Occupation

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

Human Advantage 62%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.4 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.

Also Known As: Aircraft Lay Out Worker, Bellmaker, Development Mechanic, Dimensional Inspector, Duplicator, Hangersmith, Lay-Out Worker, Layout Fabricator +21 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
  2. Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
  3. Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
  4. Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
  5. Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
  6. Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
  7. Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
  8. Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
  9. Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.

Supplemental Tasks (5)

  1. Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
  2. Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding.
  3. Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications.
  4. Add dimensional details to blueprints or drawings made by other workers.
  5. Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: 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.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
60%
Some College Courses
15%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
12%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
9%
Less than a High School Diploma
5%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Software (9)

  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Optical Gaging Products Measure-X

Tools & Equipment (20)

  • Coordinate measuring machines CMM
  • Dial indicators
  • Digital hardness testers
  • Digital height gauges
  • Digital micrometers
  • Drafting compasses
  • Drafting dividers
  • Electric saws
  • Gauge block sets
  • Hand drills
  • Measurement calipers
  • Optical comparators
  • Parallel blocks
  • Power hoists
  • Protractors
  • Punches
  • Rulers
  • Scribes
  • Stick welding machines
  • Wheeled forklifts

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Production & Automation Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 1
Sewing Machine Operators 78% match
Zone 2
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic You are here
Zone 3
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic 94% match
Zone 4
Biomass Power Plant Managers 79% match
Zone 5
Microsystems Engineers 75% match

Resume Builder

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Real Talk

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