Leather goods quality control laboratory technician

Leather goods

Description

Leather goods quality control laboratory technicians perform laboratory control tests according to the national and international standards. During laboratory control tests they prepare samples, address test procedures, analysis and interpretation of the results and comparison with guidelines and standards and prepare reports. They make the linkage with outsourced laboratories for the tests which cannot be performed inside the company. They propose corrective and preventive measures.

Excludes people performing managerial activities.
Includes people performing activities which require a broad understanding of the leather goods processes and products, related materials and technology and a specific knowledge and complete domain on specific standards for quality control laboratory tests.

Leather goods quality control laboratore technicians typically do the following tasks:

  • Conduct quality control tests on leather materials, including strength, durability, colorfastness, and resistance to wear and tear
  • Perform tests on hardware components, such as zippers, buckles, and fasteners, to ensure proper functionality and durability
  • Inspect finished leather goods for defects, such as stitching issues, uneven dyeing, or irregularities in the shape or structure
  • Utilize specialized equipment and tools to assess the physical properties of leather, including thickness, texture, and flexibility
  • Verify the accuracy and adherence of product specifications, including size, dimensions, and weight
  • Collaborate with production and design teams to address any quality concerns and implement corrective actions
  • Document test results and maintain accurate records of quality control processes and findings
  • Participate in the development and improvement of quality control procedures and guidelines
  • Stay updated on industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to leather goods quality control
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the laboratory environment

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to leather goods quality control laboratory technician:

leather goods QC laboratory specialist
leather goods quality assurance laboratory specialist
leather goods quality assurance laboratory technologist
leather goods QC laboratory technologist
QC laboratory technician leather goods
leather goods quality control laboratory technologist
leather goods QA/QC laboratory technologist
leather goods QC laboratory technician
leather goods quality control laboratory specialist
QC/QA laboratory technician leather goods
leather goods QC/QA laboratory technician

Working conditions

Leather goods quality control laboratory technicians typically work in indoor laboratory settings. They may spend long hours standing or using specialized equipment to conduct tests and inspections. Attention to detail is crucial to accurately identify any defects or deviations from quality standards. The work may involve repetitive tasks and adherence to strict protocols and procedures. Safety precautions, such as wearing personal protective equipment, may be necessary when handling chemicals or operating machinery.

Minimum qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to work as a leather goods quality control laboratory technician. Some employers may prefer candidates with vocational or technical training in quality control, materials testing, or a related field. Strong knowledge of leather materials, quality control principles, and testing methodologies is important. Experience working in a laboratory or quality control setting is beneficial. Familiarity with leather goods production processes and industry standards is also desirable. Good analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are essential for this role.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Leather goods quality control laboratory technician is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Leather goods quality control laboratory technician career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to leather goods quality control laboratory technician.

leather goods quality technician
footwear quality control laboratory technician
leather goods product developer
leather goods manufacturing technician
footwear quality technician

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of leather goods quality control laboratory technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of leather goods quality control laboratory technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

leather goods quality manager
leather goods industrial engineer
footwear quality manager
leather goods designer
leather goods product development manager

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of leather goods quality control laboratory technician.

  • Leather goods manufacturing processes: The processes, technology and machinery involved in the leather goods manufacturing.
  • Leather goods components: The various procedures and methods in the processing of leather materials and leather goods components like manufacturability and properties.
  • Leather goods quality: The quality specifications of materials, processes, and final products, the most common defects in leather, quick tests procedures, laboratory tests procedures and standards, and the adequate equipment for quality checks.
  • Leather goods materials: The wide range of materials used in leather goods production: leather, leather substitutes (synthetics or artificial materials), textile, etc; the way of distinguishing among various materials based on their properties, advantages and limitations.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of leather goods quality control laboratory technician.

  • Apply footwear and leather goods quality control techniques: Apply quality control in footwear and leather goods. Analyse the material, component or model using relevant quality criteria. Compare the material and other components received from the suppliers, or the final product, to standards. Use visual observation and report findings. Control the quantity of leather in the warehouse. Submit components to laboratory control test when necessary. Define the corrective measures when called for.
  • Reduce environmental impact of footwear manufacturing: Assess the environmental impact of footwear manufacture and minimise environmental risks. Reduce environmentally harmful work practices in different stages of the footwear manufacturing.
  • Communicate commercial and technical issues in foreign languages: Speak one or more foreign languages in order to communicate commercial and technical issues with various suppliers and clients.
  • Perform laboratory tests on footwear or leather goods: Perform laboratory quality control tests on footwear, leather goods or its materials or components following national and international standards. Prepare samples and procedures. Analyse and interpret tests results and produced reports. Cooperate with outsourced laboratories.
  • Manage footwear quality systems: Manage the company quality system. Create or elaborate the quality manual. Carry out the established requirements and objectives included in the quality policy. Foster internal and external communication, including customer satisfaction follow-up. Define and control the implementation of corrective and preventive measures. Foster the continuous improvement of the quality system and quality manual.
  • Use IT tools: Application of computers, computer networks and other information technologies and equipment to storing, retrieving, transmitting and manipulating data, in the context of a business or enterprise.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of leather goods quality control laboratory technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Practice innovative thinking in the footwear and leather goods industries: Innovate and create in the footwear and leather goods sector. Evaluate new ideas and concepts to turn them into marketable products. Use entrepreneurial thinking in all stages of the product and process development to identify new business opportunities for the targeted markets.
  • Use communication techniques: Apply techniques of communication which allow interlocutors to better understand each other and communicate accurately in the transmission of messages.

ISCO group and title

3119 – Physical and engineering science technicians not elsewhere classified


References
  1. Leather goods quality control laboratory technician – ESCO
  2. Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
Last updated on May 16, 2023