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

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.

1. Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.

2. Set up and operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws to fabricate prototypes or models.

3. Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.

4. Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.

5. Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

6. Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.

7. Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.

8. Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.

9. Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.

10. Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.

11. Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.

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.

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.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

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.

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.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Model Makers, Metal and Plastic. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Model Makers, Metal and Plastic, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$35,270 for entry level workers, and $54,680 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Least Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 320 Model Makers, Metal and Plastic employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 280  employed in NY. This represents a decrease of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 10 job openings each year.

Machine setters, operators, and tenders?metal and plastic - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

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Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

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