Electroplaters
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Electroplaters control plating processes and maintain solutions used to coat metal articles and other parts with non-ferrous metals.
Specialisations: Anodiser, Electroformer, Galvaniser.
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as an Electroplater. Although some workers have a certificate III or IV in engineering (fabrication trade).
Tasks
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Selects metal stock for job requirements.
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Heats metal in forges and furnaces and hammers, punches and cuts metal using hand tools and machine presses.
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Tempers and hardens finished articles by quenching in oil or water baths or by cooling gradually in air.
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Prepares electrolytic and silver solutions for electroforming and planting solution to the objects to be coated.
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Sets and adjusts controls to regulate electric current and depositing of coating on objects.
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Medium
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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, Metal Casting, Forging & Finishing Trades, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 89% of people employed as Electroplaters work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 23 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 42 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 Electroplaters work in the Manufacturing 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 | Electroplaters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 24.6 | 31.6 |
VIC | 25.7 | 25.6 |
QLD | 16.2 | 20.0 |
SA | 8.7 | 7.0 |
WA | 22.1 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.1 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.6 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.0 | 1.9 |
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Around 68% of Electroplaters live in capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 62%.
Western Australia has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
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 Electroplaters is 43 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 35 to 44 years.
Females make up 3% of the workforce. This is 45 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 | Electroplaters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.4 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 5.4 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 17.6 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 29.5 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 28.3 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 7.6 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 6.6 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.7 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 43 | 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 essential to work as an Electroplater. Although some workers have a certificate III or IV in engineering (fabrication trade).
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Automotive Manufacturing Sector, Manufacturing and Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Electroplaters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.6 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 6.9 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 6.5 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 33.7 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 20.2 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 9.1 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 23.2 | 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 Metal Casting, Forging & Finishing Trades Workers who are reliable, work well in a team and are hardworking.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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45%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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43%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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43%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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41%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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39%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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39%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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39%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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39%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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37%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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37%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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34%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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34%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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32%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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32%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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32%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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30%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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30%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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30%
NegotiationBringing people together and trying to sort out their differences.
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30%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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72%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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53%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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52%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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48%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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46%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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46%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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46%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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45%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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44%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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41%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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38%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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37%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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36%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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33%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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31%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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30%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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29%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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28%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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26%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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24%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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54%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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48%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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48%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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46%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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46%
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%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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45%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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43%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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43%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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43%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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43%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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43%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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43%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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43%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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43%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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43%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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43%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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39%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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34%
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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83%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating 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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59%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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58%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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57%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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55%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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54%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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53%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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51%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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51%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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51%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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50%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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44%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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44%
Coaching and developing othersWorking out the needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or helping them to improve.
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43%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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43%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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41%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
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41%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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41%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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38%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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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48%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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33%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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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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14%
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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67%
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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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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36%
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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33%
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.
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29%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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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.
Demands
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99%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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96%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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94%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
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92%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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91%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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88%
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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85%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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84%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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84%
Dangerous conditionsWork near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.
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83%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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83%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
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81%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
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78%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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78%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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77%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
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72%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
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71%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
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70%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
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70%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
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69%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
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, 51-4193.00 - Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
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.