Plastics Technicians
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Plastics Technicians set up, adjust, repair and troubleshoot machines which manufacture plastics products.
Tasks
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Sets up the die (mould for shaping the product) to produce a plastic product.
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Prepares the line-changing equipment.
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Changes the equipment in the machines so they produce different products.
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Starts up and shuts down the machines.
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Sets and records a machine's conditions such as heat, pressure and vacuum levels.
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Makes sure the product complies with the specifications.
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Fixes process problems if products do not meet the required standard.
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Conducts basic quality control tests.
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Fabricates equipment.
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Designs equipment.
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Fixes or organises the fixing of machines.
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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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, Other Technicians and Trades Workers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 95% of people employed as Plastics Technicians work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 29 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 Plastics Technicians 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 | Plastics Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 31.0 | 31.6 |
VIC | 29.2 | 25.6 |
QLD | 23.6 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.4 | 7.0 |
WA | 7.7 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.1 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.0 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.0 | 1.9 |
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Around 66% of Plastics Technicians live in capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 62%.
Queensland and Victoria have a large share of employment relative to their 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 Plastics Technicians is 44 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 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 | Plastics Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.0 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 3.0 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 20.3 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 26.2 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 29.9 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 11.1 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 7.7 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 1.8 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 44 | 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 a Plastics Technician. Although some workers have a certificate IV in polymer technology.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Health Industry, Plastics, Rubber & Cablemaking and Property Services VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Plastics Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.0 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 8.0 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 10.0 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 37.8 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 18.3 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 21.1 | 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 Other Technicians and Trades Workers 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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55%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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54%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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45%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are 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%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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39%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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39%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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37%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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37%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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36%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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34%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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34%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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32%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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32%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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32%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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30%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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30%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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29%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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29%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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55%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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46%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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41%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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38%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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36%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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36%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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35%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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35%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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34%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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30%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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26%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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24%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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23%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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21%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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14%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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13%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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11%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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9%
Medicine and dentistryDiagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including preventive health-care measures.
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7%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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5%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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48%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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46%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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46%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
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45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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45%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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45%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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45%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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45%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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45%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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45%
Reaction timeQuickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.
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43%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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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%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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43%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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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%
Rate controlChange when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
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43%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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43%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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41%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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39%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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79%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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73%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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53%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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53%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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52%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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52%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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51%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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50%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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49%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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48%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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47%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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45%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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41%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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40%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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38%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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37%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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36%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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35%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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35%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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32%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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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52%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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24%
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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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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43%
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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38%
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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33%
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%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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29%
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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100%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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93%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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91%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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90%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
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87%
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%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
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84%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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83%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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79%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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79%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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79%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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79%
Pace of work set by equipmentPace of work depends on the speed of equipment or machinery.
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78%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
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77%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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76%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
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75%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
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75%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
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73%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
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69%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
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69%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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, 51-4072.00 - Molding, Coremaking, and Casting 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.