Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4192
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

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

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Computer aided design CAD software, Coordinate measuring machines CMM, Dial indicators, Digital hardness testers, Digital height gauges, Digital micrometers, Drafting compasses

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Tool and Die Makers
• Patternmakers, Wood
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.