Hiring and Sponsoring Quality assurance technicians (SOC Code 3115)

Quality Assurance Technicians, classified under SOC Code 3115, are essential professionals who ensure the integrity and functionality of products within various industries, including manufacturing and electronics. Their role encompasses several key responsibilities:

• Set Up and Testing: They set up scientific, electronic, or other technical equipment to conduct functional and inspection tests.
• Data Analysis: These technicians analyze and interpret the results of the tests undertaken, providing vital insights into product performance.
• Reporting: They are responsible for writing up detailed reports upon completion of tests, documenting findings and recommendations.
• Supervision: Quality assurance technicians supervise the work of routine inspection staff, addressing any defects reported and ensuring standards are met.
• Audit Assistance: They also assist quality control engineers in performing production audits, contributing to the overall quality assurance process.
• Collaboration: Liaising with production engineers and staff, they help maintain the quality of output and develop quality management systems.
• Specification Establishment: Technicians work to establish product specifications that guide manufacturing processes.
• Maintenance: They ensure that equipment and systems used in quality assurance are maintained effectively for optimal performance.

With the increasing demand for high-quality standards in production, the need for skilled quality assurance technicians is on the rise. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in navigating the process of hiring and sponsoring these critical roles under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Quality assurance technicians?

SOC Code 3115 refers to quality assurance technicians who ensure that products meet specified standards of quality through rigorous testing and analysis. Their responsibilities can include:

• Setting up equipment: Preparing scientific, electronic, or other technical equipment to conduct functional and inspection tests.
• Analyzing results: Interpreting test results and drafting comprehensive reports upon completion.
• Supervising inspection staff: Overseeing the work of routine inspection personnel and documenting any defects identified.
• Assisting engineers: Supporting quality control engineers in executing production audits to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Liaising with production teams: Collaborating with production engineers and staff to uphold quality output and develop effective quality management systems.
• Establishing specifications: Defining product specifications to ensure that all outputs meet required quality metrics.
• Maintaining equipment: Ensuring the upkeep of testing equipment and systems to guarantee consistent performance.

Quality assurance technicians play a vital role in upholding industry standards, enhancing product reliability, and fostering consumer trust in products and services.

Eligibility to Hire Quality assurance technicians (SOC Code 3411)

Job Description for Quality Assurance Technicians (SOC Code 3115)

1. Job Requirements

Quality assurance technicians must possess a blend of technical skills and experience in quality control processes. The following qualifications are essential:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in setting up and operating scientific, electronic, or other technical equipment to conduct functional and inspection tests.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze and interpret test results, providing clear and concise written reports documented upon completion.
• Supervisory Experience: Experience in supervising routine inspection staff, effectively noting and addressing any defects reported.
• Collaboration Skills: Demonstrated ability to liaise with production engineers and staff, ensuring the consistent quality of output while aiding in the development of quality management systems.
• Quality Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with establishing product specifications and maintaining the equipment and systems utilized in quality assurance processes.
• Education: While formal qualifications in quality assurance, engineering, or a related technical field are preferable, relevant experience is highly valued.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Quality assurance technicians: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Quality assurance technicians under SOC Code 3115.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Quality assurance technicians, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Quality assurance technicians under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Quality assurance technicians. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Quality assurance technicians applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Quality assurance technicians’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Quality assurance technicians can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Quality assurance technicians

Before the Quality assurance technicians begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Quality assurance technicians’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Quality assurance technicians holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Quality assurance technicians’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Quality assurance technicians’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Quality assurance technicianss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Quality assurance technicians

Sponsoring Quality assurance technicians under SOC Code 3115 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Quality assurance technicians, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Quality assurance technicians under SOC Code 3115 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.