vending machines. Instruction includes the use of testing equipment.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

049 MACHINE TOOL OPERATION/ SHOP

Approved vocational education programs in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Shop prepare students to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. Programs may also train individuals in the use of one machine. Instruction is given in calculating dimensions; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gages; machining and heat-treating various metals; and in laying out machine parts. Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

082 INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Industrial Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the technical areas of plant layout, production planning, environmental control, quality control, job evaluation, and cost control in a factory, business, or institution. These programs also provide useful training for potential supervisors.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

198 QUALITY CONTROL

Programs in Quality Control provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the areas of controlling the quality and reliability of goods and services in government and industry.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Explorations Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Explorations Script.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Persons employed as Inspectors in plants that do much defense contract work must be United States citizens.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Manufacturing Inspector employer

internships

volunteer work with a Manufacturing Inspector employer

community service work with an agency

Because of the hazardous work in some manufacturing plants, summer or part-time work for persons under age 18 is usually not available. Postsecondary education programs in industrial technology and quality control may offer co-op or internship opportunities that include practical experience. Co-op opportunities might also be available in secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation/shop and electrical and electronics repair.

Most Manufacturing Inspectors may enter the occupation by direct application to employers. Assistance is available from local unions representing Manufacturing Inspectors and from local offices of Michigan Works!. Newspaper want ads may list job openings.

In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

   You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Manufacturing Inspectors vary according to the skill level of the worker, type of inspection performed, geographic location, and size and type of employer. Some Inspectors are paid on a piecework basis.

Nationally, Production Inspectors (including testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers) had median weekly earnings of $596 or $14.90 per hour in 2005. The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $16.28 in 2005. Manufacturing Inspectors working for automotive companies earned from $19.21 to $26.45 per hour ( late 2005).

In Michigan , hourly earnings of Manufacturing Inspectors whose duties ranged from routine to precise and technical were (2005):

Employers provide life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; sick leave; pensions; paid vacations/ holidays; and tuition reimbursement. Auto firms offer dental and vision care plans. Some workers and employers pay jointly to a union trust fund to provide some benefits specified by their contracts.

Manufacturing Inspectors may be promoted to quality control technician or supervisor. Skills needed for advancement are supervisory ability, dependability, and knowledge of the newest inspection and quality measurement techniques and procedures, such as statistical process control (SPC) which is being used increasingly in the manufacturing industry.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 507,600 Manufacturing Inspectors were employed in 2004. Employment of Manufacturing Inspectors is expected to decline through the year 2014. The automation of manufacturing inspection, especially the use of machine vision systems, has limited the number of employment openings for Manufacturing Inspectors. Some openings are expected each year as workers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. The industry distribution for Manufacturing Inspectors looked like this:

            To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator .

There are about 26,925 Manufacturing Inspectors employed in Michigan . Most of them worked in the manufacturing industry. They worked in plants that produced durable goods such as machinery, transportation equipment, electronic equipment and furniture. Others worked in plants that produced chemical, rubber and glass products.

Employment of manufacturing inspectors is expected to grow more slowly than the average through the year 2012. An average of 710 openings per year is expected, with 100 due to growth and 610 due to replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Workers transferring to other lines of work will create additional openings.

Increased demand from consumers and business for manufactured products should stimulate employment of Inspectors, but demand will be for skilled Inspectors because simpler jobs are being mechanized.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2012

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below:

Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth