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:
Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.
On the job, you would:
Operate gas or electric kilns to fire pottery pieces.
Mix and apply glazes to pottery pieces, using tools, such as spray guns.
Raise and shape clay into wares, such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
Arts and Humanities
music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Engineering and Technology
design
product and service development
Business
customer service
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
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
Controlled Movement
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Ideas and Logic
create new and original ideas
group things in different ways
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
Independence
Initiative
Integrity
Persistence
Achievement/Effort
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Inventory management software
Inventory control software
some college or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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