Tool and Die Maker

Welders join metal parts together using various welding techniques including MIG, TIG, stick welding, and flux-cored processes. The work spans construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, pipeline, and repair industries. Welders read blueprints, calculate dimensions, inspect structures for defects, select appropriate materials and methods, prepare metal surfaces, operate welding equipment, and verify weld quality through visual inspection and testing. Advanced positions involve welding exotic metals, working on pressure vessels, or performing structural work requiring certification to specific codes. Work environments vary dramatically—from climate-controlled fabrication shops to outdoor construction sites, underwater structures, and confined spaces. Physical demands include prolonged positioning, exposure to heat and fumes, and wearing protective equipment. Career advancement includes specialized certifications, inspection roles, and welding engineering positions.

Industrial machinery mechanics maintain, repair, and install manufacturing equipment, production machinery, and automated systems in factories, plants, and industrial facilities. The work encompasses diagnosing mechanical failures through observation, testing, and computerized diagnostics; disassembling machinery to replace worn components; aligning and calibrating equipment to manufacturer specifications; reading technical manuals and blueprints; and performing preventive maintenance to avoid costly breakdowns. Modern industrial mechanics must understand programmable logic controllers (PLCs), hydraulic and pneumatic systems, conveyor mechanisms, robotics, and computerized maintenance management systems. They work on diverse equipment ranging from CNC machines and packaging lines to material handling systems and industrial robots. The role requires troubleshooting skills to identify root causes when equipment fails, mechanical aptitude to understand how complex systems function, and the dexterity to work in tight spaces with precision tools. Industrial mechanics often work in manufacturing environments with noise, temperature extremes, and safety hazards requiring proper protective equipment.

CNC machinists operate computer numerically controlled machine tools to cut, shape, and finish metal and plastic parts with extreme precision. The work involves programming CNC machines using G-code or CAM software; setting up machines with correct tooling, fixtures, and workholding devices; interpreting technical drawings and blueprints to understand part specifications; selecting appropriate cutting tools and determining optimal speeds and feeds; monitoring machining operations and making real-time adjustments; measuring finished parts using precision instruments like micrometers, calipers, and coordinate measuring machines; troubleshooting machine issues and performing routine maintenance; and maintaining quality control throughout production runs. CNC machinists work with materials including aluminum, steel, titanium, brass, and various plastics to create components for aerospace, automotive, medical device, and manufacturing industries. The role requires strong mathematical skills, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail measured in thousandths of an inch, and the ability to visualize three-dimensional parts from two-dimensional drawings.

Millwrights install, maintain, repair, and relocate industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in factories, power plants, and construction sites. The work involves reading blueprints and technical diagrams to plan equipment layouts; using precision measuring instruments to align and level machinery; installing conveyor systems, turbines, pumps, and production equipment; connecting power supplies and integrating control systems; troubleshooting mechanical failures and performing repairs; dismantling and relocating equipment when facilities reconfigure; welding, fabricating, and machining components as needed; and ensuring all installations meet safety codes and specifications. Millwrights work with everything from small precision instruments to massive industrial equipment weighing hundreds of tons, requiring expertise in rigging, crane operation, and precision alignment. The role demands broad mechanical knowledge, physical strength and stamina, problem-solving ability, and the precision to achieve alignments measured in thousandths of an inch.