ASQ Seeks Recognition for Metrology Occupations

July, 2008 — Metrology and calibration practitioners represent a valuable human resource asset for many ASQ members’ companies. But there is growing concern among companies that metrology positions, like many other technical occupations, will become increasingly harder to fill as large numbers of baby boomers prepare to leave the work force.

Making matters worse is the fact that metrology and calibration job descriptions are not currently part of the federal government’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC).

Realizing this, ASQ’s Measurement Quality Division has been hard at work categorizing and defining these job descriptions. And recently, ASQ used that work as the basis for petitioning the government to add these descriptions to the forthcoming 2010 revision of the SOC. ASQ President Roberto Saco sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget, which oversees revision of the SOC, urging the additions. A separate comment letter was signed by members of several ASQ Divisions.