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Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.

Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $30K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $37K
Median Salary: $48K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $60K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $73K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Program computerized numerical control machine tools.

Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.

Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.

Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.

Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.

Repair and rework templates and patterns.

Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.

Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.

Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.

Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.

Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.

Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.

Paint or lacquer patterns.

Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass.

Apply plastic-impregnated fabrics or coats of sealing wax or lacquer to patterns used to produce plastic.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Mastercam
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Personal computers
Foundry machines and equipment and supplies
Drying chambers
Hand tools
Measuring tapes
Industrial process machinery and equipment and supplies
Precision positioning jigs
Material handling machinery and equipment
Electric hoists
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Digital micrometers
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Computer numerical control CNC turning centers
Metal forming machinery and accessories
Manual brake presses
Office and desk accessories
Protractors
Raw materials processing machinery
Three-dimensional routers
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
72%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mechanical
69%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Design
67%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Mathematics
67%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Engineering and Technology
62%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Customer and Personal Service
57%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management
53%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

English Language
53%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Clerical
51%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Education and Training
51%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
68%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control
63%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Quality Control Analysis
63%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Active Listening
60%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving
60%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking
60%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring
60%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension
60%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking
60%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making
58%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Top 10 Abilities
Near Vision
78%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Arm-Hand Steadiness
70%
Importance

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Control Precision
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Manual Dexterity
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Problem Sensitivity
65%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Visualization
65%
Importance

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Deductive Reasoning
63%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Finger Dexterity
63%
Importance

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Information Ordering
63%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Selective Attention
63%
Importance

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
88%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Getting Information
77%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
75%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
74%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
74%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
73%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
72%
Importance

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
71%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
69%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
68%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

Operate grinding equipment.

Repair templates, patterns, or molds.

Operate welding equipment.

Construct patterns, templates, or other work aids.

Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.

Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.

Clean workpieces or finished products.

Smooth metal surfaces or edges.

Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.

Program equipment to perform production tasks.

Design templates or patterns.

Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.

Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.

Select production input materials.

Apply solutions to production equipment.

Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Education
Majors
Major
Precision Metal Working
Interests
Realistic
100%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional
62%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative
62%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
58%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Enterprising
19%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
93%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
84%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Stress Tolerance
81%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Cooperation
80%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Independence
78%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Integrity
78%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Self Control
75%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Initiative
73%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Persistence
73%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Adaptability/Flexibility
71%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Work Values
Support
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Relationships
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions
50%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
48%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.