Construction, Production, and Mechanical

• Employment is expected to decline rapidly over the next 10 years, despite increased demand for semiconductor products.
• Opportunities will be best for applicants who have an associate degree in a relevant subject and work experience in high-tech manufacturing.
• Although applicants may face competition, many skills learned in this occupation are transferable to other high-tech manufacturing jobs.

• About 69 percent are employed in manufacturing establishments.
• Although a high school diploma is sufficient for the basic testing of products, complex precision-inspecting positions are filled by experienced workers.
• Employment is expected to decline slowly.

• Workers usually acquire their skills through a formal apprenticeship program or through on-the-job training.
• Licensure is required in many States and is a prerequisite for many job openings.
• Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average, and applicants may face competition for jobs.

• Overall employment is projected to experience little or no change over the next decade, but job prospects are expected to be excellent for qualified applicants as many workers retire.
• Several years of classroom and on-the-job training are required to become fully qualified.
• Familiarity with computers and a basic understanding of science and math are helpful for those entering the field.

• Most printing machine operators are trained on the job.
• Retirements among older press operators are expected to create openings for skilled workers.
• Rising demand for customized print jobs will mean those skilled in digital printing operations will have the best job opportunities.

• Employment is expected to decline rapidly, reflecting the use of more productive machinery and the growth of electronic media.
• Opportunities for hand bookbinders are limited because of the declining demand for this highly specialized work and the resulting decline in the number of establishments that do this work.
• Most bookbinders and bindery workers train on the job.

• The tool and die makers career is one of the highest paid and most highly skilled production occupations.
• Most tool and die makers need 4 or 5 years of classroom instruction and on-the-job training to become fully qualified.
• Employment is projected to decline moderately, but job opportunities should be excellent, as many employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants.

• Machinists learn their job skills in apprenticeship programs, informally on the job, in vocational high schools, and in community or technical colleges.
• Many entrants previously have worked as machine setters, operators, or tenders.
• Employment is projected to decline slowly, but job opportunities are expected to be good.

Key Points

• Employment is projected to grow 27 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Excellent job opportunities are expected.
• Employers generally prefer applicants with an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering; a bachelor’s degree often is needed for advancement.
• Repairers may be on-call around the clock in case of emergencies.

Key Points

• Employment is expected to decline slowly.
• Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of electronics, certification, formal training, and repair experience.
• Workers qualify for these jobs by receiving training in electronics from associate degree programs, the military, vocational schools, equipment manufacturers, or employers.