Occupation Details
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
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Interests
Realistic
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.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$33,880.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$40,040.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$50,510.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,070
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,350
+28 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
150
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
School Programs information is not available for this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Band saws
- Belt conveyors
- C clamps
- Centrifugal casting machines
- Cleaning scrapers
- Combination squares
- Compressing machines
- Computer terminals
- Continuous casting machines
- Depth gauges
- Desktop computers
- Dial calipers
- Die casting machines
- Digital micrometers
- Drying oven units
- Extrusion blow molding machines
- Forklifts
- Foundry mold boxes
- Foundry molding flasks
- Grease guns
- Grinding machines
- Hand ladles
- Holding clamps
- Industrial platform scales
- Injection molding machines
- Melting kettles
- Propane torches
- Protractors
- Pulverizers
Technology
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Inventory control software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- measure, weigh, or count products or materials
- make independent judgment in assembly procedures
- attach or mark identification onto products or containers
- monitor the quantity of assembly output
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read technical drawings
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- operate centrifugal casting machine
- perform safety inspections in manufacturing or industrial setting
- examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- move or fit heavy objects
- load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products
- mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
- perform repetitive tasks in assembly setting
- construct molds
- precision cast patterns, molds, or dies
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Construct or form molds for use in casting clay or plaster objects, using plaster, fiberglass, rubber, casting machines, patterns, or flasks.
- Pour, pack, spread, or press plaster, concrete, or other materials into or around models or molds.
- Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
- Brush or spray mold surfaces with parting agents or insert paper into molds to ensure smoothness and prevent sticking or seepage.
- Engrave or stamp identifying symbols, letters, or numbers on products.
- Assemble, insert, and adjust wires, tubes, cores, fittings, rods, or patterns into molds, using hand tools and depth gauges.
- Clean, finish, and lubricate molds and mold parts.
- Separate models or patterns from molds and examine products for accuracy.
- Set the proper operating temperature for each casting.
- Load or stack filled molds in ovens, dryers, or curing boxes, or on storage racks or carts.
- Align and assemble parts to produce completed products, using gauges and hand tools.
- Operate and adjust controls of heating equipment to melt material or to cure, dry, or bake filled molds.
- Select sizes and types of molds according to instructions.
- Patch broken edges or fractures, using clay or plaster.
- Withdraw cores or other loose mold members after castings solidify.
- Trim or remove excess material, using scrapers, knives, or band saws.
- Repair mold defects, such as cracks or broken edges, using patterns, mold boxes, or hand tools.
- Measure and cut products to specified dimensions, using measuring and cutting instruments.
- Smooth surfaces of molds, using scraping tools or sandpaper.
- Measure ingredients and mix molding, casting material, or sealing compounds to prescribed consistencies, according to formulas.
- Remove excess materials and level and smooth wet mold mixtures.
- Operate molding machines that compact sand in flasks to form molds.
- Place forms around models and separately immerse each half portion of a model in plaster, wax, or other mold-making materials.
- Verify dimensions of products, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, vernier gauges, or protractors.
- Bore holes or cut grates, risers, or pouring spouts in molds, using power tools.
- Locate and scribe parting lines on patterns, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, squares, or depth gauges.
- Tap or tilt molds to ensure uniform distribution of materials.