51-4061.00 - Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Updated 2008

Summary Report for:
51-4061.00 - Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.

Sample of reported job titles: Model Maker, Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Tool Maker, Molding Technician, Metal Model Maker, Catalytic Converter Special Build Prototype, Fabricator, Prototype Special Build, Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks

Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
Set up and operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws to fabricate prototypes or models.
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.

Knowledge

Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Skills

Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.

Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?

Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Overall Experience	Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
SVP Range	(6.0 to < 7.0)
Education	Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

There are 10 recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:
Experimental Mechanic; Tool Builder; Engineering Model Maker; Model Builder (Furniture); Mock-Up Builder; Model Maker (Clock and Watch); Sample Maker, Appliances; Model Maker (Automobile Manufacturing); Model Maker, Firearms; Prototype Model Maker

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.

For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship website.

Interests

Interest code: RIC

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.

Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Work Values

Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Related Occupations

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51-2031.00	Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
51-4032.00	Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4081.00	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4194.00	Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages (2008)	$19.55 hourly, $40,670 annual
Employment (2006)	9,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016)	Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
Projected need (2006-2016)	2,000 additional employees

State & National

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data and 2006-2016 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.

Summary Report for: 51-4061.00 - Model Makers, Metal and Plastic