On a manufacturing floor, technical problems can result in complete havoc. Molders, shapers and casters need to be composed and consistent to carry out detailed production processes, they may craft food products, candles, tiles, figurines, and pipes from a variety of materials, such as clay, glass, concrete, and stone. Stone cutters and carvers follow diagrams to cut stone with hand and pneumatic tools. They also use sandblasting and polishing equipment to finish the stone. Glass workers shape molten glass according to patterns. They heat glass at very high temperatures until it becomes pliable, then mold or blow it to form products. Minor injuries, such as burns and cuts, occur frequently. Potters make ceramic and stoneware products using production machines or a potter's wheel that spins the clay as the potter shapes it with their hands. Potters mix and apply glazes, and operate the kilns to harden the pottery. Molding and casting workers mix materials, construct and fill molds, and cast products from metal, clay, or plaster. They use heating equipment to bake material, then finish products by boring holes, trimming excess material, or stamping with identification symbols. Conditions that are sometimes hazardous require most of these workers to wear protective clothing and equipment every day. They stand and make repetitive motions much of the day, and may work around loud noise. Most positions require a high school diploma, although potters typically require technical training or on-the-job experience.
What they do:
Cut or carve stone according to diagrams and patterns.
On the job, you would:
Verify depths and dimensions of cuts or carvings to ensure adherence to specifications, blueprints, or models, using measuring instruments.
Move fingers over surfaces of carvings to ensure smoothness of finish.
Shape, trim, or touch up roughed-out designs with appropriate tools to finish carvings.
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
design
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Ideas and Logic
group things in different ways
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Self Control
Dependability
Integrity
Cooperation
Initiative
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
Corel Paint Shop Pro
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
high school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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