4 Key Attributes Machinists Need To Succeed In Their Career

by Jacob Brown

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. They may also also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

The core tasks that machinists are likely to carry out include:

Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools to perform precision machining operations.

In order to successfully forge ahead with their careers, analysts in a survey carried out by U.S. Department of Labor (via O*NET) have marked out the following as important attributes that machinists would need. These attributes have been selected from characteristics and requirements strongly associated with the occupation. They are

Abilities: Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance
Interests: Preferences for work environments. Occupational Interest Profiles (OIPs) are compatible with Holland's (1985, 1997) model of personality types and work environments. Six interest categories are used to describe the work environment of occupations: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. An OIP consists of six numerical scores indicating how descriptive and characteristic each work environment (or interest area) is for an occupation
Knowledge: Organized sets of principles and facts applying in general domains
Skills: These include basic skills, which are developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge. Plus cross-functional skills, which are developed capacities that facilitate performance of activities that occur across jobs
Style: Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job

We have listed out attributes which were scored 80% or more in terms of importance by the analysts.

Having a strong preference for realistic work environments. 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.
Attribute Type: Interests Score: 100%

Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 92.4%

Being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 87.4%

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Attribute Type: Knowledge Score: 85.2%