51-9161.00Apprenticeship

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Manufacturing
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADDassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
  • Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
  • Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
  • Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
  • Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
  • Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
  • Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
  • Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
  • Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
  • Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
  • Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
  • Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
  • Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
  • Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
  • Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
  • Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
  • Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
  • Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
  • Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
  • Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
  • Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
  • Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
  • Control coolant systems.
  • Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
  • Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
  • Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.
  • Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.

Skills

Operation and Control
78%
Operations Monitoring
78%
Monitoring
66%
Critical Thinking
66%
Quality Control Analysis
60%
Troubleshooting
53%
Active Listening
53%
Complex Problem Solving
53%
Speaking
50%
Time Management
50%
Repairing
50%
Equipment Maintenance
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Reading Comprehension
47%
Systems Analysis
47%
Active Learning
47%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Systems Evaluation
47%
Coordination
47%
Mathematics
44%
Equipment Selection
44%
Instructing
44%
Writing
41%
Learning Strategies
41%
Operations Analysis
38%
Management of Personnel Resources
35%
Programming
28%
Installation
28%
Negotiation
25%
Service Orientation
25%
Persuasion
22%
Technology Design
19%
Management of Material Resources
16%
Science
16%
Management of Financial Resources
13%

Knowledge

Mathematics
79%
Production and Processing
76%
Mechanical
70%
English Language
58%
Engineering and Technology
57%
Education and Training
53%
Design
52%
Administration and Management
50%
Computers and Electronics
49%
Physics
39%
Administrative
36%
Personnel and Human Resources
35%
Customer and Personal Service
32%
Chemistry
31%
Public Safety and Security
28%
Psychology
24%
Economics and Accounting
24%
Communications and Media
22%
Sales and Marketing
21%
Transportation
21%
Law and Government
18%
Building and Construction
17%
Telecommunications
16%
Sociology and Anthropology
11%
Philosophy and Theology
11%
History and Archeology
9%
Foreign Language
9%
Geography
9%
Therapy and Counseling
8%
Biology
7%
Medicine and Dentistry
6%
Fine Arts
4%
Food Production
3%

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Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness
69%
Near Vision
69%
Problem Sensitivity
66%
Information Ordering
66%
Reaction Time
63%
Control Precision
63%
Hearing Sensitivity
60%
Visualization
56%
Auditory Attention
56%
Finger Dexterity
56%
Oral Comprehension
56%
Manual Dexterity
56%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Deductive Reasoning
53%
Category Flexibility
53%
Multilimb Coordination
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Trunk Strength
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Rate Control
53%
Oral Expression
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Depth Perception
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Written Comprehension
50%
Speed of Closure
50%
Number Facility
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Far Vision
47%
Fluency of Ideas
47%
Static Strength
47%
Wrist-Finger Speed
47%
Written Expression
47%
Response Orientation
47%
Mathematical Reasoning
44%
Time Sharing
44%
Memorization
44%
Originality
44%
Sound Localization
41%
Extent Flexibility
38%
Stamina
35%
Speed of Limb Movement
31%
Dynamic Strength
31%
Peripheral Vision
28%
Spatial Orientation
28%
Gross Body Coordination
28%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Night Vision
19%
Glare Sensitivity
19%
Explosive Strength
13%
Dynamic Flexibility
6%

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
90%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
82%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
77%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
75%
Handling and Moving Objects
71%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
71%
Getting Information
71%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
71%
Working with Computers
70%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
69%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
67%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
65%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
64%
Processing Information
61%
Performing General Physical Activities
58%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
57%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
57%
Analyzing Data or Information
56%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
56%
Documenting/Recording Information
55%
Training and Teaching Others
55%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
54%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
52%
Coaching and Developing Others
49%
Scheduling Work and Activities
46%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
46%
Thinking Creatively
46%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
46%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
46%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
45%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
43%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
42%
Developing and Building Teams
34%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
33%
Assisting and Caring for Others
30%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
28%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
22%
Performing Administrative Activities
21%
Selling or Influencing Others
18%
Staffing Organizational Units
13%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
10%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

100%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

95%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

90%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

85%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

82%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

81%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

81%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

78%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

77%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

76%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

76%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

75%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

75%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

74%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

73%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

70%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

69%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

63%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

63%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

62%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

60%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

60%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

58%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

57%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

52%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

50%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

46%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

45%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

43%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

40%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

40%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

39%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

38%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

36%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

35%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

34%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

31%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

30%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

27%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

23%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

22%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

17%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

17%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

16%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

15%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

14%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

12%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

9%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

7%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

7%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

7%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

7%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

6%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

6%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

6%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

4%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

3%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

48%

Post-secondary certificate

21%

Some college, no degree

17%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

90

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

74

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

30

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

7

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

2

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
86%
Dependability
77%
Cautiousness
59%
Achievement Orientation
42%
Stress Tolerance
35%
Adaptability
27%
Self-Confidence
27%
Integrity
25%
Intellectual Curiosity
25%
Perseverance
22%
Self-Control
22%
Initiative
20%
Cooperation
14%
Innovation
10%
Sincerity
2%
Humility
0%

Work Values

Support
67%
Independence
39%
Relationships
33%
Working Conditions
33%
Achievement
22%
Recognition
22%

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