Machine Tool Operators may:

Lift the workpiece by hand or with the aid of a hoist and place and secure it in a holding fixture

Load an automatic machine feeding device

Start the machine

Engage the feed and observe the operation of the machine

Verify that workpieces are being machined to specifications using instruments such as preset comparators, fixed gages, calipers, or micrometers

Move controls to adjust the machine

Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches

Operate a bench grinder to sharpen tools

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

Machine Tool Operators usually work in production departments or tool rooms of factories or in tool shops. They work independently, but under the close supervision of the job setter. They usually work in well lighted, well ventilated areas.

Machine Tool Operators must wear safety goggles, protective clothing, and steel-toed shoes to protect themselves from flying or falling objects. They wear earplugs if they work around noisy machines.

Most work a 5-day, 40-hour week, but some shops require shift work and overtime to meet production requirements.

Many Operators need to have their own set of hand tools, such as calipers, micrometers, and protractors. However, these may be supplied by some individual employers. Many are members of unions and are required to pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature

• Activities which involve the use of machines, presses, or methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Coordinate the use of eyes/hands/fingers accurately to perform a task

• Move your fingers and handle small objects rapidly and accurately

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

• Visualize how flat drawings or pictures would look as solid objects

• Repeat activities/tasks according to a routine procedure or sequence

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A certain drill press is supposed to drill a hole that is 30% of the way through the material. If the piece of metal that is being used is 6 inches thick, how deep should the hole be?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Despite everyone's best efforts, however, accidents do sometimes occur. If you are involved in any accident while at work, report it to your supervisor immediately.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any malfunctions that may have occurred with the machinery.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide on a way to complete your job even if the machinery starts to malfunction.

Good physical health is required, since work involves a great deal of standing, lifting, and carrying of machine cutters and parts. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to begin on-the-job training.

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH, 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

029 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Manufacturing Technology prepare students for one or more occupations in manufacturing. The cluster of courses provides for occupational competence which can be applied to many job titles in manufacturing.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

049 MACHINE TOOL OPERATION/ SHOP

Approved vocational education programs in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Shop prepare students to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. Programs may also train individuals in the use of one machine. Instruction is given in calculating dimensions; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gages; machining and heat-treating various metals; and in laying out machine parts.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this programs.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

219 MACHINE TOOL TECH . & OPERATION

Programs in Machine Tool Technology and Operation provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment as a machinist.

Courses may vary from school to school but may include:

Experience may be gained in high school vocational education programs in machine tool operation/machine shop or manufacturing technology. Students can learn to use tools and equipment, read blueprints, and practice shop safety. These skills are important for acceptance into an on-the-job training program after graduation.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Machine Tool Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Machine Tool Operator employer

community service work with an agency

To find a job as a Machine Tool Operator, apply directly to factories or machine shops. Job openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. Assistance in locating a job may be available from high school or vocational school placement offices or from a local office of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

Earnings of Machine Tool Operators vary according to the type of machine operated, the size and geographic location of the employer, and the extent of unionization.

Nationally, median weekly earnings of metalworking and plastic-working Machine Tool Operators were $557 in2005.

In Michigan, Production Machine Tool Operators hourly wages(2005) were:

In late2005, Production Machine Tool Operators working in the automobile industry earned between $18.56 and $25.83 per hour. In addition, these workers received a cost-of-living allowance.

The 2004 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan who are working in jobs related to this occupation earned an estimated beginning average of $9.91 per hour in 2005.

Some employers offer supplemental income such as incentive production allowances, shift premiums, cost-of-living allowances, and profit sharing plans.

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits for Machine Tool Operators may include paid vacations, life and medical insurance, paid holidays, and a pension plan. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Individuals usually begin as trainees. After several months of training, they advance to Operator positions. With experience, Operators may advance to positions as skilled Machine Tool Operators, set-up operators, inspectors, machinists, or supervisors. Advancement of a Machine Tool Operator to set-up operator or machinist depends on further education or training. Promotion to supervisory-level jobs is based on individual ability, initiative, and work record.

Nationally, there were about 97,400 Machine Tool Operators and Setters employed in 2004 About 20% of this total were Machine Tool Operators exclusively. Employment is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.. Some openings will occur to replace workers who transfer to other jobs, retire, or die.

The number of openings may fluctuate greatly from year to year because of changes in economic conditions. Production may be stopped or restricted when demand drops for products that use machine metal parts.

More Operators will be needed when metalworking industries expand their output. The use of automatic and numerically controlled machine tools will result in greater output per worker and will tend to limit the less-skilled jobs.

There were about 11,025 Machine Tool Operators and Setters in Michigan. Nearly all worked in the manufacturing industry, making durable goods such as fabricated metal products, transportation equipment, and machinery.

Employment of Machine Tool Operators and Setters is expected to decline in Michigan through the year 2012. An average of 300 openings per year is expected, with most due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur to replace those who transfer to other jobs or occupations. A limited number of employment opportunities for Machine Tool Operators are expected due to the increasing use of unmanned combination machine tools. Those Operators familiar with numerical control (nc) and computer numerical control (cnc) will have an advantage over other job seekers.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOY MENT OUTL OOK TO 2002- 2012

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.