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An internet presentation of the Occupational Outlook Handbook plus related career guidance information

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 | All Occupations

The section of the ocouha website contains the text of the 2004-05 Occupational Outlook Handbook. This information is no longer being updated. For more recent information, start at the ocouha homepage www.ocouha.com.

Metal workers and plastic workers

  • Computer-control programmers and operators
    • Workers learn in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, and in secondary, vocational, or postsecondary schools; many entrants have previously worked as machinists or machine setters, operators, and tenders.
    • Job opportunities should be excellent, as employers are expected to continue to have difficulty finding qualified workers.
  • Machine setters, operators, and tenders — metal and plastic
    • Machine setters, operators, and tenders — metal and plastic operate powerful, high-speed machines that can be dangerous if strict safety rules are not observed.
    • A few weeks of on-the-job training is sufficient for most workers to learn basic machine operations, but several years are required to become a highly skilled operator or setter.
    • Overall employment growth in the various machine setter, operator, and tender occupations will be slower than average, although employment trends among these occupations will diverge over the 2002-12 period.
  • Machinists
    • Machinists learn in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, and in high schools, vocational schools, or community or technical colleges.
    • Many entrants previously have worked as machine setters, operators, or tenders.
    • Job opportunities are expected to be excellent.
  • Tool and die makers
    • Most tool and die makers train for 4 or 5 years in apprenticeships or postsecondary programs; employers typically recommend apprenticeship training.
    • Jobseekers with the appropriate skills and background should enjoy excellent opportunities and very high earnings.
  • Welding, soldering, and brazing workers
    • Job prospects should be excellent.
    • 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.
  • Metal workers and plastic workers, all other

See the Occupational Outlook Handbook in print.