Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers assemble, calibrate, install and overhaul mechanical precision instruments and equipment.
Specialisations: Camera Repairer, Scalemaker, Scientific Instrument Maker and Repairer.
A certificate III in electrical or electronic trade engineering is usually needed to work as a Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer.
Tasks
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Assembles parts and sub-assemblies of precision instruments and locks, timepieces and firearms.
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Dismantles precision instruments, locks, timepieces and firearms, repairs and replaces defective parts, and reassembles articles using hand and power tools and specially designed machines.
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Calibrates precision instruments using standard weights and measures, jigs and fixtures, and hand tools to adjust and align parts and small balancing weights.
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May estimate costs and prepare quotes for repairs.
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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Analytical
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Administrative
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Light
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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, Precision Metal Trades Workers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 88% of people employed as Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 22 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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Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers work in industries like:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 32.3 | 31.6 |
VIC | 28.4 | 25.6 |
QLD | 18.0 | 20.0 |
SA | 5.6 | 7.0 |
WA | 12.6 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.6 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.2 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.4 | 1.9 |
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Around 70% of Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers live in capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 62%.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
- Melbourne - South East
- Melbourne - Outer East
- Sydney - Parramatta
- Perth - North West
- Perth - South East.
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 Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers is 45 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 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 | Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.6 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 3.7 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 20.0 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 24.7 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 25.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 12.7 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 7.3 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 5.3 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 45 | 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 III in electrical or electronic trade engineering is usually needed to work as a Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Manufacturing and Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 5.1 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 14.2 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 15.9 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 46.7 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 10.0 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 2.9 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 5.2 | 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 Precision Metal 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%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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52%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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52%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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50%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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48%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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48%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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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%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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45%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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45%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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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%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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43%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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43%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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43%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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41%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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36%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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36%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
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32%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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32%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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66%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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61%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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59%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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52%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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49%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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46%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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44%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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42%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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41%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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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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37%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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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%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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28%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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25%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
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24%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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22%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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22%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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21%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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20%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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57%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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55%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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54%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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54%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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50%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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48%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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48%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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48%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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48%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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46%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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46%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
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46%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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46%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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46%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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46%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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43%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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43%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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41%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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41%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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39%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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66%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
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59%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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59%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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49%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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49%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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48%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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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%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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45%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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45%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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43%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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43%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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42%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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42%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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37%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
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37%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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36%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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36%
Working with the publicGreeting or serving customers, clients or guests, and public speaking or performing.
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32%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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32%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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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67%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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29%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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24%
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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62%
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%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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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%
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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43%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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38%
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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95%
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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93%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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92%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
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88%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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88%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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88%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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83%
Spend time sittingSpend time sitting at work.
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77%
Electronic mailUse electronic mail.
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74%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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73%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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69%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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67%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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67%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
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65%
Consequence of errorWork where mistakes have serious consequences.
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63%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
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63%
Contact with the publicWork with customers or the public.
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61%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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59%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
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58%
Letters and memosWrite letters and memos.
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54%
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, 49-9061.00 - Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers.
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.