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Occupation AtlasFoundry Mold and Coremakers

O*NET · 51-4071.00

Foundry Mold and Coremakers

Make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.

Also called Airset Caster · Airset Molder · Bond Runner · Core Baker · Core Drier · Core Machine Operator · Core Maker · Core Microarchitect
36 more

Core Oven Tender · Core Paster · Core Piler · Core Rescuer · Core Setter · Core Stacker · Core Sticker · Core Stripper · Coremaker · Dry Molder · Dry Sand Molder · Foundry Finisher · Foundry Mold Assembly and Shake Out Worker · Foundry Molder · Foundry Tender · Foundry Worker · Golf Club Head Former · Green Sand Molder · Hand Coremaker · Hand Former · Hand Spring Former · Mold Capper · Mold Closer · Mold Finisher · Mold Maker · Mold Operator · Mold Tooling Tech · Mold Tooling Technician (Mold Tooling Tech) · Molder · No Bake Molder · Pattern Molder · Sand Cutter · Sand Cutter Operator · Sand Molder · Sweep Molder · Wax Pattern Coater

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Sewing Machine Operators

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.82
  • C Conventional3.50
  • I Investigative2.27
  • A Artistic2.14
  • S Social1.05
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma36%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent64%
Related work experience
None (56%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (36%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (28%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Monitoringbasic3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Operations Monitoring3.02.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Time Management2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Operation and Control2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Complex Problem Solving2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Speakingbasic2.61.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Active Learningbasic2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Quality Control Analysis2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Coordination2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
  • Social Perceptiveness2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Instructing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Troubleshooting2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Writingbasic2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Service Orientation2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Equipment Selection2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Negotiation2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Equipment Maintenance2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Systems Analysis2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.8
  • Management of Material Resources1.80.8
  • Operations Analysis1.60.8
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

9 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Clean and smooth molds, cores, and core boxes, and repair surface imperfections.4.7
  2. Position patterns inside mold sections, and clamp sections together.4.6
  3. Position cores into lower sections of molds, and reassemble molds for pouring.4.6
  4. Sift and pack sand into mold sections, core boxes, and pattern contours, using hand or pneumatic ramming tools.4.6
  5. Sprinkle or spray parting agents onto patterns and mold sections to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.4.5
  6. Form and assemble slab cores around patterns, and position wire in mold sections to reinforce molds, using hand tools and glue.4.5
  7. Move and position workpieces, such as mold sections, patterns, and bottom boards, using cranes, or signal others to move workpieces.4.4
  8. Cut spouts, runner holes, and sprue holes into molds.4.3
  9. Lift upper mold sections from lower sections, and remove molded patterns.4.3
Show the other 4
  1. Tend machines that bond cope and drag together to form completed shell molds.4.6
  2. Pour molten metal into molds, manually or with crane ladles.4.4
  3. Rotate sweep boards around spindles to make symmetrical molds for convex impressions.4.4
  4. Operate ovens or furnaces to bake cores or to melt, skim, and flux metal.4.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English Language3.42.9
  • Mechanical3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Education and Training3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Production and Processing3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administration and Management3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Physics3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Design3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Chemistry3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Public Safety and Security3.02.6
  • Administrative2.82.7
  • Building and Construction2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Mathematics2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Customer and Personal Service2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Economics and Accounting2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing2.61.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Psychology2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Transportation2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Computers and Electronics2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Law and Government2.11.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Foreign Language2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and Theology2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Telecommunications2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Geography1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Biology1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Fine Arts1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • History and Archeology1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and Counseling1.7—
  • Food Production1.6—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Trunk Strength3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Static Strength3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Finger Dexterity3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Multilimb Coordination3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Near Vision3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Reaction Time3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Auditory Attention3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Information Ordering3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Selective Attention3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Category Flexibility2.92.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Dynamic Strength2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Far Vision2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Oral Expression2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Rate Control2.92.6
  • Stamina2.92.8
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speech Recognition2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Depth Perception2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Inductive Reasoning2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Speech Clarity2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Flexibility of Closure2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Gross Body Coordination2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Explosive Strength2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Response Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Time Sharing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Written Comprehension2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Fluency of Ideas2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Originality2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Closure2.02.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Written Expression2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.80.8
  • Sound Localization1.80.8
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Night Vision1.50.5

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Handling and Moving Objects4.46.0Level 7 looks like: Load boxes on an assembly line
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.34.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Getting Information3.73.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
Show all 41
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.32.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.22.6
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others2.92.1Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.61.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge2.52.7
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.41.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.31.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Thinking Creatively2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.11.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.80.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.7—
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.7—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.7—
  • Working with Computers1.70.7Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.5—
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.5—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.9
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.7
  • Spend Time Standing4.6
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3

Technology

6 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Other tools (4)
  • CNC Software Mastercam
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Machine control software
  • PTC Creo Parametric

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
  2. Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  3. Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
  4. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  5. Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
  6. Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  7. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  8. Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
  9. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  10. Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.