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Am I Suited For This Job?

Machinists must be mechanically inclined and have:

  • strong attention to detail
  • ability to communicate complicated technical ideas with precision and clarity
  • good physical mobility and ability to lift heavy objects
  • ability to handle production pressures calmly
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • math skills
  • problem-solving skills

You usually work indoors in machine shops or manufacturing plants. The work environment can be noisy and dirty. Hazards include physical injuries due to machinery-related accidents, hearing damage from noise and sickness caused by exposure to toxic lubricants or coolants. The increased use of enclosed, automated equipment has reduced the risk of such injuries and removed much of the noise and dirt created in traditional machine shops and plants.

You are required to stand for most of the work day and your work may involve repetitive tasks. You may be required to lift moderately heavy objects but modern shops and factories now employ autoloaders and overhead cranes that reduce lifting.

Sources:  WorkBC Career Profiles & Career Cruising