Careers in Manufacturing

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Equipment Manufacturing Careers
Production Laborer

Machine Operator

Assemblers
Machinists
Straightening Press Operator
Electricians
Machinery Mechanics/Maintenance Technician
Welders & Cutters
Tool & Die Maker
Packers
Truck Driver

Electrical Sub Assembly 


Production Laborers
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Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

Type of Work:
  Perform general duties of Production and Processing, such as working with raw materials, waste, quality control, costs, and techniques for maximizing the manufacture and distribution of goods.

T
ools Used: TBD according to assignment

Primary Job Functions:

  • Product Inspection - Inspecting and evaluating the quality of products.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively with others in writing as indicated by the needs of the audience.

Job Skills:

  • Dexterous

  • Flexible
  • Lift Objects
  • Coordinated
  • Work over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Job Titles:

  • General Labor

  • Workers

Starting Wage: $19,000

Senior Wage: $33,800

Job Growth Outlook: 12%

Degree Needed: High School/Entry Level

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net where information was gathered. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar.


Machine Operator
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Operates machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials.

Type of Work: Sets up and operates power driven bar shear, punch press, angle straightening press, pipe bender, and metal roller to cut and shape metals into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.

Tools Used:
Shearing machine, punch press, straightening press, pipe bender, metal roller, floor operated overhead crane, measuring tools, hand tools, and dies.

Primary Job Functions:

  • Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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

  • Product Inspection - Inspecting and evaluating the quality of products.

  • Testing - Conducting tests to determine whether equipment, software, or procedures are operating as expected.

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

  • Problem Identification - Identifying the nature of problems.

Job Skills:

  • Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.

  • Static Strength - The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Information Ordering - The ability to correctly follow a given rule or set of rules in order to arrange things or actions in a certain order.

  • 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.

  • Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Job Titles: Machine setters and tenders

Starting Wage: $20,000

Senior Wage: $34,000

Job Growth Outlook:  13%

Degree Needed: High School/Specialized Training

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar: Utility Operator


Assemblers
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Fits parts together

Type of Work:

Assemblers and fabricators produce a wide range of finished goods from manufactured parts or subassemblies. Intricate manufactured products include aircraft, automobile engines, computers, and electrical and electronic components.  As the U.S. manufacturing sector continues to evolve in the face of growing international competition and changing technology, the nature of assembly and fabrication will change along with it. Team assemblers, the largest specialty, accounted for 55 percent of assembler and fabricator jobs.

Tools Used: Hands

Primary Job Functions:

  • Good eyesight, with or without glasses, is required for assemblers and fabricators who work with small parts.

  • Manual dexterity and the ability to carry out complex, repetitive tasks quickly and methodically also are important.

Job Titles: Fabricators

Starting Wage: $ 18,000

Senior Wage: $ 30,000

Job Growth Outlook:  15% - Slow Growth

Degree Needed:  A high school diploma is preferred.  This is generally an entry-level employee. The ability to do accurate work at a rapid pace and to follow detailed instructions are key job requirements. Applicants need specialized training for some assembly jobs.

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar.


Machinists
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Type of Work:
  Sets up and operates machine shop tools performing all operations possible on the particular machine. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. Production machinists work with complex computer numerically controlled (CNC) cutting machines. They produce large quantities of one part, especially parts requiring the use of complex operations and great precision. Frequently, machinists work with computer-control programmers to determine how the automated equipment will cut a part.  Machinist use their knowledge of the working properties of metals and their skill with machine tools to plan and carry out the operations needed to make machined products that meet precise specifications.

Tools Used: Floor operated overhead crane and all machines including gauges, hand tools, cutting tools etc.

Primary Job Functions:

  • Sets up and operates several machine shop tools such as small turret lathe, engine lathe, radial drills, etc.

  • Review blueprints or written specifications for a job.

  • Calculate where to cut or bore into the workpiece (the piece of metal that is being shaped).

  • Calculate how fast to feed the metal into the machine.

  • Calculate how much metal to remove.

  • Select tools and materials for the job, plan the sequence of cutting and finishing operations, and mark the metal stock to show where cuts should be made.
  • Performs various hand operations.
  • Performs moderately complex two-dimensional layout work.
  • Operates machine by manipulating levers, hand wheels, engaging power as required, using appropriate fixtures, jigs, and attachments to perform necessary operations, and lubricates machine as needed.

Job Titles:

  • CNC Vertical Machining Center Operator

  • Drill Operator

  • Engine Lathe Operator

  • General Machinist

  • Horizontal Boring Mill (Computer Controlled) Operator

  • Hydraulic Cylinder Assemblyman

  • Internal & External Grinder Operator

  • Large Turret Lathe Operator

  • Milling Machine Operator

  • Radial Drill Press Operator

  • Small Parts Finishing

  • Small Turret Lathe Operator

  • Tool crib attendant and sharpener

  • Tool Crib Dispatcher

  • Upright Drill Press Operator

  • Production Machinist

Starting Wage: $ 18,720

Senior Wage: $ 45,500

Job Growth Outlook:  Slower than Average 10%

Degree Needed:  A high school degree is preferred. School courses in mathematics, blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting are highly recommended

Machinists train in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, and in high schools, vocational schools, or community or technical colleges. Experience with machine tools such as machine setters, operators, or tenders is helpful. Persons interested in becoming machinists should be mechanically inclined, able to work independently, and able to do highly accurate work that requires concentration and physical effort.

Apprenticeship programs consist of shop training and related classroom instruction. In shop training, apprentices work almost full time, and are supervised by an experienced machinist while learning to operate various machine tools. Classroom instruction includes math, physics, blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, and quality and safety practices. In addition, as machine shops have increased their use of computer-controlled equipment, training in the operation and programming of CNC machine tools has become essential.

To boost the skill level of machinists and to create a more uniform standard of competency, a curriculum incorporating national skills standards developed by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is being implemented nation wide through vocational institutions and colleges. A NIMS credential is granted to trainees, providing formal recognition of competency in a metalworking field. Completing a recognized certification program provides a machinist with better career opportunities.

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar: Machinist


Straightening Press Operator
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Type of Work: Sets up and operate 200+ ton hydraulic press to straighten parts burned on the gas-cutting ripping machine.

Primary Job Functions:

In general, these workers can be separated into two groups—those who set up machines for operation and those who tend the machines during production. Setup workers prepare the machines prior to production and may adjust the machinery during operation. Operators and tenders, on the other hand, primarily monitor the machinery during operation, sometimes loading or unloading the machine or making minor adjustments to the controls. Many workers both set up and operate equipment. Because the setup process requires an understanding of the entire production process, setters usually have more training and are more highly skilled than those who simply operate or tend machinery. As new automation simplifies the setup process, however, less skilled workers also are increasingly able to set up machines for operation.

Setters, operators, tenders, and setup operators usually are identified by the type of machine with which they work. Some examples of specific titles are drilling and boring machine tool setters, milling and planning machine tenders, and lathe and turning-machine tool operators. Job duties usually vary based on the size of the firm and on the type of machine being operated. Although some workers specialize in one or two types of machinery, many are trained to set up or operate a variety of machines. Newer production techniques require machine operators to rotate between, and be proficient with, different machines. The rotating of assignments allows workers more varied work, but also requires them to have a wider range of skills.

Metalworking-machine setters and operators set up and tend machines that cut and form all types of metal parts. Traditionally, setup workers plan and set up the sequence of operations according to blueprints, layouts, or other instructions. They adjust speed, feed, and other controls; choose the proper coolants and lubricants; and select the instruments or tools for each operation. Using micrometers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments, they also may compare the completed work with the tolerance limits stated in the specifications.

Tools Used: Hydraulic straightening 200+ ton press, floor operated overhead hoist, ordinary hand and measuring tools, hooks, hitches, chains, dies, cutting torch, torch tips, torch lighter.

Job Skills: 

  • Product Inspection - Inspecting and evaluating the quality of products.

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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

  • Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Job Titles:  Machine Setter & Tender

Starting Wage: $15,900

Senior Wage:  $36,000

Job Growth Outlook:  Expected to decline

Degree Needed:  High School

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar: Straightening Press Operator


Electricians
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Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. They also may install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry. Although most electricians specialize in either construction or maintenance, a growing number do both.

Type of Work:

Electricians must follow the National Electric Code and comply with State and local building codes when they install these systems. In factories and offices, they first place conduit (pipe or tubing) inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas. They also fasten to the wall small metal or plastic boxes that will house electrical switches and outlets. They then pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between these boxes. In lighter construction, such as residential, plastic-covered wire usually is used instead of conduit.

Regardless of the type of wire used, electricians connect it to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components. They join the wires in boxes with various specially designed connectors. After they finish the wiring, they use testing equipment, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes, to check the circuits for proper connections, ensuring electrical compatibility and safety of components.

In addition to wiring a building's electrical system, electricians may install coaxial or fiber optic cable for computers and other telecommunications equipment. A growing number of electricians install telephone systems, computer wiring and equipment, street lights, intercom systems, and fire alarm and security systems. They also may connect motors to electrical power and install electronic controls for industrial equipment.

Maintenance work varies greatly, depending on where the electrician is employed. Electricians who specialize in residential work may rewire a home and replace an old fuse box with a new circuit breaker to accommodate additional appliances. Those who work in large factories may repair motors, transformers, generators, and electronic controllers on machine tools and industrial robots. Those in office buildings and small plants may repair all types of electrical equipment.

Maintenance electricians spend much of their time in preventive maintenance. They periodically inspect equipment, and locate and correct problems before breakdowns occur. Electricians may also advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous. When needed, they install new electrical equipment. When breakdowns occur, they must make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible in order to minimize inconvenience. Electricians may replace items such as circuit breakers, fuses, switches, electrical and electronic components, or wire.

Tools Used: 

  • Hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, knives, and hacksaws.

  • Power tools and testing equipment such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, and test lamps.

  • Blueprints when installing electrical systems.  Blueprints indicate the locations of circuits, outlets, load centers, panel boards, and other equipment

Starting Wage:   $22,000

Senior Wage:  $66,000

Job Growth Outlook:  About average

Degree Needed:  High school degree required. Most people learn the electrical trade by completing a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship gives trainees a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the trade and generally improves their ability to find a job.

The typical large apprenticeship program provides at least 144 hours of classroom instruction each year, and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over the course of the apprenticeship. In the classroom, apprentices learn blueprint reading, electrical theory, electronics, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first aid practices. They also may receive specialized training in welding, communications, fire alarm systems, and cranes and elevators. On the job, under the supervision of experienced electricians, apprentices must demonstrate mastery of the electrician's work. At first, they drill holes, set anchors, and set up conduit. Later, they measure, fabricate, and install conduit, as well as install, connect, and test wiring, outlets, and switches. They also learn to set up and draw diagrams for entire electrical systems.

High school courses in mathematics, electricity, electronics, mechanical drawing, science, and shop provide a good background. Special training offered in the Armed Forces and by postsecondary technical schools also is beneficial. All applicants should be in good health and have at least average physical strength. Agility and dexterity also are important.

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar.


Machinery Mechanics/Maintenance Technician
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Repair and maintain machinery

Type of Work: Performs variety of complex activities related to electrical and mechanical maintenance, repair, service and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems and equipment, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and equipment.

Tools Used: Analog multimeter, digital multimeter, impact wrenches, air wrenches and welding equipment

Primary Job Functions:

  • Inspect, repair and adjust circuitry and machinery including relays, automatic doors, motors, power rails, pumps, air touch sensors, propulsion and braking systems, drawbridge equipment and hydraulic systems using circuit diagrams, schematics and blueprints.
  • Diagnose system failures and equipment malfunctions through analysis of system components, power sources and vehicle control panels; utilize special tools and equipment to include, but not limited to, analog multimeter, digital multimeter, impact wrenches, air wrenches and welding equipment as required.
  • Follow a predetermined schedule of preventive maintenance to ensure proper functioning of all related equipment and machinery.
  • Assist in servicing building elevators as required.

Starting Wage:  $18,000

Senior Wage:  $46,000

Job Growth Outlook:  10%

Degree Needed: High School & Specialized Training

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar.


Welders & Cutters
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Type of Work: Lays out, assembles, tacks, and performs various types of production welding work on small, medium and or large weldents using hand and semi-automatic welding equipment.

Tools Used: AC and DC welding machines, semi-automatic welding equipment, stud welder, five-ton capacity floor operated overhead cranes or hoists, welding jigs, burning torch, various measuring and marking devices, ordinary hand tools, portable power tools, belt grinder, gauges, blueprints, etc.

Primary Job Functions:

  • Interprets blue prints to determine welding requirement such as size and type electrode, size fillet, location weld, type of weld.
  • Indicates through supervision the correction of errors by design and industrial engineering departments.
  • Lays out, marks, and with the aid of floor hoist, obtains, positions, and assembles pieces according to the drawing and/or jig, tack welds and trims as required to fit within allowable tolerances.
  • Selects voltage and/or amperage on AC or DC welding machines for various thicknesses of materials and sets wires speeds and gas volume.
  • Welds, following accepted procedures, performing flat, vertical or overhead singular and multiple pass work, cleaning between passes, and repositions, turns or rolls weldent or jig as required to efficiently complete job.
  • Installs and aligns wire on reel changes nozzle tips as needed.
  • Uses torch to heat, bend, or straighten materials when required.
  • Performs forgoing operations to ordinary tolerances with the maximum utilization of materials

Job Titles:

  • Container
  • Fitter
  • Fitter Cabs & Tanks
  • Fitter Container Assembler
  • Frame Positioner
  • Large Frame Positioner
  • Large Weldent
  • Mast Rail
  • Robot Operator
  • Small Weldent, Fitter/Hydraulic Tubes
  • Submerged Arc Welder
  • Trainee

Starting Wage:  $18,000

Senior Wage:  $58,000

Job Growth Outlook:  10-20% Growth faster than average. Job prospects should be excellent.

Degree Needed:  High school degree required.

Training ranges from a few weeks of school or on-the-job training for low-skilled positions to several years of combined school and on-the-job training for highly skilled jobs.

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar: Welding


Tool & Die Maker
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Produce tools, dies, and special guiding and holding devices enabling machines to manufacture products.

Type of Work: Toolmakers craft precision tools that are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials. They also produce jigs and fixtures (devices that hold metal while it is bored, stamped, or drilled) and gauges and other measuring devices. Die makers construct metal forms (dies) that are used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. They also make metal molds for die-casting and for molding plastics, ceramics, and composite materials. In addition to developing, designing and producing new tools and dies, these workers also may repair worn or damaged tools, dies, gauges, jigs, and fixtures.

Tools Used:

  • Machine Tools

  • Precision Measuring Instruments

  • Tool and die makers must be familiar with machining properties, such as hardness and heat tolerance, of a wide variety of common metals and alloys.

  • Tool and die makers are knowledgeable in machining operations, mathematics, and blueprint reading. In fact, tool and die makers often are considered highly specialized machinists.

  • Tool and die maker trainees learn to operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, spindles, and other machine tools. They also learn to use hand tools for fitting and assembling gauges, and other mechanical and metal-forming equipment. In addition, they study metalworking processes, such as heat treating and plating.

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) to develop products and parts.

  • Numerical tool and process control programmers use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs to convert electronic drawings into computer programs that contain a sequence of cutting tool operations.

  • Tool and die makers are trained in both operating CNC machines and writing CNC programs, and they may perform either task.

Starting Wage:  $25,000

Senior Wage:  $68,000

Job Growth Outlook:  Jobseekers with the appropriate skills and background should enjoy excellent opportunities.

Degree Needed:  Most tool and die makers train for 4 or 5 years in apprenticeships or postsecondary programs; employers typically recommend a formal apprenticeship training.

Classroom training usually consists of mechanical drawing, tool designing, tool programming, blueprint reading, and mathematics courses, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic statistics. Tool and die makers increasingly must have good computer skills to work with CAD technology and CNC machine tools.

Because tools and dies must meet strict specifications—precision to one ten-thousandth of an inch is common—the work of tool and die makers requires a high degree of patience and attention to detail. Good eyesight is essential. Persons entering this occupation also should be mechanically inclined, able to work and solve problems independently, and capable of doing work that requires concentration and physical effort.

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar.


Packers
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Material moving workers are categorized into two groups: operators and laborers.

Operators use machinery to move construction materials, earth, petroleum products, and other heavy materials. Generally, they move materials over short distances—around a construction site, factory, or warehouse. Some move materials on or off trucks and ships. Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials. They may also set up and inspect equipment, make adjustments, and perform minor repairs when needed.

Laborers and hand material movers manually handle freight, stock, or other materials; clean vehicles, machinery, and other equipment; feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment; and pack or package products and materials.

Type of Work: The work tends to be repetitive and physically demanding. They may lift and carry heavy objects, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in awkward positions. Some work at great heights, or outdoors in all weather conditions.

Tools Used:  Forklift, packaging materials

Job Titles:

  • Industrial truck and tractor operators

  • Crane and tower operators

  • Hoist and winch operators

  • Conveyor operators and tenders

  • Laborers and hand freight, stock, and material

  • Hand packers and packagers

Primary Job Function:  Have a good sense of balance, distance judgment, and eye-hand-foot coordination. For those jobs that involve dealing with the public, such as grocery store courtesy clerks, workers should be pleasant and courteous.

Starting Wage: $16,000

Senior Wage:  $38,000

Job Growth Outlook:  20% through 2010
Job openings should be numerous because the occupation is very large.  Material movers held about 5 million jobs in 2000.  More than 44 percent of all material movers worked in transportation, public utilities, wholesale trade, or retail trade industries. Another 26 percent worked in manufacturing.

Degree Needed:  Some employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma, but most simply require workers to be at least 18 years old and physically able to perform the work. Most material moving jobs require no work experience or specific training. For those jobs requiring physical exertion, employers may require that applicants pass a physical exam.

Most jobs require reading and basic mathematics skills to read procedures manuals, billing, and other documents. Mechanical aptitude and high school training in automobile or diesel mechanics are helpful because workers may perform some maintenance on their equipment.

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar.


Truck Drivers
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Truck drivers deliver the products a manufacturer produces, such as automobiles, engines, parts, computer chips etc. The trucking industry offers pickup and delivery of manufactured goods from suppliers to manufacturer, from warehouses to distributors etc. 

Type of Work:

There are different ways to classify drivers: local and interstate. Local drivers provide daily deliveries and more often have a specific route. Interstate drivers drive throughout the country. An interstate driver assignment’s change according to what they are transporting.

Heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers drive trucks or vans with a capacity of at least 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). They transport goods including cars, livestock, and other materials in liquid, loose, or packaged form. Many routes are from city to city and cover long distances. Some companies use two drivers on very long runs—one drives while the other sleeps in a berth behind the cab. "Sleeper" runs may last for days, or even weeks, usually with the truck stopping only for fuel, food, loading, and unloading.

Some heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers who have regular runs transport freight to the same city on a regular basis. Other drivers perform unscheduled runs because shippers request varying service to different cities every day. Dispatchers tell these drivers when to report for work and where to haul the freight. Increasingly, trucking companies use automated routing equipment to track goods during shipment.

Long-distance heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers spend most of their working time behind the wheel, but may load or unload their cargo after arriving at the final destination. This is especially common when drivers haul specialty cargo, because they may be the only one at the destination familiar with procedures or certified to handle the materials. Auto-transport drivers, for example, drive and position cars on the trailers and head ramps at the manufacturing plant and remove them at the dealerships. When picking up or delivering furniture, drivers of long-distance moving vans hire local workers to help them load or unload.

Light or delivery services truck drivers drive trucks or vans with a capacity under 26,000 GVW. They deliver or pick up merchandise and packages within a specific area. This may include short "turnarounds" to deliver a shipment to a nearby city, pick up another loaded truck or van, and drive it back to their home base the same day. These services may require use of delivery tracking or location software to track the whereabouts of the merchandise or packages. Light or delivery services truck drivers usually load or unload the merchandise at the customer's place of business. They may have helpers if there are many deliveries to make during the day, or if the load requires heavy moving. Typically, before the driver arrives for work, material handlers load the trucks and arrange items in order of delivery to minimize handling of the merchandise. Customers must sign receipts for goods and pay drivers the balance due on the merchandise if there is a cash-on-delivery arrangement. At the end of the day, drivers turn in receipts, money, records of deliveries made, and any reports on mechanical problems with their trucks.

Primary Job Function:

  • Checking the fuel and oil levels in their trucks, inspecting brakes, windshield wipers, lights, making sure a fire extinguisher and flares are on board, along with other safety equipment.

  • Deliver  their cargo to and from their destination.  Drivers are also responsible to report equipment that is inoperable, missing, or loaded improperly to the dispatcher.

Tools Used:

  • Driver's license issued by the State in which they live, and most employers require a clean driving record.

  • Obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) from the State in which they live for drivers of trucks designed to carry at least 26,000 pounds—including most tractor-trailers, as well as bigger straight truck, as well as all truck drivers who operate trucks transporting hazardous materials, regardless of truck size.

Light Truck Drivers

  • Starting: $13,700

  • Senior: $42,700

Heavy Truck Drivers

  • Starting: $20,000

  • Senior: $45,000

Job Growth Outlook:  Above average growth with lots of competition 10-20%. This occupation has among the largest number of job openings each year.

Degree Needed:  A commercial driver's license is required to operate most larger trucks.

Many firms require that drivers be at least 22 years old, be able to lift heavy objects, and have driven trucks for 3 to 5 years. Many prefer to hire high school graduates and require annual physical examinations. Companies have an economic incentive to hire less-risky drivers because good drivers can increase fuel economy with their driving skills and decrease liability costs for the company.

Taking driver-training courses is a desirable method of preparing for truck driving jobs and for obtaining a commercial driver's license. High school courses in driver-training and automotive mechanics also may be helpful. Many private and public vocational-technical schools offer tractor-trailer driver training programs.

The main physical requirements include good hearing, at least 20/40 vision with glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers can not be colorblind. Drivers must be able to hear a forced whisper in one ear at not less than 5 feet, with a hearing aide if needed. Drivers must have normal use of arms and legs and normal blood pressure. Drivers cannot use any controlled substances, unless prescribed by a licensed physician.

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar.


Electrical Sub Assembly 
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Type of Work: Builds electrical wiring harnesses and wires instruments panels, generator sets, container and spreader attachments and plug in electrical accessory package.

Tools Used:  Wire spool racks, hot cart, benches, wire cutters, pliers, strippers, hand tools, volt meter, ohm meter, vise, air tools, soldering iron etc.

Primary Job Function:

  • Trouble shoots electrical problems and repair as needed.
  • Performs electrical wiring and installation of various components on all types of plant-manufactured machinery.
  • Wires generators sets
  • Wiring for AC and DC current
  • Installs and wires plug-in accessory packages
  • Wires special attachments
  • Installs and wires computers to regulate functions of machinery.
  • Builds up instrument panels and wiring harnesses.
  • Interprets wiring diagrams, vendor installation instructions, sketches, and verbal instructions.
  • Works with design and/or industrial engineering departments in developing and/or modifying electrical wiring and layout.

Starting Wage:  $19,000

Senior Wage:  $27,000

Job Growth Outlook:  Slower than average 10%

Degree Needed:  High School & Specialized Training

More Career Info: The following link will take you to America's Career Info Net. You will be able to find Wage and Occupational trends for this career or a career very similar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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