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Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
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.
Other titles employers use
Development Mechanic · Layout Fabricator · Layout Fitter · Layout Inspector · Layout Man · Layout Mechanic · Layout Technician (Layout Tech) · Layout Worker
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
Subjects to know
- Mathematics
- Design
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
Useful strengths
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Problem Sensitivity
- Manual Dexterity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.3 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 4.3 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.6 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.3 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 65%
- A certificate or some college 26%
- A two-year degree 9%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Procedure management software
- Inventory management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 2,320
- Job openings each year
- 230
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 1.3%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 2,320 | 230 | 1.3% |
| Washington | 750 | 80 | 4.2% |
| Georgia | 200 | 20 | 11.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 180 | 20 | 5.9% |
| Texas | 180 | 20 | — |
| Alabama | 170 | 20 | — |
| Maine | 170 | 20 | — |
| Michigan | 160 | 10 | −5.9% |
| Maryland | 130 | 10 | 18.2% |
| Missouri | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Indiana | 70 | 10 | — |
| Tennessee | 70 | 10 | — |
| Louisiana | 50 | 10 | — |
| Ohio | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| New Jersey | 40 | 0 | −20.0% |
| Wisconsin | 40 | 0 | — |
| South Carolina | 30 | 0 | — |
| Colorado | 20 | 0 | — |
| New Hampshire | 20 | 0 | — |
| North Carolina | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
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