Steel Fixers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Steel Fixers position and secure steel bars and steel mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures.
Tasks
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Measures, cuts, bends and fits welded wire mesh into concrete areas to be mesh-reinforced.
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Fixes mesh and reinforced steel into position in formwork for concrete pours.
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Set up winches and rig equipment to raise and position girders, plates, columns and other steel units.
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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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, Structural Steel Construction Workers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 80% of people employed as Steel Fixers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 14 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 Steel Fixers work in the Construction industry.
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 | Steel Fixers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 37.5 | 31.6 |
VIC | 19.6 | 25.6 |
QLD | 24.6 | 20.0 |
SA | 5.8 | 7.0 |
WA | 9.1 | 10.8 |
TAS | 0.6 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.3 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.4 | 1.9 |
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Around 64% of Steel Fixers live in capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 62%.
New South Wales and Queensland have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
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 Steel Fixers is 34 years. This is younger than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 1% of the workforce. This is 47 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 | Steel Fixers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 2.8 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 13.2 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 34.3 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 24.0 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 16.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 5.4 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 2.6 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 1.0 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 34 | 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 usually required to work as a Steel Fixer. Some workers have a certificate II or III in steelfixing.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Steel Fixers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.2 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 3.2 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 3.1 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 25.0 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 23.3 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 10.4 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 34.7 | 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 Structural Steel Construction Workers who are motivated and hardworking.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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46%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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41%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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41%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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39%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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36%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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34%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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34%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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34%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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34%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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32%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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32%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
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30%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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30%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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30%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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29%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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29%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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29%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
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27%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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27%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
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25%
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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85%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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58%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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56%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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52%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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52%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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41%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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37%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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36%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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35%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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35%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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33%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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33%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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31%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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30%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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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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24%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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19%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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17%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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14%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
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12%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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57%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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54%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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52%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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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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48%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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46%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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46%
StaminaExercise for a long time without getting winded or out of breath.
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45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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45%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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45%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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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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45%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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43%
Dynamic strengthExercise for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
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43%
Whole body coordinationMove your arms, legs, and body together.
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41%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
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39%
BalanceKeep your balance or stay upright.
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39%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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39%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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39%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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37%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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86%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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76%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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57%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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55%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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53%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
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52%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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51%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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50%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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49%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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48%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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46%
Leading and encouraging a teamEncouraging and building trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
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46%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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45%
Coaching and developing othersWorking out the needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or helping them to improve.
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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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45%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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43%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
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42%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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39%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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38%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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37%
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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67%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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48%
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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14%
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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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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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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45%
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%
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%
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.
Demands
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92%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
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92%
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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91%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
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90%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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89%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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89%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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88%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
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86%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
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84%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
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84%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
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84%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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84%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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84%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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82%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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81%
Bending or twisting your bodySpend time bending or twisting your body.
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81%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
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79%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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78%
CompetitionCompete with others, or be aware of competitive pressures.
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77%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
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77%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
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, 47-2171.00 - Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers.
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.