BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasModel Makers, Metal and Plastic

O*NET · 51-4061.00

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

Also called Aircraft Mockup Builder · Appliances Sample Maker · Auto Manufacturing Model Maker · Auto Manufacturing Model Maker (Automotive Manufacturing Model Maker) · Clock and Watch Model Maker · CNC Machinist · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Operator
48 more

CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) · CNC Programmer · CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) · Dioramist · Display Maker · Engineering Model Maker · Fabricator · Firearms Model Maker · Fluorescent Lighting Model Maker · Form Builder · Injection Mold Tech · Injection Mold Technician (Injection Mold Tech) · Injection Mold Tooling Tech · Injection Mold Tooling Technician (Injection Mold Tooling Tech) · Jig and Fixture Builder · Mandrel Maker · Metal Mockup Maker · Metal Model Builder · Metal Model Maker · Mockup Builder · Mockup Maker · Model Builder · Model Maker · Model Maker Machinist · Model Tech · Model Technician (Model Tech) · Modeler · Mold Tooling Tech · Mold Tooling Technician (Mold Tooling Tech) · Molding Tech · Molding Technician (Molding Tech) · Pattern Finisher · Plastic Jig and Fixture Builder · Plastic Modeler · Process Mold Tech · Process Mold Technician (Process Mold Tech) · Product Builder · Prototype Fabricator · Prototype Model Maker · Prototype Special Build · Prototyper · Scale Model Maker · Template Maker · Tool Builder · Tool Maker · Tooling Tech · Tooling Technician (Tooling Tech) · Welding Prototype Operator

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Job Zone

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

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

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 Realistic6.86
  • C Conventional4.03
  • I Investigative2.91
  • A Artistic2.66
  • 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.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent41%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate38%
  • Some College Courses16%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (40%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (44%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (42%)

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.

  • Operation and Control3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Quality Control Analysis3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Troubleshooting3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Equipment Selection3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Repairing2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Active Listeningbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Equipment Maintenance2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Mathematicsbasic2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Speakingbasic2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Active Learningbasic2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Coordination2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Writingbasic2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Operations Analysis2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Social Perceptiveness2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Systems Analysis2.31.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Technology Design2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Instructing1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Persuasion1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Negotiation1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.9
  • Sciencebasic1.60.8
  • Service Orientation1.50.6
  • Installation1.1—

Tasks

13 core · 3 supplemental

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

  1. Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.4.5
  2. Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.4.3
  3. Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.4.3
  4. Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.4.2
  5. Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.4.2
  6. Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.4.1
  7. Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.4.1
  8. Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.4.0
  9. Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.3.9
  10. Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.3.9
  11. Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.3.9
  12. Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.3.5
Show the other 4
  1. Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.3.5
  2. Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.3.8
  3. Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.3.0
  4. Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.2.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.34.6Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Design3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Production and Processing3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Engineering and Technology3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Computers and Electronics2.93.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Sales and Marketing2.72.6
  • Customer and Personal Service2.61.9Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
Show all 33
  • English Language2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Education and Training2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Administration and Management2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Administrative2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Building and Construction2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Transportation1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Chemistry1.82.6
  • Physics1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Economics and Accounting1.51.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Public Safety and Security1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Communications and Media1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Fine Arts1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Psychology1.3—
  • Telecommunications1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Foreign Language1.1—
  • Geography1.1—
  • Law and Government1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.0—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Visualization3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger Dexterity3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Information Ordering3.53.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Written Comprehension3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
  • Deductive Reasoning3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem Sensitivity3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Reaction Time3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Multilimb Coordination3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Selective Attention3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category Flexibility3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Expression3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Rate Control3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Static Strength3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Written Expression3.02.6
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Response Orientation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speech Clarity2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Speech Recognition2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.92.6Level 3 looks like: Carve roast beef in a cafeteria
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.6
  • Depth Perception2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Originality2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Number Facility2.52.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Speed of Closure2.32.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Explosive Strength2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Glare Sensitivity1.80.8
  • Peripheral Vision1.80.8
  • Sound Localization1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Night Vision1.60.6
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.44.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.15.6
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Getting Information3.82.9
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Thinking Creatively3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.65.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.32.9
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.22.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Processing Information3.02.7
  • Working with Computers3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.82.6
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.72.8
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.32.6
  • Training and Teaching Others2.22.6
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Coaching and Developing Others1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing and Building Teams1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.5—
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.3—
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.1—

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
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Spend Time Standing4.6
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.5
  • Time Pressure4.2
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.9
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks3.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals3.5

Technology

5 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 (3)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (2)
  • CNC Software Mastercam
  • PTC Creo Parametric

Related occupations

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

  1. Tool and Die Makers
  2. Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
  3. Machinists
  4. Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
  5. Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
  6. Model Makers, Wood
  7. Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
  8. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
  10. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except 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.