Quality Technician Onboarding Checklist

Quality Technician Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Quality Technician starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Manufacturing onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Quality Technician, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Quality Technician onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Quality Technician Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The quality technician should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including safety protocols, quality control standards, and relevant industry regulations. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Familiarization with the manufacturing process: The quality technician needs to understand the entire manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products. This includes learning about the different stages, equipment, and quality checkpoints involved. The task is usually performed by a senior quality technician or a production manager.

3. Training on quality control tools and techniques: The quality technician should receive training on various quality control tools and techniques, such as statistical process control, root cause analysis, and failure mode and effects analysis. This training is typically conducted by a quality manager or a designated quality control specialist.

4. Introduction to quality management systems: The quality technician should be introduced to the company’s quality management system, such as ISO 9001 or Six Sigma. They should learn how to navigate the system, access relevant documents, and understand their role in maintaining compliance. This task is usually performed by a quality manager or a designated quality control specialist.

5. Calibration and maintenance of measuring equipment: The quality technician should be trained on how to calibrate and maintain measuring equipment, such as gauges, scales, and micrometers. They should learn the proper procedures, documentation requirements, and frequency of calibration. This task is typically performed by a senior quality technician or a designated calibration specialist.

6. Understanding product specifications and quality standards: The quality technician needs to become familiar with the product specifications and quality standards set by the company and any relevant regulatory bodies. They should learn how to interpret these specifications and ensure that products meet the required standards. This task is usually performed by a quality manager or a designated quality control specialist.

7. Learning the company’s quality documentation system: The quality technician should be trained on how to use the company’s quality documentation system, such as electronic databases or document control software. They should understand how to access, update, and retrieve quality-related documents, including work instructions, inspection reports, and non-conformance records. This task is typically performed by a quality manager or a designated document control specialist.

8. Shadowing experienced quality technicians: The new quality technician should have the opportunity to shadow experienced colleagues to observe and learn from their day-to-day tasks. This can include observing quality inspections, participating in audits, and assisting with troubleshooting quality issues. This task is usually coordinated by a senior quality technician or a designated mentor.

9. Introduction to the company’s corrective and preventive action process: The quality technician should be trained on the company’s corrective and preventive action (CAPA) process. They should understand how to identify and document non-conformances, initiate corrective actions, and implement preventive measures to avoid future issues. This task is typically performed by a quality manager or a designated CAPA coordinator.

10. Health and safety training: The quality technician should receive comprehensive health and safety training, including hazard identification, emergency procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment. This training is typically conducted by the company’s health and safety department or a designated safety officer.

11. Introduction to quality audits and inspections: The quality technician should be trained on how to conduct quality audits and inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations. They should learn how to plan and execute audits, document findings, and communicate results. This task is usually performed by a quality manager or a designated quality control specialist.

12. Collaboration with other departments: The quality technician should be introduced to key personnel in other departments, such as production, engineering, and procurement. They should understand how their role interacts with these departments and how to effectively collaborate to address quality-related issues. This task is typically coordinated by a quality manager or a designated liaison.

13. Continuous improvement initiatives: The quality technician should be encouraged to participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as lean manufacturing projects or quality improvement teams. They should learn how to identify opportunities for improvement, propose solutions, and actively contribute to the company’s quality culture. This task is usually coordinated by a quality manager or a designated continuous improvement facilitator.

14. Performance evaluation and feedback: The quality technician should receive regular performance evaluations and feedback to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement. This evaluation is typically conducted by a quality manager or a designated supervisor, who provides constructive feedback and guidance for professional development.

15. Ongoing training and professional development: The quality technician should have access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in quality control. This can include attending workshops, conferences, or pursuing relevant certifications. The responsibility for identifying and providing these opportunities lies with the company’s training and development department or a designated supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Quality Technician checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Quality Technician up to speed and working well in your Manufacturing team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.