Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere)
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere) includes jobs like Sheltered Workshop Worker.
Tasks
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Sets up, monitors, inspects, adjusts, repairs and cleans automatic machines and equipment.
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Delivers materials to processing areas.
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Loads materials into machines.
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Selects product patterns and cuts product materials using automatic machines.
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Constructs product components by machine and assembles product parts together (including the attachment product labels and information).
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Performs other practical tasks related to the production of products.
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Stacks products on carts, pallets and trolleys.
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Moves carts and trolleys to and from sorting, storage and shipping areas.
Characteristics
- 839911 Cement and Concrete Plant Workers
- 839912 Chemical Plant Workers
- 839913 Clay Processing Factory Workers
- 839914 Fabric and Textile Factory Workers
- 839915 Footwear Factory Workers
- 839916 Glass Processing Workers
- 839917 Hide and Skin Processing Workers
- 839918 Recycling Workers
- 839999 Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Administrative
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Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Other Factory Process Workers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 54% of people employed as Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere) work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 12 percentage points below the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 40 hours per week in their main job. This is 4 hours less than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
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Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere) work in industries like:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere) | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 25.8 | 31.6 |
VIC | 34.5 | 25.6 |
QLD | 18.3 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.9 | 7.0 |
WA | 10.3 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.0 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.6 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.6 | 1.9 |
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Around 44% of Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere) live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Victoria has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere) is 42 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 years.
Females make up 30% of the workforce. This is 18 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere) | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 3.6 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 9.9 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 22.5 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 19.5 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 26.2 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 10.1 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 5.8 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.5 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 42 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not usually required to work as a Factory Process Worker (not covered elsewhere).
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Factory Process Workers (not covered elsewhere) | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.6 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 3.5 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 2.4 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 10.4 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 30.3 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 6.8 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 45.9 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Factory Process Workers who are reliable, can work independently and are hardworking.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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36%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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36%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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34%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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34%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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32%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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32%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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32%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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30%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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29%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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29%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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29%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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29%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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27%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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27%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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27%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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27%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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25%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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25%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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21%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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21%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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39%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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38%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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36%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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35%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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31%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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26%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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24%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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23%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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22%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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20%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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19%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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18%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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18%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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17%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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17%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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16%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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15%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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14%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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13%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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10%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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48%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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48%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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46%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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46%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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45%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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45%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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43%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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43%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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43%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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41%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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41%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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39%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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39%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
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39%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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39%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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39%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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39%
StaminaExercise for a long time without getting winded or out of breath.
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37%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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37%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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85%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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67%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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65%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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52%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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50%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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49%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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47%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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46%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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45%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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45%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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45%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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43%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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42%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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42%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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41%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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40%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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39%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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37%
Helping and caring for othersProviding personal assistance, medical attention, or emotional support.
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35%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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35%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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71%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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43%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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19%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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19%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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19%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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71%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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38%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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31%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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29%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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19%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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19%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
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99%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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92%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
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86%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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83%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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82%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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81%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
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78%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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78%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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77%
Pace of work set by equipmentPace of work depends on the speed of equipment or machinery.
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77%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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75%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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75%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
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74%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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71%
Bending or twisting your bodySpend time bending or twisting your body.
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70%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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70%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
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69%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
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69%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
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68%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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68%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 51-9198.00 - Helpers--Production Workers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.