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Metalworking Machine Operators
What they do?
Metalworking machine operators perform some or all of the following duties:
A. May clean or lubricate equipment and replace parts as required.
B. Read specifications or follow verbal instructions
C. Lay out, set up and operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machines such as shears, power presses, saws, plate rolls, drills, brakes, slitters, punch presses, computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, and other hand tools to cut, bend, rol
D. Operate machines or equipment which weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together
E. Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications
F. Troubleshoot and perform corrective action or minor repairs
G. May select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist
H. May document work completed
I. May build staging or erect scaffolding as required for heavy metalworking jobs
Where they find work?
1. Fabricated metal product manufacturing - 33.0%
2. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing - 23.0%
3. Machinery manufacturing - 12.0%
4. Primary metal manufacturing - 10.0%
5. Wholesale trade - 6.0%
What education do I need?
1. You must have some high school education.
2. You usually receive on-the-job training.
3. You may need previous experience as a labourer or helper.
4. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a supervisor or a structural metal fabricator.
5. Most recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Machine Shop
4. Industry Arts (Metalworking)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Metalworking Machine Operators is $16.42/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the processing, manufacturing and utilities sector and are close to the average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
7% of Metalworking Machine Operators are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Metalworking Machine Operators is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an above-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($16.42) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (7%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be above average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be below average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Metalworking Machine Operators are found inOntario and Manitoba while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (42%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Drawings/blueprints
2. Detail/precision work
3. Communication skills
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
1% of Metalworking Machine Operators are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 56,700 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 67% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average influenced by a similar-to-average age of workers (40).
