51-9194.00Apprenticeship

Etchers & Engravers

Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.

Career Cluster:Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Retail Trade
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Technology Tools

Adobe IllustratorMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Windows

Key Tasks

  • Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.
  • Engrave and print patterns, designs, etchings, trademarks, or lettering onto flat or curved surfaces of a wide variety of metal, glass, plastic, or paper items, using hand tools or hand-held power tools.
  • Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.
  • Prepare workpieces for etching or engraving by cutting, sanding, cleaning, polishing, or treating them with wax, acid resist, lime, etching powder, or light-sensitive enamel.
  • Use computer software to design patterns for engraving.
  • Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.
  • Adjust depths and sizes of cuts by adjusting heights of worktables, or by adjusting machine-arm gauges.
  • Expose workpieces to acid to develop etch patterns such as designs, lettering, or figures.
  • Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs, or patterns to be engraved.
  • Neutralize workpieces to remove acid, wax, or enamel, using water, solvents, brushes, or specialized machines.
  • Examine engraving for quality of cut, burrs, rough spots, and irregular or incomplete engraving.
  • Transfer image to workpiece, using contact printer, pantograph stylus, silkscreen printing device, or stamp pad.
  • Set reduction scales to attain specified sizes of reproduction on workpieces, and set pantograph controls for required heights, depths, and widths of cuts.
  • Remove wax or tape from etched glassware by using a stylus or knife, or by immersing ware in hot water.
  • Start machines and lower cutting tools to beginning points on patterns.
  • Guide stylus over template, causing cutting tool to duplicate design or letters on workpiece.
  • Position and clamp workpieces, plates, or rollers in holding fixtures.
  • Print proofs or examine designs to verify accuracy of engraving, and rework engraving as required.
  • Determine machine settings, and move bars or levers to reproduce designs on rollers or plates.
  • Remove completed workpieces and place them in trays.
  • Clean and polish engraved areas.
  • Insert cutting tools or bits into machines and secure them with wrenches.
  • Sandblast exposed areas of glass to cut designs in surfaces, using spray guns.
  • Sketch, trace, or scribe layout lines and designs on workpieces, plates, dies, or rollers, using compasses, scribers, gravers, or pencils.
  • Fill etched characters with opaque paste to improve readability.
  • Brush or wipe acid over engraving to darken or highlight inscriptions.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
53%
Operations Monitoring
53%
Monitoring
53%
Speaking
50%
Operation and Control
50%
Active Listening
50%
Quality Control Analysis
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
47%
Time Management
44%
Social Perceptiveness
44%
Troubleshooting
41%
Complex Problem Solving
41%
Equipment Maintenance
41%
Coordination
38%
Active Learning
35%
Instructing
31%
Equipment Selection
31%
Writing
31%
Service Orientation
31%
Learning Strategies
31%
Repairing
28%
Persuasion
28%
Management of Personnel Resources
28%
Technology Design
28%
Mathematics
25%
Systems Analysis
25%
Negotiation
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Operations Analysis
22%
Programming
16%
Science
3%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Production and Processing
79%
Customer and Personal Service
61%
Mechanical
51%
Design
51%
Administration and Management
49%
Mathematics
46%
Computers and Electronics
44%
Engineering and Technology
43%
English Language
42%
Administrative
34%
Chemistry
34%
Fine Arts
33%
Education and Training
32%
Sales and Marketing
30%
Communications and Media
23%
Personnel and Human Resources
23%
Law and Government
22%
Public Safety and Security
21%
Telecommunications
16%
Foreign Language
15%
Transportation
15%
Economics and Accounting
13%
Physics
8%
Psychology
6%
Philosophy and Theology
5%
History and Archeology
4%
Geography
4%
Building and Construction
4%
Biology
2%
Sociology and Anthropology
1%
Therapy and Counseling
1%
Food Production
0%
Medicine and Dentistry
0%

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Abilities

Near Vision
72%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
69%
Control Precision
69%
Oral Comprehension
60%
Oral Expression
56%
Finger Dexterity
56%
Selective Attention
56%
Manual Dexterity
56%
Speech Clarity
53%
Visualization
53%
Problem Sensitivity
53%
Speech Recognition
53%
Deductive Reasoning
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Written Comprehension
50%
Information Ordering
50%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Multilimb Coordination
47%
Far Vision
44%
Flexibility of Closure
44%
Visual Color Discrimination
44%
Originality
41%
Trunk Strength
41%
Written Expression
41%
Rate Control
41%
Reaction Time
38%
Depth Perception
38%
Hearing Sensitivity
31%
Extent Flexibility
31%
Static Strength
31%
Stamina
28%
Time Sharing
28%
Gross Body Equilibrium
28%
Memorization
28%
Response Orientation
28%
Auditory Attention
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Dynamic Strength
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Speed of Closure
25%
Number Facility
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Spatial Orientation
16%
Sound Localization
13%
Night Vision
13%
Explosive Strength
13%
Peripheral Vision
13%
Glare Sensitivity
13%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
79%
Controlling Machines and Processes
74%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
68%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
67%
Handling and Moving Objects
66%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
66%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
65%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
64%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
64%
Thinking Creatively
63%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
62%
Analyzing Data or Information
61%
Processing Information
61%
Working with Computers
61%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
60%
Performing General Physical Activities
56%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
56%
Training and Teaching Others
56%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
56%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
56%
Scheduling Work and Activities
54%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
54%
Documenting/Recording Information
54%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
51%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
49%
Assisting and Caring for Others
49%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
48%
Coaching and Developing Others
43%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
43%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
40%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
37%
Developing and Building Teams
37%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
37%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
35%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
35%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
35%
Selling or Influencing Others
34%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
33%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
32%
Performing Administrative Activities
29%
Staffing Organizational Units
16%

Work Context

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

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

98%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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

86%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

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

85%

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?

85%

Exposed to Contaminants

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

81%

Time Pressure

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

81%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

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

80%

Freedom to Make Decisions

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

77%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

74%

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?

67%

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?

66%

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?

60%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

60%

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?

59%

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?

59%

E-Mail

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

58%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

54%

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?

54%

Consequence of Error

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

51%

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?

51%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

50%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

49%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

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

49%

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?

48%

Physical Proximity

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

46%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

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

45%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

45%

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?

44%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

44%

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.)

42%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

41%

Level of Competition

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

40%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

39%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

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

33%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

32%

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?

31%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

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

30%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

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

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?

29%

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)?

28%

Conflict Situations

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

25%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

25%

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?

22%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

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

20%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

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

17%

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)?

15%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

10%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

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

8%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

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

8%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

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

6%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

5%

Public Speaking

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

5%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

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

4%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

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

4%

Outdoors, Under Cover

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

2%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

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

1%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

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

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

54%

Less than high school diploma

33%

Associate's degree

13%

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

97

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

43

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,

38

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

26

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.

5

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

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
92%
Dependability
69%
Cautiousness
66%
Achievement Orientation
37%
Perseverance
33%
Integrity
21%
Self-Control
20%
Innovation
18%
Intellectual Curiosity
16%
Self-Confidence
14%
Stress Tolerance
14%
Adaptability
4%
Initiative
2%
Sincerity
1%

Work Values

Support
56%
Independence
50%
Relationships
50%
Working Conditions
31%
Achievement
28%
Recognition
28%

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