Train Examiners
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Train Examiners inspect rolling stock in railway yards, terminals and stations to ensure adherence to safety standards and operational rules and regulations.
Specialisations: Locomotive Inspector.
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Train Examiner. Although some workers have a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in rail safety or another related field.
Tasks
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Conducts visual checks of the mechanical, structural, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems of railway wagons, carriages and locomotives for condition and correct classification.
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
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, Inspectors and Regulatory Officers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 93% of people employed as Train Examiners work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 27 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 45 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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Train Examiners 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 | Train Examiners | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 13.2 | 31.6 |
VIC | 40.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 4.4 | 20.0 |
SA | 6.9 | 7.0 |
WA | 35.2 | 10.8 |
TAS | 0.0 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.0 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.0 | 1.9 |
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Around 45% of Train Examiners live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia and Victoria have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The region with the largest share of workers is Western Australia - Outback (North).
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 Train Examiners is 47 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 14% of the workforce. This is 34 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 | Train Examiners | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.0 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 4.3 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 19.8 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 19.8 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 24.7 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 15.4 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 11.1 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 4.9 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 47 | 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 Train Examiner. Although some workers have a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in rail safety or another related field.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Local Government and Public Sector VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Train Examiners | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.0 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 2.1 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 2.1 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 50.0 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 14.1 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 12.0 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 19.7 | 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 Inspectors and Regulatory Officers who have a good attention to detail, strong people skills and a good work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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46%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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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%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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43%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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41%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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41%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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41%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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41%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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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%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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39%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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39%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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39%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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37%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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36%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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34%
ScienceUsing scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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32%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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29%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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29%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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76%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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48%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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47%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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46%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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45%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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44%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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43%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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42%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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38%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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36%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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36%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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32%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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32%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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30%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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29%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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26%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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25%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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25%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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24%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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22%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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55%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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52%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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46%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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45%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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45%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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43%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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43%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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43%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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43%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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43%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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43%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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41%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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41%
Hearing sensitivityTell the difference between sounds.
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41%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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41%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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39%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
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39%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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39%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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37%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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66%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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60%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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54%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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53%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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52%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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50%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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50%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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50%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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49%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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48%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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48%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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46%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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45%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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45%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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40%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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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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36%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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35%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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30%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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29%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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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95%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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81%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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57%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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29%
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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19%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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76%
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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55%
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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48%
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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43%
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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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.
Demands
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98%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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94%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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91%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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91%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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88%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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88%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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87%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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87%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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85%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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81%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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80%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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79%
Consequence of errorWork where mistakes have serious consequences.
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77%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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77%
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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77%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
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77%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
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76%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
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76%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
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76%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
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76%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
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, 53-6051.07 - Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation.
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.