Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $25K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $29K
Median Salary: $35K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $43K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $53K
Demand
Core Tasks
Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
Brush or spray mold surfaces with parting agents or insert paper into molds to ensure smoothness and prevent sticking or seepage.
Engrave or stamp identifying symbols, letters, or numbers on products.
Assemble, insert, and adjust wires, tubes, cores, fittings, rods, or patterns into molds, using hand tools and depth gauges.
Clean, finish, and lubricate molds and mold parts.
Load or stack filled molds in ovens, dryers, or curing boxes, or on storage racks or carts.
Separate models or patterns from molds and examine products for accuracy.
Set the proper operating temperature for each casting.
Align and assemble parts to produce completed products, using gauges and hand tools.
Operate and adjust controls of heating equipment to melt material or to cure, dry, or bake filled molds.
Patch broken edges or fractures, using clay or plaster.
Select sizes and types of molds according to instructions.
Withdraw cores or other loose mold members after castings solidify.
Trim or remove excess material, using scrapers, knives, or band saws.
Measure and cut products to specified dimensions, using measuring and cutting instruments.
Repair mold defects, such as cracks or broken edges, using patterns, mold boxes, or hand tools.
Measure ingredients and mix molding, casting material, or sealing compounds to prescribed consistencies, according to formulas.
Smooth surfaces of molds, using scraping tools or sandpaper.
Remove excess materials and level and smooth wet mold mixtures.
Operate molding machines that compact sand in flasks to form molds.
Place forms around models and separately immerse each half portion of a model in plaster, wax, or other mold-making materials.
Verify dimensions of products, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, vernier gauges, or protractors.
Bore holes or cut grates, risers, or pouring spouts in molds, using power tools.
Locate and scribe parting lines on patterns, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, squares, or depth gauges.
Tap or tilt molds to ensure uniform distribution of materials.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
66%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical
61%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administration and Management
58%
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%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
53%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
51%
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.
Education and Training
49%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Customer and Personal Service
48%
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.
Public Safety and Security
48%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Transportation
45%
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
68%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension
63%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
60%
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%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
60%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
60%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control
60%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Learning
58%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination
58%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making
58%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Top 10 Abilities
Trunk Strength
73%
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
70%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity
68%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision
68%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Static Strength
68%
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Written Comprehension
68%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Finger Dexterity
65%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Multilimb Coordination
65%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Oral Comprehension
65%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Reaction Time
63%
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Top 10 Work Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
82%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities
82%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
77%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Controlling Machines and Processes
74%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
74%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Getting Information
73%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
68%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
68%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
68%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
67%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Detailed Work Activities
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Apply parting agents or other solutions to molds.
Engrave designs, text, or other markings onto materials, workpieces, or products.
Build production molds.
Clean workpieces or finished products.
Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
Remove workpieces from molds.
Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
Load items into ovens or furnaces.
Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
Operate heating or drying equipment.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Fill cracks, imperfections, or holes in products or workpieces.
Repair templates, patterns, or molds.
Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
Place materials into molds.
Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Adjust position of molds during processing.
Interests
Realistic
100%
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
34%
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.
Artistic
15%
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
15%
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.
Investigative
15%
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.
Social
15%
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
83%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
77%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation
76%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Self Control
74%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Independence
73%
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
72%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility
70%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence
70%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
70%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Initiative
66%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Work Values
Relationships
62%
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.
Support
62%
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
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
34%
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
29%
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
29%
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.
