Home Improvement Installers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Home Improvement Installers install functional and decorative home improvements, such as awnings, curtains, blinds, security screens, garage doors, exterior cladding, shower screens, and prefabricated windows and doors.
Specialisations: Awning Installer, Carport Erector, Curtain Fitter, Security Door Installer, Shower Screen Installer.
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Home Improvement Installer. Although some workers have a certificate II or III in blinds, awnings, security screens and grilles or have a related trade qualification in areas such as carpentry, joinery or metal trades.
Tasks
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Examining plans, specifications and work sites to determine the type and quality of installations required and their location.
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Preparing site for installation of fittings by nailing up furring, drilling holes for screws and bolts, and erecting scaffolding and ladders.
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Gluing blocks and slabs of foamed plastic and cork to walls.
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Measuring, cutting and applying solar control film to windows.
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Fitting awnings, security screens, shower screens, prefabricated windows and doors, exterior cladding and other home improvements using hand tools.
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Drilling holes in wood, brick, stone and fibrous structures, and bolting, screwing and nailing fittings into place.
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Attaching and adjusting mechanical fittings such as cranks, locks and pull-cords.
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Installing flashing and waterproofing to fittings such as shower screens and prefabricated windows and doors.
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
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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, Insulation and Home Improvement Installers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 78% of people employed as Home Improvement Installers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 12 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 44 hours per week in their main job. This is the same as the all jobs average.
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 Home Improvement Installers work in the Construction 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 | Home Improvement Installers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 30.9 | 31.6 |
VIC | 23.4 | 25.6 |
QLD | 21.5 | 20.0 |
SA | 8.0 | 7.0 |
WA | 13.3 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.2 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.6 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.2 | 1.9 |
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Around 45% of Home Improvement Installers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
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 Home Improvement Installers is 41 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 35 to 44 years.
Females make up 2% of the workforce. This is 46 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 | Home Improvement Installers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 2.8 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 8.9 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 22.8 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 24.3 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 23.3 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 8.7 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.2 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 41 | 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 Home Improvement Installer. Although some workers have a certificate II or III in blinds, awnings, security screens and grilles or have a related trade qualification in areas such as carpentry, joinery or metal trades.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Construction, Plumbing and Services VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Home Improvement Installers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.5 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 3.3 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 4.4 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 42.2 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 18.4 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 8.0 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 23.1 | 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 Insulation and Home Improvement Installers who make good decisions, are polite, courteous and reliable.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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57%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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57%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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50%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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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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45%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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45%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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45%
InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.
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45%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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45%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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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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45%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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43%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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43%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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43%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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41%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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41%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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41%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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41%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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37%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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64%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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54%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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53%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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51%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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47%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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43%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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41%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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40%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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35%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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34%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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34%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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34%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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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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30%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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28%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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28%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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27%
GeographyDescribing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
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26%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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23%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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19%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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55%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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54%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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54%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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54%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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50%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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48%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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46%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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46%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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46%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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46%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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46%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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45%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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45%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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45%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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45%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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45%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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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%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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43%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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41%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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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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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62%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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61%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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56%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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53%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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49%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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47%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
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43%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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43%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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41%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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41%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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40%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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39%
Helping and caring for othersProviding personal assistance, medical attention, or emotional support.
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38%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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38%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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38%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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35%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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33%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
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33%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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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62%
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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33%
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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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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57%
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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57%
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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52%
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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48%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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38%
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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96%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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93%
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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92%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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89%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
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87%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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86%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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86%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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84%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
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83%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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82%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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81%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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81%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
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80%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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80%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
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79%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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77%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
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77%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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76%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
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75%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
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75%
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, 49-9071.00 - Maintenance and Repair Workers, General.
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.