Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical)
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) inspect, test, repair and install aircraft hydromechanical and flight system components and aircraft engines, subassemblies and components.
Specialisations: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Airframes), Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Engines), Aircraft Technician (Air Force, Army), Aviation Technician Aircraft (Navy), Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Airframes), Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Engines).
A certificate IV in aeroskills (mechanical) is needed to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical). This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
Tasks
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Dismantles, inspects, tests, repairs and reassembles aircraft engines, ancillary motors and engine accessories, electrical systems and sub-assemblies of aircraft frames.
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Installs electrical circuits and equipment.
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Tests aircraft communication equipment, aircraft instrumentation and electronic systems using electronic testing equipment and specialised apparatus.
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Replaces and tests aircraft oxygen system components.
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Assembles parts and sub-assemblies of aircraft frames.
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Conducts routine pre-flight inspections of engines, aircraft frames and mechanical systems.
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Maintains records of action taken.
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May manufacture aircraft electrical, instrument and radio hardware components.
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Practical
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Administrative
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Medium
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, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 96% of people employed as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 30 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to 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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Most Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) work in the Public administration and safety industry. They are also employed 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 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 46.4 | 31.6 |
VIC | 5.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 28.7 | 20.0 |
SA | 9.6 | 7.0 |
WA | 2.5 | 10.8 |
TAS | 0.0 | 2.0 |
NT | 6.7 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.8 | 1.9 |
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Around 61% of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
- Ipswich
- Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven
- Hunter Valley (excluding Newcastle)
- Adelaide - North
- Riverina.
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 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) is 33 years. This is younger than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 5% of the workforce. This is 43 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 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 14.9 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 38.8 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 21.0 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 15.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 4.4 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 2.3 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 1.2 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 33 | 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
A certificate IV in aeroskills (mechanical) is needed to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical). This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Aeroskills Industry and Aviation Industry VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.8 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 4.6 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 14.2 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 68.9 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 9.5 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 0.8 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 1.2 | 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 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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68%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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61%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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57%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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57%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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57%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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57%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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55%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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55%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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48%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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48%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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46%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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46%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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46%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
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45%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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45%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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43%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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43%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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43%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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43%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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41%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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98%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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57%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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53%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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52%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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51%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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49%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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46%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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46%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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46%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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43%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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43%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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41%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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41%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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37%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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36%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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33%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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30%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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26%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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22%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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14%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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59%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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59%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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59%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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59%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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57%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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57%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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57%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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57%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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55%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
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55%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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55%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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55%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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55%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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54%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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54%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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52%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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52%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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48%
Hearing sensitivityTell the difference between sounds.
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45%
Written expressionWrite in a way that people can understand.
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43%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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81%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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78%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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77%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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75%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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75%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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71%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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71%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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71%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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70%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
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70%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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68%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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67%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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63%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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63%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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63%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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61%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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60%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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58%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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57%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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57%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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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67%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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52%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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29%
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%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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86%
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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67%
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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62%
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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57%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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52%
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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48%
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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91%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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91%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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90%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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90%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
89%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
88%
Consequence of errorWork where mistakes have serious consequences.
-
85%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
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85%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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84%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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84%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
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82%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
81%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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77%
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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76%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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76%
Cramped work spaceWork in an awkward position or in cramped work spaces.
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76%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
75%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
74%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
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73%
Bright or inadequate lightingWork in extremely bright or dark lighting conditions.
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72%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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, 49-3011.00 - Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians.
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.