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Career Exploration

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

Also called: Layout Inspector, Layout Man, Layout Technician (Layout Tech), Layout Worker

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
  • Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
  • Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • mechanical

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • using math to solve problems
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Cooperation
  • Persistence

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Procedure management software

  • Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS
  • Optical Gaging Products Measure-X

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $58,260

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.