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51-4192.00 - Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic


Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
13,400
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
10,700
Estimate
Change in Employment
-2,700
Estimate
Change in Employment %
-20.1%
Estimate
Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
  • Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
  • Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
  • Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
  • Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
  • Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
  • Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
  • Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
  • Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
  • Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.
Supplemental
  • Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding.
  • Add dimensional details to blueprints or drawings made by other workers.
  • Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
  • Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
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Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
 Mathematics
  • 81%
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 Design
  • 76%
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
 Mechanical
  • 70%
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
 Production and Processing
  • 67%
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
 English Language
  • 66%
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 Engineering and Technology
  • 66%
    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.
 Building and Construction
  • 66%
    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
 Administration and Management
  • 66%
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
 Computers and Electronics
  • 62%
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 Education and Training
  • 61%
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
 Customer and Personal Service
  • 59%
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
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Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Indicating and recording instruments
  • Coordinate measuring machines CMM
 Length and thickness and distance measuring instruments
  • Dial indicators
  • Digital height gauges
  • Digital micrometers
  • Gauge block sets
  • Measurement calipers
  • Parallel blocks
  • Rulers
 Metals and metallurgy and structural materials testing instruments
  • Digital hardness testers
 Drafting supplies
  • Drafting compasses
  • Drafting dividers
  • Protractors
 Power tools
  • Electric saws
 Cutting and crimping and punching tools
  • Hand drills
  • Punches
 Electronic and communication measuring and testing instruments
  • Optical comparators
 Lifting equipment and accessories
  • Power hoists
  • Wheeled forklifts
 Marking tools
  • Scribes
 Welding machinery
  • Stick welding machines
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
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Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Industry specific software
  • Autodesk AutoCADHOT
  • Computer aided design CAD softwareHOT
 Data management and query software
  • Data entry softwareHOT
 Business function specific software
  • Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Microsoft OfficeHOT
  • Optical Gaging Products Measure-X
 Content authoring and editing software
  • Microsoft ExcelHOT
  • Microsoft PowerPointHOT
  • Microsoft WordHOT
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
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Certifications
FastForward at Virginia's Community Colleges is a short-term training program for high-demand industries, like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades and infrastructure, helping Virginians get the jobs and salaries they need. Our goal is to get you trained, help you earn your certification, and get you into a career that can support you and your family. Explore the latest training program offerings by visiting FastForward
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
 Core
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
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Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
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Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
INSTITUTION
PROGRAMS
Tidewater Community College
 Programs
Virginia Peninsula Community College
 Programs