CRAFTS OR INDUSTRIAL
PROCESSES?
COMPARING JOB DESCRIPTIONS OF THE
STANDARD OCCUPATIONAL
CLASSIFICATION (SOC).
27 June 2014
Report prepared by María Teresa Plaza MSc and Dr Pat Reynolds MBA
1
Table of contents
I.
Executive summary .................................................................... 3
II.
Introduction and objectives ........................................................ 5
III.
What are the SOC codes? ............................................................ 6
IV.
Jobs related to ceramics in the SOC2010 .................................... 9
V.
Defining heritage crafts ............................................................. 10
VI.
Methodology .............................................................................. 11
VII.
Problems and
considerations for future research .............................................. 13
VIII.
IX.
Job descriptions ......................................................................... 14
Appendix 1.
Table 3: List of jobs (SOC2010) .................................................. 50
X.
Appendix 2.
Minor groups definitions (SOC2010) ........................................... 53
2
I. Executive summary
The aim of this research was to look at descriptions of the job
titles listed in the SOC2010 to check and compare the degree of skill of
each job in order to identify those activities that could be consider crafts
(in opposition to industrial production).
Our purpose was to identify those jobs that should be included in
the scope of the HCA as heritage or traditional crafts, in order to
improve the support and advocacy to them, and so that heritage crafts
could be easily identified by those producing statistical reports on the
workforce. This is an exploratory research and as a start point we
focused on 275 jobs related to ceramic production.
The Standard Occupational Classification (or "SOC") classifies jobs
based on their skill level and skill content. It defines four skill levels (or
"SL"):

Fourth skill level: are ‘professional’ occupations and high level
managerial positions in corporate enterprises or national/local
government.

Third skill level: requires a body of knowledge associated with a
period of post-compulsory education but not normally to degree level.

Second skill level: requires the knowledge provided via a good
general education (first level), but they have a longer period of workrelated training or work experience.

First skill level: equates with the competence associated with a
general education and it requires a basic training.
We used the following definition of "heritage craft" to differentiate
between crafts and industrial processes (see section V below). Craft
practice will include some or all of the following features: a)
understanding and engagement with materials; b) the application of
haptic skills and hand-controlled tools; c) the honing of skills learned
over time; d) one-off or relatively small batch rather than mass
3
production; e) maker involvement with the conception, design and
aesthetics of the finished product and f) cultural embedding of finished
product.
The boundary with industrial activities, characterised by large
scale, production line and mechanised processes, is given by the level of
skills, the knowledge of and the level of engagement with materials.
The descriptions of 42 jobs were compared and analysed. Of the
total descriptions studied, we identify:
 10 jobs that may be considered crafts
 2 may be considered pre-industrial processes (also considered as
heritage crafts)
 17 part of industrial processes.
 13 were not very clear and may be either crafts or an industrial
process, depending on the scale and/or production process.
In general, results indicate that jobs described as crafts or
industrial processes probably include all the skill levels proposed in the
SOC, from the most professionals (4° SL) to the most basic activities (1°
SL).
However, some problems became evident during this research:

Some job descriptions are easier to find than others

Different industries use same job titles

Some titles are very specific and we were unable to properly
understand the function.

Because of the difficulty to finding some descriptions, we were
unable to estimate the time need to find all the descriptions

Some descriptions could be considered to encompass jobs both in
crafts and in parts of an industrial process
Based on the above, we suggest future research in this area can
only be undertaken in collaboration with specialists from the different
areas (e.g. ceramist, glass maker) both to find the adequate
descriptions and have a better understanding of each job; and also to
4
create the descriptions for those jobs that because of their specificity,
have none yet.
II. Introduction and objectives
The aim of this research was to look at descriptions of the job
titles listed in the SOC2010 to check and compare the degree of skill of
each job in order to identify those activities that could be consider crafts
(in opposition to industrial production).
Our purpose was to identify those jobs that should be included in
the scope of the HCA as heritage or traditional crafts, in order to
improve the support and advocacy to them, and so that heritage crafts
could be easily identified by those producing statistical reports on the
workforce.
Because the information obtained from the SOC classification is
used by the government to establish and monitor policies, it is
important to be able identify the craft activities among them, which may
need different treatment and consideration.
A parallel piece of research into the Standard Industrial
Classifications (SIC codes) was abandoned, as these codes were found to
be entirely product based; e.g. 26250: Jars made of ceramic
(manufacture) does not differentiate between mass-produced slip-cast
jars and jars thrown on a wheel.
This was an exploratory research and as a starting point we
focused on 275 jobs related to ceramic production. In the following
sections we will explain what the SOC codes are; define heritage crafts;
describe the method used in this research, the problems we had during
the research and some observations to be considered in future.
5
III. What are the SOC codes1?
The SOC or Standard Occupational Classification is a common
classification of occupational information, where jobs are classified
based on their skill level and skill content.
The information generated is used for career information to
labour market entrants, job matching by employment agencies and the
development of government labour market policies. The last SOC
revised was in 2010 (SOC2010).
In this context "job" is defined as "a set of tasks or duties to be
carried out by one person" and they are recognised by an associated job
title. They are classified into groups according to the concepts of ‘skill
specialisation’ and ‘skill level’:

Skill specialisation: is defined as the field of knowledge
required for competent, thorough and efficient conduct of the tasks. It
may also refer to the type of work performed (e.g. materials worked
with, tools used, etc.).

Skill level: is defined with respect to the duration of training
and/or work experience recognised in the field of employment
concerned as being normally required in order to perform the activities
related to a job in a competent and efficient manner. It may consider the
time taken to gain necessary formal qualifications or the required
amount of work-based training.
Based on the above, four skill levels are used to organise the SOC
codes:

Fourth skill level: are ‘professional’ occupations and high level
managerial positions in corporate enterprises or national/local
government, which require a degree or equivalent period of relevant
work experience.
Source: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/classifications/current-standardclassifications/soc2010/index.html (27-06-2014)
1
6

Third skill level: normally requires a body of knowledge
associated with a period of post-compulsory education but not normally
to degree level, such as technical occupations, trades occupations and
proprietors of small businesses.

Second skill level: requires the knowledge provided via a good
general education (first level), but they have a longer period of workrelated training or work experience. E.g.: machine operation, driving,
retailing; caring, clerical and secretarial occupations.

First skill level: equates with the competence associated with a
general education, usually acquired by the compulsory education and
signalled via a satisfactory set of school-leaving examination grades. It
requires a basic training. E.g.: postal workers, hotel porters, cleaners
and catering assistants.
The SOC codes are organised by four digits: "4321 + group title".
Where "4" is the major group, "3" is the sub-major group, "2" is the
minor group and "1" is the unit group. Sub-major groups organised by
skill levels are summarised in the table 1 below.
7
TABLE 1: Skill level groups (SOC2010)
Skill Level
Code
Level 4
11
Corporate managers and directors
21
Science, research, engineering and technology professionals
22
Health professionals
23
Teaching and educational professionals
24
Business, media and public service professionals
12
Other managers and proprietors
31
Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
32
Health and social care associate professionals
33
Protective service occupations
34
Culture, media and sports occupations
35
Business and public service associate professionals
51
Skilled agricultural and related trades
52
Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades
53
Skilled construction and building trades
54
Textiles, printing and other skilled trades
41
Administrative occupations
42
Secretarial and related occupations
61
Caring personal service occupations
62
Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations
71
Sales occupations
72
Customer service occupations
81
Process, plant and machine operatives
82
Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives
91
Elementary trades and related occupations
92
Elementary administration and service occupations
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Sub-major groups
8
IV. Jobs related to ceramics in the SOC2010
A total of 275 job titles are related to ceramic production2, and
they include employment at all the skill levels (Table 2). Definitions of
each minor group is given in Appendix 2.
TABLE 2: Ceramic related jobs
Skill
level
Code
4
2129
3
3422
3
5223
3
5421
3
5422
3
5441
2
8112
2
8117
2
8119
2
8123
2
8127
2
8133
2
8134
2
8139
1
9134
1
9139
Major group
Sub-major group
Minor group
N°
Professional
occupations
Associate
professional and
technical
occupations
Engineering
Professionals
Engineering professionals
n.e.c
5
Design Occupations
Product, clothing and related
designers
2
Metal Machining,
Fitting and Instrument
Making Trades
Metal working production
and maintenance fitters
2
Pre-press technicians
1
Printers
1
Skilled trades
occupations
Printing Trades
Other Skilled Trades
Process Operatives
Process, plant
and machine
operatives
Plant and Machine
Operatives
Assemblers and
Routine Operatives
Elementary
occupations
Elementary Process
Plant Occupations
Glass and ceramics makers,
decorators and finishers
Glass and ceramics process
operatives
Metal making and treating
process operatives
Process operatives n.e.c.
Quarry workers and related
operatives
Printing machine assistants
Routine inspectors and
testers
Weighers, graders and
sorters
Assemblers and routine
operatives n.e.c.
Packers, bottlers, canners
and fillers
Elementary process plant
occupations n.e.c.
Total
130
86
1
7
3
3
7
6
7
2
12
275
49% (136 jobs) belongs to the 3° skill level including occupations
classified as "skilled trade occupations" and "associate professionals and
technical occupations"; job titles of these levels are for example artists,
caster, engraver, potter, moulder, etc. These jobs are followed by those
For this research we left out those activities related to produce building or construction
materials such as cement, plaster, bricks.
2
9
of the 2° skill level that include "process, plant and machine operatives"
with 44% (120 jobs). Examples of these kind of jobs are potter's
assistant, furnace operator, clay maker, clay drier.
5% fall in the 1° skill level including "elementary occupations" (14
jobs) such as kiln drawer, emptier, gatherer, wheel turner. And just 2%
belongs to the 4° skill level with "professional occupations", including
ceramists, engineers and consultants. A complete list of the jobs
organised by codes is given in table 3 (see index 1).
V. Defining heritage crafts
To compare the degree and kinds of skill found in the SOC codes,
it was necessary to define heritage crafts. For the HCA heritage crafts
are alive and developing, they include those crafts that depend upon a
high degree of hand skill, and that have evolved over successive
generations of practice. They include craft industries where production
is skilled, they mostly make useful objects and are often local or
regional.
According to the "Mapping Heritage Craft" (2012), heritage crafts
(or "HC") involves a high degree of hand skill and produces "useful"
objects, rather than predominately machine-oriented/based activity. This
also includes industrial town-based crafts where such hand skill is still a
significant factor (small scale pre-industrial production). The hand skill
involved is often of the traditional or heritage form, or derived from
knowledge and application of that form.
HC include practices which employ manual dexterity and skill, and
an understanding of traditional materials, designs and techniques to
make or repair useful things. Practice can be disaggregated into3:
 Knowledge and understanding of the materials
 Hand skills and techniques
 Use of tools and equipment
3
Source: Towards a Definition of Heritage Craft final draft
10
 Knowledge of often traditional forms and designs
HC include products associated with material culture through the
production of aesthetic artefacts, excluding other activities such as
music, dance and traditional painting. In summary, craft practice will
include some or all of the following features4:
 Understanding and engagement with materials
 The application of haptic5 skills and hand-controlled tools
 The honing of skills learned over time
 One-off or relatively small batch rather than mass production
 Maker involvement with the conception, design and aesthetics of the
finished product
 Cultural embedding of finished product
The boundary with industrial activities, characterised by large
scale, production line and mechanised processes, is given by the level of
skills, the knowledge of and the level of engagement with materials.
VI. Methodology
To analyse the SOC classification, the first step was to identify
those jobs that were of interest for us, in this case those related to the
ceramic industry. In order to have a smaller and more specific group,
building and construction materials were not included this time;
however some overlap was observed between job descriptions related to
ceramic and brick/tile production.
Our sources were the manual "SOC2010 Volume 1: Structure and
descriptions of unit groups" and the index "SOC2010 Volume 2: The
Structure and index". These are open access documents, published on
the website of the Office for National Statistics (ONS)6.
4 Source: Mapping Heritage Crafts 2012
5
Relating to or based on the sense of touch
6
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/classifications/current-standardclassifications/soc2010/index.html (27-062014)
11
After the list of jobs was defined, we started to track the jobs
descriptions; the ONS did not possess descriptions for each job, so we
looked for them on internet7. In two days we were able to find 42 job
descriptions.
The following step was to analyse the descriptions establishing
the degree of skill and working characteristics, to see whether they
would be considered as crafts and whether they correspond to the skill
level proposed in the SOC2010.
Based on the heritage craft definitions, jobs were classified as
Crafts (activities that clearly fall into the HC definition); Industrial
subtype (or "Ind 1", jobs that may be related to the industry, but are
focused on research and materials study); Industrial (part of an
industrial process) and Pre-Industrial (jobs that occur in small scale preindustrial productions).
We used "*", this sign indicates that depending on the scale
and/or productions system used, could be craft or an industrial process.
The description is not clear enough to decide. This sign "?" indicates that
we were not sure whether the definition we found corresponds to the
job listed.
Internet references:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk
http://www.job-descriptions.org
http://pottery.about.com/od/potteryglossaryac/g/cermist.htm
http://www.mymajors.com/career
http://dot-job-descriptions.careerplanner.com
http://www.theartcareerproject.com
 http://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com
7






12
VII. Problems and considerations for future research
About job titles: We started this research with a list of 275 jobs to
define. We were able to find several job descriptions (42), but others
were very difficult to identify and define. Jobs with professional or
technical studies are easier to find, having more career descriptions
online. But those job of lower skill level, such as the elementary
occupations (1° skill level) were very specific and formal descriptions,
specifically related to ceramic manufacture, were difficult to find.
Other problem was the use of same titles for different industries;
for example, jobs titles for glass and ceramic industries sometimes
overlapped, but descriptions were specific for each material.
Moreover, some titles were very specific and we were unable to
properly understand the function they were doing or the differences
between two similar jobs (e.g. kiln placer, kiln setter).
For these reasons, we suggest future research in this area can
only be undertaken in collaboration with specialists of the different
areas (e.g. ceramist, glass maker) not just to find adequate descriptions
and have a better understanding of each job; but also to create
descriptions for those jobs that because of their specificity, have none
yet.
About timing: with the work done so far, is difficult to establish
the time needed to find and analyse the job descriptions. Mostly
because, as we already mentioned, some descriptions are very easy to
find, while others are very difficult to define.
We were able to find 42 job descriptions in two days, but those
were the easiest to find. During the first day searching, we found near
26 descriptions; but during the second day, we were able to identify
only 16. The analysis of the 42 descriptions took one day.
13
About the classification: An issue that emerged during the
classification, was that some activities described could be describing
either crafts or parts of an industrial process -depending on the scale of
production- that was not always clear in the definitions. Further
research should investigate the usage each definition, in order to better
classify these jobs. Development of the SOC coding should eliminate
conflated definitions.
VIII. Job descriptions
In this section descriptions found are presented. They are
organised following the SOC2010 codes, the complete list if given in the
appendix 1, table 3; a summary of the descriptions found here are listed
in table 5.
Descriptions were obtained from internet and further revision for
specialists in the ceramic area is recommended, in order to correct
possible mistakes or misunderstandings related to technical or very
specific concepts.
Reading at the 42 descriptions
found, we looked for those activities
that match with the heritage crafts
definition and those that would be
considered part of an industrial
process (table 4).
However, some of the
definitions were not very clear. For
example, in some cases the
activities described would be
considered as craftwork or an
industrial process depending on the
production scale, which was not
TABLE 4: Jobs classification
HCA classification N° of jobs
Craft
Craft (?)
Sub-total
Pre-ind
Ind or pre-ind
Sub-total
Ind
Ind (?)
Ind 1
Sub-total
Craft or Ind*
Craft or Ind*(?)
Sub-total
Total
7
3
10
1
1
2
9
6
2
17
12
1
13
42
SOC
Skill level
4°, 3°
3°
4°, 3°, 2°
3°, 2°, 1°
-
14
specified or mentioned.
The different possibilities were marked as follows in the left and
final column in table 5:

Crafts: activities that clearly fall into the HC definition

Pre-ind: Jobs that may correspond to small scale pre-industrial
productions.

Ind 1: Jobs that may be related to the industry, but focused on
research and materials study.

Ind: jobs that are part of an industrial process

*: This sign indicates that depending on the scale and/or
productions system used, could be craft or an industrial process. The
description is not clear enough to decide.

?: This sign indicates that we were not sure whether the definition
used corresponds to the job listed. Further corrections and
discussion about these descriptions are needed.
Of the 42 jobs descriptions, 10 were considered as crafts based
on the skill level, engagement with materials and hand control tools. For
last three of them, we have the doubt whether the description
corresponded to the job specific job. In the SOC, they are classified
within 4th and 3rd skill level (or "SL").
 Ceramist, ceramicist
(4° SL)
 Artist, ceramic artist, pottery artist
(3° SL)
 Caster
(3° SL)
 Hand moulder
(3° SL)
 Cutter (?)
(3° SL)
 Batter (?)
(3° SL)
 Potter's engraver (?)
(3° SL)
A pre-industrial production may be "flower maker". We suggest
that the description of "tile presser" could be also considered pre15
industrial process, but is more probably an industrial process. Both job
descriptions were within the 3rd skill level.
Seventeen jobs descriptions may be considered industrial
processes; in general, they involved specific tasks operating different
machines. Eleven of them were clear industrial processes for us and
their skill levels ranged from 4th to 2nd in the SOC classification. For
their descriptions, "engineer" and "ceramic engineer", were considered
as jobs that are related to the industry, but focused on research and
materials study in a scientific perspective.
 Engineer, ceramic engineer
(4° SL)
 Potter's fitter
(3° SL)
 Plate printer
(3° SL)
 Pin maker
(3° SL)
 Mixer attendant
(2° SL)
 Crusher
(2° SL)
 Clay mixer
(2° SL)
 Slaker
(2° SL)
 Clay maker
(2° SL)
 Pug mill man
(2° SL)
The following six job descriptions, nonetheless, were considered
as industrial; but we need to confirm whether the descriptions found
correspond the job listed in the SOC:
 Potter's engineer
(3° SL)
 Clay bander, bander
(3° SL)
 Moulder
(3° SL)
 Mixer
(2° SL)
 Pipe setter
(2° SL)
Thirteen job descriptions were not classified. Their descriptions
were not very precise and we think that depending on the scale and/or
the methods used in the production of the final product, they could be
considered as crafts or an industrial process:
16
 Designer, pottery designer
(3° SL)
 Block maker
(3° SL)
 Handle maker
(3° SL)
 Potter
(3° SL)
 Preparer (?)
(3° SL)
 Presser
(3° SL)
 Kiln operator
(2° SL)
 Ball mill operator
(2° SL)
 Glaze preparer
(2° SL)
 Kiln setter
(2° SL)
 Kiln drawer
(1° SL)
 Gatherer
(1° SL)
For example, in the case of the designer or pottery designer, the
description includes both exclusive design and manufacture of clay
artefacts, but also mass production of objects for the industry. In these
cases, depending on the type of work, they could be classified as a craft
production (handmade and small scale production) or as an industrial
process (design of mass production ceramic objects).
For the block makers, we found two possible descriptions; one
operating an automatic machine as "block making machine operator"
(industrial ?) and the other describing a handmade process, that may
correspond to a craft ("terra cotta mould maker").
For the "potter" description, it may clearly be considered as a
craft; however, some of the activities described could also correspond to
someone working in an industrial process, operating industrial
machines.
For the description found for "presser", we are not sure whether it
corresponds to the job listed. Further analysis of the descriptions with
specialists would be useful to clarify those uncertain cases.
In general, results indicate that jobs described as crafts or
industrial processes include all the skill levels proposed in the SOC,
from the most professionals (4° SL) to the most basic activities (1° SL).
17
TABLE 5: Job descriptions
Code
Index word
Industry
Description found
Skill level
SOC
HCA
1.
2129 - Engineering professionals n.e.c
1
2129
Ceramicist
Pottery
Ceramicist
4
Craft
2
2129
Ceramist
Pottery
Ceramicist
4
Craft
4
2129
Engineer
Pottery
Materials engineer
4
Ind. 1
Engineer, ceramics
Pottery
Materials engineer
4
Ind. 1
5
2129
2.
3422 - Product, clothing and related designers
1
3422
Designer
Pottery
Ceramic designer
3
Craft or Ind*
2
3422
Designer, pottery
Pottery
Ceramic designer
3
Craft or Ind*
3.
3
Ind (?)
3
Ind
2
5223 - Metal working production and maintenance fitters
Materials or Maintenance
5223 Engineer, potter's
Pottery
engineer (?)
5223 Fitter, potter's
Pottery
Maintenance engineer
4.
5421 - Pre-press technicians
1
5421
5.
5422 - Printers
1
Engraver, potter's
Printmaker
3
Craft (?)
(ceramics mfr)
Print production planner
1
5422
3
Ind
6.
3
Craft
2
5441 - Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers
(ceramics
5441 Artist
Fine artist
decorating)
5441 Artist, ceramic
Pottery
Fine artist
3
Craft
3
5441
Artist, pottery
Pottery
Fine artist
3
Craft
4
5441
Bander
(ceramics mfr)
Banding-Machine Operator
3
Ind (?)
5
5441
Bander, clay
Pottery
Banding-Machine Operator
3
Ind (?)
6
5441
Batter
(pottery mfr)
Batter-Out
3
Craft (?)
14
5441
Caster
(ceramics mfr)
Caster
3
Craft
20
5441
Cutter
(ceramics mfr)
3
Craft (?)
54
5441
Maker, block
(ceramics mfr)
3
Craft or Ind*
57
5441
Maker, flower
(ceramics mfr)
Cutter (x2)
Block maker machine
operator or Terra Cotta
Mould Maker
Flower pot press operator
3
Pre-ind
59
5441
Maker, handle
(ceramics mfr)
Handle maker
3
Craft or Ind*
64
5441
Maker, pin
(ceramics mfr)
Pin maker
3
Ind
78
5441
Moulder
(ceramics mfr)
Moulder Machine Tender
3
Ind (?)
80
5441
Moulder, hand
(ceramics mfr)
Hand Moulder
3
Craft
91
5441
Potter
(ceramics mfr)
3
Craft or Ind*
93
5441
Preparer
(ceramics mfr)
3
Craft or Ind*(?)
94
5441
Presser
(ceramics mfr)
Potter
Clay Preparation
Supervisor (?)
Die Presser
3
Craft or Ind*
101
5441
Presser, tile
(ceramics mfr)
Tile Presser
3
Ind or pre-ind
2
Ind
2
Ind
Ind (?)
1
Printer, plate
Pottery
7.
8112 - Glass and ceramics process operatives
4
8112
Attendant, mixer
(ceramics mfr)
16
8112
Crusher
(ceramics mfr)
Mixing and moulding
machine operator
Crusher Tender
48
8112
Mixer
(ceramics mfr)
Refractory Mixer
2
49
8112
Mixer, clay
(ceramics mfr)
Clay mixer
2
Ind
54
8112
Operator, kiln
(ceramics mfr)
Tunnel Kiln Operator (?)
2
Craft or Ind*
18
55
8112
Operator, mill, ball
(ceramics mfr)
Mill Operator (?)
2
Craft or Ind*
69
8112
Preparer, glaze
(ceramics mfr)
Glaze Maker
2
Craft or Ind*
73
8112
Setter, kiln
Pottery
Kiln furniture caster
2
Craft or Ind*
75
8112
Setter, pipe
Pottery
Pipe setter
2
Ind (?)
81
8112
Slaker
(ceramics mfr)
Lime Slaker (?)
2
Ind
9.
8119 - Process operatives N.E.C.
2
8119
Maker, clay
Pottery
Clay Maker
2
Ind
6
8119
Man, mill, pug
Pottery
Pug Mill Operator Helper
2
Ind
16.
9139 - Elementary process plant occupations N.E.C.
2
9139
Drawer, kiln
(ceramics mfr)
Kiln Drawer
1
Craft or Ind*
6
9139
Gatherer
(ceramics mfr)
Gatherer
1
Craft or Ind*
1. Engineering Professionals N.E.C. (code 2129):
1. (2129) Ceramicist
2. (2129) Ceramist
Ceramicist8
Job description
A ceramicist is an artist that makes clay and porcelain objects.
Some ceramicists specialize in making certain types of items, like
dishes, while others may choose to create several different types of
items.
In order to create their art, ceramicists must first obtain clay.
While some ceramicists choose to buy clay from pottery supply stores,
others may choose to actually dig their own. In order to do this, a
ceramicist must know how to find and prepare natural clay.
The method that ceramicists use to create pieces will vary,
depending on what s/he specializes in making. A ceramicist who makes
dishes and vases will usually use a pottery wheel, for example, while a
ceramicist who makes figurines will usually use several different plaster
moulds. Some ceramicists create their pieces freehand, using not
equipment and tools other than their own two hands.
When pieces are dry, a ceramicist will then usually carefully place
them in a kiln. The pieces can either be painted with a glaze before
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being placed in a kiln, or they can be painted with regular paint after
being removed.
Although some ceramicists are able to learn their skills on their
own, a formal education in ceramics or a related field can be helpful
when starting a ceramics career. Many aspiring ceramicists discover
their interest in this art form during secondary school art classes. Some
individuals might also choose to take private ceramics classes as well.
Some aspiring ceramicists might also benefit from earning a twoor four-year degree from an art school. Degrees in fine arts and
sculpting can both help an aspiring ceramicist hone skills. Certain art
schools also offer pottery or ceramics programmes as well.
4. (2129) Ceramics professional engineer
5. (2129) Ceramics engineer

Ceramic engineer (definition9): Those who work with the highly
technical industrial processes involving the chemistry and
physics of ceramic materials.
Materials engineer10
Job description
Materials engineers are responsible for the research, specification,
design and development of materials to advance technologies of many
kinds. Their expertise lies in understanding the properties and
behaviours of different substances, from raw materials to finished
products. The field is also referred to as materials science or materials
technology.
They work with many different materials, including: ceramics,
chemicals, composites, glass, industrial minerals, metals, plastics,
polymers, rubber, textiles.
Working in a diverse range of industries, materials engineers
combine or modify materials in different ways to improve the
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performance, durability and cost-effectiveness of processes and
products.
Typical work activities
Work activities vary according to the specific material and industry
and the size of the organisation, but there are a number of activities
common to most posts. These include:

selecting the best combination of materials for specific purposes;

testing materials to assess how resistant they are to heat, corrosion
or chemical attack;

analysing data using computer modelling software;

assessing materials for specific qualities (such as electrical
conductivity, durability, renewability);

developing prototypes;

considering the implications for waste and other environmental
pollution issues of any product or process;

advising on the adaptability of a plant to new processes and
materials;

working to solve problems arising during the manufacturing process
or with the finished product, such as those caused by daily wear and
tear or a change of environment.

supervising quality control throughout the construction and
production process;

monitoring plant conditions and material reactions during use;

helping to ensure that products comply with national and
international legal and quality standards;

advising on inspection, maintenance and repair procedures;

liaising with colleagues in manufacturing, technical and scientific
support, purchasing, and marketing;

supervising the work of materials engineering technicians and other
staff;

considering the costs implications of materials used and alternatives,
in terms of both time and money;
21

taking account of energy usage in manufacturing and in-service
energy saving, e.g. in transport and construction applications.
At senior level, the work is likely to involve more innovative
research or greater management responsibility. The latter will call for a
range of additional skills that are not necessarily part of the routine
work of a materials engineer.
2. Product, Clothing and related Designers (code 3422)
1. (3422) Pottery designer
2. (3422) Ceramics designer
Ceramics designer11
Job description
Ceramics designers create designs for a range of pottery objects
that are then made by shaping and firing clay. These objects can include
ceramic sculpture, domestic and commercial tableware and kitchenware,
giftware, garden ceramics, jewellery and wall and floor tiles.
Ceramics designers who work for large companies interpret a
product brief and turn it into a commercially successful design for mass
production. Ceramics designers/ceramicists who are self-employed or
work for small companies are more likely to both design and make their
own, one-off or limited edition, designs.
There is, however, some cross-over and some self-employed
designers/ceramicists may also undertake design commissions for
major companies, where they provide the design and the object is then
mass produced elsewhere.
Typical work activities
Ceramics designers working for large companies in industry
produce designs for mass production may carry out the following
activities:

interpreting and working to a design brief (which includes the
materials to be used, e.g. bone china, porcelain, earthenware or
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stoneware and the amount of money available) to design a new
collection;

creating designs and liaising with clients to ensure the brief is met;

overseeing production to ensure the brief is met;

deciding on decorative techniques and glazes;

conducting market research to find out what competitors are
producing and how well existing lines are doing.
Often tasks for self-employed designers/ceramicists, or for those
working for small companies, are likely to include:

designing and producing one-off objects;

selecting materials appropriate to the design;

shaping clay by hand, thrown on a wheel or in a mould;

loading kilns, glazing, decorating and firing products;

preparing work for sale and exhibition;

selling products directly from a studio, market stalls or crafts fairs,
online, by mail order or through specialist craft shops and galleries;

developing clear artistic objectives and a business plan;

attending appropriate courses to learn new techniques and keep up
to date with current trends;

teaching in further education and running community workshops.
Self-employed designers/ceramicists also need to promote their
work to generate business. Typical activities include:

networking to connect with buyers and suppliers in their specialist
market;

researching trends, markets and prices by visiting craft exhibitions
such as Origin: The London Craft Fair

demonstrating skills at craft fairs and exhibitions;

photographing designs for a portfolio and for websites and
catalogues promoting work;

learning appropriate software skills to develop publicity materials
and websites;
23

collaborating with other designers in a shared studio, joint
exhibition, cooperative, craft guild or artists' organisation;

entering competitions and applying for funding.
3. Metal working production and maintenance fitters (code 5223)
1. (5223) Potter's engineer (?)
2. (5223) Potter's fitter
Maintenance engineer12
Job description
Maintenance engineers are responsible for the continuous running
of equipment and machinery. They use computerised systems to
oversee routine maintenance and organise repairs. They are also
involved in control and monitoring devices and occasionally in the
manufacture of items that will help in maintenance.
Maintenance engineering plays a vital role in the efficiency,
development and progress of manufacturing and processing industries.
Maintenance engineers work with other professionals in order to
improve production facilities, reduce the incidence of costly breakdowns
and develop strategies to improve overall reliability and safety of plant,
personnel and production processes.
Typical work activities
Responsibilities and tasks may vary from role to role but typical
work activities include:

designing maintenance strategies, procedures and methods;

planning and scheduling planned and unplanned work;

diagnosing breakdown problems;

carrying out quality inspections on jobs;

liaising with client departments and customers;

arranging specialist procurement of fixtures, fittings or
components;

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controlling maintenance tools, stores and equipment;
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
monitoring and controlling maintenance costs;

dealing with emergency and unplanned problems and repairs;

writing maintenance strategies to help with installation and
commissioning guidelines.
4. Pre-press technicians (code 5421):
1. (5421) Potter's engraver
Printmaker13
Job description
A printmaker uses techniques such as woodcuts or silk-screens to
create images which are transposed on to surfaces, generally using a
printing press. Printmakers design the prints themselves and are
increasingly using electronic or digital printing processes alongside
more traditional craft-based methods. This has increased collaborative
working with computer artists.
Many established printmakers teach and run classes to support
themselves and finance their work. They may also offer technical or
advisory support to educational organisations. Those with substantial
experience may manage a team of printmakers operating from shared
workshop facilities. They may also offer other artistic and design
services, as well as printing.
Typical work activities
Tasks vary depending on the type of work and who it is being
done for. In general, most printmakers will carry out the following
duties:

using printmaking techniques like etching, screen printing,
lithography, relief printing (e.g. woodcut, linocut), and computergenerated images to produce prints;

printing on a variety of surfaces, e.g. plastics, metal, glass, textiles,
wood and paper; (ceramic as well ?)

13
responding to a client's brief;
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25

advising clients on the technical aspects of production;

creating prints to specifications, for example when working as a
master printer for artists;

producing multiple copies of an artist's work, otherwise known as
editioning;

being aware of and following health and safety procedures.
Common commercial or educational tasks include:

producing promotional items, such as catalogues, T-shirts, and
signs;

printing on exhibition display stands;

silk screen printing for posters;

planning and delivering classes and workshops to teach printmaking
techniques to artists, students or the general public.
If self-employed, additional work activities may include:

taking responsibility for the running and financing of premises, like
a workshop or studio;

overseeing the day-to-day tasks associated with running a small
business, for example keeping accounts or developing an
advertising strategy;

undertaking part-time work to supplement income, such as teaching.
26
5. Printers (code 5422):
1. (5422) Plate printers (ceramic mfr)
Print production planner14
Job description
A print production planner controls, organises and monitors the
flow of printed materials in a printing company. They check schedules,
confirm product specifications, arrange adjustments, oversee the work
of staff in the department and monitor the quality of the product,
ensuring deadlines are met.
Print production planners liaise with other production
departments and customer account managers at local, national and
international levels according to the scale of the work in hand.
Responsibilities and job titles will vary from employer to employer; a
print production planner may also be referred to as a print manager,
print supervisor, production press operations manager or production
planning co-coordinator.
Typical work activities
In large companies, production planners work in various stages of
the print production cycle:

administration – computerised management system used to
generate specifications for the product order;

origination – where artwork and digital images are designed;

reprographic – where printing plates are produced;

print machine rooms/floors – where printing presses operate;

bindery – where products are bound and finished;

dispatch – where products are packaged and distributed.
In smaller companies, production planners may take responsibility
for several functions across a range of departments. Their tasks may
involve:

14
checking the accuracy and viability of the product specification;
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
adapting computer systems to meet the requirements of the work;

allocating, distributing and checking work with available staff;

monitoring and maintaining the quality of the order;

improving processes and cost-efficiency;

managing production staff and trainees;

liaising with customer account managers to discuss setbacks in time
or processes;

ensuring collaboration between different staff in different
departments;

keeping contact with customers to ensure specifications are carried
out;

complying with health and safety standards and workplace
legislation;

recommending changes and improvements.
6. Glass and Ceramics Makers, Decorators and Finishers (code 5441)
1. (5441) (ceramics decorating) Artist
2. (5441) Ceramic artist
3. (5441) Pottery artist
Fine artist15
Job description
Fine artists create original pieces of art work, through a variety of
mediums. They often specialise in a particular type of art which may be
categorised in the following ways:

two-dimensional work (drawing, painting, collage);

three-dimensional work (sculpture, installation);

four-dimensional work (moving images, performance).
Many artists also specialise in a subject and may concentrate on
areas such as landscapes, portraits or abstract. Fine artists can be
commissioned to produce a piece of work or they can create their own
pieces, which they then sell on, either directly to the public or through
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an intermediary such as a gallery or an agent. They may also run art
classes or be part of community art projects.
Typical work activities
A fine artist will usually be involved in researching, planning and
creating art work, and typical tasks may include:

generating ideas, idea development, sketching, making models;

creating or developing a piece of work in response to a brief or
commission;

meeting deadlines;

working in a studio or off-site and adhering to health and safety
procedures;

sourcing materials and developing relationships with suppliers;

researching, visiting locations, interviewing people, using libraries
and the internet;

administration, correspondence, creating publicity;

project planning, creating and managing a budget, financial
planning, calculating expenditure;

managing tax and self-employment issues;

organisation and administration tasks associated with running a
studio;

writing project proposals for galleries, competitions or artist
residencies;

writing funding applications (public and private);

applying for residencies and competitions;

liaising with contacts, gallery owners, curators and other artists;

curating individual and group shows;

negotiating a sale or commission;

self-promotion, networking, attending private views and other
events;

writing press releases;

maintaining a portfolio which will typically include a website;

evaluating a project and feeding back to the main funder or sponsor.
29
4. (5441) Bander (ceramics mfr)
5. (5441) Bander, clay (Pottery)
Banding-Machine Operator16
Job Description
1) Sets up and operates machine that applies bands of gold, platinum,
or colour glaze on to rim or surfaces of ceramic ware: Selects chuck to
accommodate type of ware to be banded and attaches it to machine.
2) Adjusts band applicator rollers and arm attachments according to
width and location of band to be applied on ware.
3) Pours premixed liquid gold or platinum into roller fonts.
4) Positions ware in chuck and starts machine.
5) Removes ware from machine.
6. (5441) Batter (pottery mfr)
Batter-Out17,18
Job Description:
1) Prepares clay for forming into pottery and porcelain ware by either of
following methods: Pulls chunk of clay from large roll or picks up clay
slab cut by machine.
2) Centres clay on rotating horizontal wheel and pulls lever to lower tool
that flattens clay and forms bat.
3) Throws bat on to jigger mould and pulls lever to lower tool that
spreads clay firmly over mould.
4) Shapes clay into ball by hand and throws clay into jolly mould used in
making such hollowware as cups and bowls.
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14. (5441) Caster (ceramics mfr)
Caster
Job Description 119
1) Pourer Casts pottery and porcelain ware in plaster of Paris moulds:
Fills moulds with slip (semi-liquid clay), using hose from slip supply
tank, or bucket.
2) Pours excess slip from moulds when accumulation of clay around
inside of mould opening indicates clay shell inside mould has built up to
specified thickness.
3) Changes position of moulds to produce uniform shell thickness of
irregularly shaped items.
4) Places moulds upside down to drain. Trims excess clay from inside
mould opening, opens mould, and removes green casting when
experience and observation of shell indicate casting is firm enough to
handle.
5) Smooths casting surfaces to remove mould marks, using knives and
wet sponge, and places castings on boards to dry. May also attach
handles.
Job Description 220
1) Casts plaster of Paris objects, for example ashtrays, piggybanks,
lamps, figurines, and statuary, using prepared moulds: Assembles
sections of prepared mould and secures them together with cord,
clamps, or bolts, and nuts.
2) Dumps plaster of Paris into container, adds specified amount of
water, and stirs mixture to required consistency to make casting, using
spatula.
3) Inserts wires and tubing into mould to reinforce casting when
necessary.
4) Pours plaster of Paris into mould, shakes mould to distribute layer of
plaster of Paris on inside of mould and pours off excess mixture.
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5) Repeats process after each layer hardens until specified thickness of
casting is attained.
6) Disassembles mould, fills holes and defects in casting with plaster of
Paris, and smooths surface of casting, using scraping tool and
sandpaper.
Job Description 321
Castables worker Mixes slurry, fills moulds, and conveys filled moulds to
drier to cast refractory brick, using mixer, vibrating table, chain hoist,
and related equipment: Reads work order to determine product to be
cast and bolts specified mould parts together, using impact wrench.
Attaches chain hoist to assembled mould and moves mould to vibrating
table. Empties premeasured ingredients into mixer according to
formula, adds water, and starts mixer. Observes mixture and adds
additional water, as required, to achieve prescribed consistency, utilising
acquired experience. Fills bucket with slurry and pours slurry into
mould. Presses switch to start vibrating device on table and adds slurry
to fill mould as mixture settles during vibration. Draws metal bar across
surface of mixture to level casting. Stacks filled moulds in drier car,
using chain hoist, and pushes loaded car along rail into drier. Sets drier
controls to dry castings according to specifications, and pulls drier car
from drier at end of cycle. Removes moulds from dried products, using
impact wrench. Cleans mould parts, using brush.
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20. (5441) Cutter (ceramic mfr)
Cutter22
Job description
Cuts kiln furniture, bricks, or other clay and shale products to
specified shape and size, using one of following methods:
(a) Adjusts cutting jig of table-mounted handsaw to specified
setting, using tape measure and Allen wrench. Positions casting in jig
and pulls saw blade to cut ware to specified size.
(b) Places pressed ware into table-mounted form. Lowers die or
wire cutter onto ware to cut ware into specified shape and size.
54. (5441) Block maker (ceramic mfr)
Block maker machine operator23
Job description
Block Making Machine Operator: Block maker Tends automatic machine
that casts concrete blocks: Starts and stops machine that automatically
fills moulds, vibrates moulds to compact wet concrete, scrapes off
excess concrete, and strips finished blocks from moulds. Guides hoist to
transfer pallets loaded with blocks to curing racks. May also assist in
setting up machine. May also tend machine equipped with automatic off
bearing mechanism. May also verify dimensions of formed blocks, using
template.
or
Terra Cotta Mould Maker24
Job description
Terra Cotta Mould Maker: Forms plaster moulds used to shape terra
cotta blocks: Fills wooden form with clay and slides template over clay
surface to make model of face, end, and side of block. Brushes oil over
hardened model and mixes and pours plaster over model to make
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mould. Assembles hardened plaster moulds of face, ends, and sides,
and seals joints with plaster to form block mould.
57. (5441) Flower maker (ceramic mfr)
Flower pot press operator
Job description25
Flower Pot Press Operator: Pot-press operator Tends power press to
form clay flowerpots: Fastens shaping die of specified size and shape on
press and adjusts ram travel, using handtools. Throws ball of plastic
clay into female die and presses switch to lower shaping die into clay
and form pot. Lifts pot from die and places pot on ware board, using
tongs.
59. (5441) Handle maker (ceramic mfr)
Handle maker
Job description26
1) Forms handles for clayware by either of following methods:
(a) Pours slip (semi-liquid clay) into mould.
(b) Cuts pugged clay (plastic clay) to specified size, and places
into segmented mould. Assembles and presses mould segments
together by hand.
(c) Opens valve of supply line (hose) and fills mould with slip.
2) Places mould on drying rack.
3) Opens mould and removes hardened handle.
4) Trims and scrapes handles to remove excess clay, using knife.
5) Cleans moulds with airhose.
25
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64. (5441) Pin maker (ceramics mfr)
Pin maker27
Job description
Pin Maker: Feeds clay into hopper of machine that automatically forms
potter pins used to support clayware during firing. Places formed pins in
drier. May also change die on machine according to size and shape of
pins to be formed.
78. (5441) Moulder (ceramics mfr)
Moulder machine tender28
Job description
Moulder Machine Tender: Tends machines that heat and mould slurry
into pipe and boiler coverings: Presses button on control panel of each
moulding machine to lower mould and activate hopper that
automatically heats slurry, fills moulds with slurry, and moulds slurry
into pipe and boiler coverings. Presses buttons on panels to raise
finished mouldings from machine and off bears mouldings by hand.
Discards defective mouldings. Scrapes excess slurry from moulds, using
wooden blocks. Records type and quantity of mouldings processed.
80. (5441) Moulder, hand (ceramics mfr)
Hand Moulder29
Job description
Moulds odd-shaped brick, pipe, and other refractory products,
using hand-moulding tools: Kneads gobs of clay or silica mud to form
moulding mixture. Obtains specified mould from storage, or assembles
moulds, when necessary according to specifications. Brushes mould
cavity with oil or hot wax to prevent casting from sticking to mould.
Packs moulding mixture into mould and tamps it with hand or automatic
tamper. Removes excess mixture from top of mould, using wire or
straightedge.
27
28
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Lifts and overturns mould on steel pallet to remove product.
Finishes and smooths product, using hand-moulding tools. Throws sand
on casting to prevent bonding during subsequent firing. Stamps
identifying code on product. Cleans and oils used moulds.
May also tend pug mill that mixes clay or silica mud to form
moulding mixture. May also place moulds in furnace to cure. May also
stamp surface of refractory products, prior to curing, to impart specified
pattern, using handtool. May also embed heater coils wound through
ceramic heaters with mud, and bake units to dry mud and be designated
Embedder (electrical industry). May also be designated according to
product moulded as Brick-Moulder, Hand (brick industry), Pipe-Fittings
Moulder (brick industry), Pot Maker (brick industry), Shape-Brick Moulder
(brick industry), Tile-Moulder, Hand (brick industry), or according to
material used as Adobe Maker (brick industry), Soft-Mud Moulder (brick
industry).
91. (5441) Potter (ceramics mfr)
Potter30
Job description
1) Raises and shapes clay into ware, such as vases, saggers, and
pitchers, on revolving wheel, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
2) Smooths surfaces of finished piece, using rubber scrapers and wet
sponge.
3) Adjusts speed of wheel according to feel of changing firmness of clay.
4) Positions ball of clay in centre of potters wheel.
5) Starts motor, or pumps treadle with foot to revolve wheel.
Activities:
1) Handling and Moving Objects – Using hands and arms in handling,
installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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2) Thinking Creatively – Developing, designing, or creating new
applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including
artistic contributions.
3) Controlling Machines and Processes – Using either control
mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes
(not including computers or vehicles).
4) Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings – Monitoring and
reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to
detect or assess problems.
5) Processing Information – Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating,
tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
6) Interacting With Computers – Using computers and computer systems
(including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up
functions, enter data, or process information.
7) Pulls wire through base of article and wheel to separate finished
piece.
Abilities:
1) Arm-Hand Steadiness – The ability to keep hands and arms steady
while moving arm or while holding arm and hand in one position.
2) Manual Dexterity – The ability to quickly move hand, hand together
with arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
3) Visualization – The ability to imagine how something will look after it
is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
4) Wrist-Finger Speed – The ability to make fast, simple, repeated
movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
5) Finger Dexterity – The ability to make precisely coordinated
movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or
assemble very small objects.
6) Extent Flexibility – The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with
body, arms, and/or legs.
93. (5441) Preparer (ceramics mfr)
37
Clay Preparation Supervisor31
Job description
Clay Preparation Supervisor: Supervises and co-ordinates activities of
workers engaged in production of casting slip and plastic clay used in
forming pottery and porcelain ware: Gives workers directions in
blending, mixing, filtering, and pugging clay. Inspects slip and plastic
clay for specified composition, weight, specific gravity, and plasticity.
Sets up and adjusts mixing and screen machines, filter-presses, pug
mills, pumps, and storage tanks. Performs other duties as described
under SUPERVISOR (industry) Master Title.
94. (5441) Presser (ceramics mfr)
Die Presser32
Job description
Die Presser: Former, press operator, tube-machine operator Tends
screw, mechanical, or hydraulic press that forms clay into electrical
porcelain ware, for example insulators: Inserts die into bed of press.
Pours moist, pulverized clay or ceramic powder into hopper of press.
Starts press which deposits clay in die and lowers ram to form
ware. Removes formed ware from die cavity and places ware on board
for firing. May also tend one or more presses that automatically form
insulators. May also inspect fired products to ensure conformance to
specifications, using micrometer, go-not-go gauge, and microscope.
31
32
http://www.job-descriptions.org/clay-preparation-supervisor.html (26-06-2014)
http://www.job-descriptions.org/die-presser.html (25-06-2014)
38
101. (5441) Tile Presser (ceramics mfr)
Tile Presser33
Job description
Set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass forming
machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form
products, such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax,
tobacco, or cosmetics. They:
 Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and
temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or
ingredients.
 Turn controls to adjust machine functions, such as regulating air
pressure, creating vacuums, and adjusting coolant flow.
 Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
 Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges in
order to detect malfunctions.
 Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine
materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and
adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.
 Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
 Synchronise speeds of sections of machines when producing
products involving several steps or processes.
 Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or
products.
 Feed products into machines by hand or conveyor.
 Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify
conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates,
micrometers, or scales.
 Record and maintain production data such as meter readings, and
quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
33
http://www.mymajors.com/career/tile-presser/ (25-06-2014)
39
 Select and install machine components such as dies, moulds, and
cutters, according to specifications, using hand tools and measuring
devices.
 Move materials, supplies, components, and finished products
between storage and work areas, using work aids such as racks, hoists,
and handtrucks.
 Clean dies, arbours, compression chambers, and moulds, using
swabs, sponges, or air hoses.
 Complete work tickets, and place them with products.
 Disassemble equipment to repair it or to replace parts such as
nozzles, punches, and filters.
 Remove materials or products from moulds or from extruding,
forming, pressing, or compacting machines, and stack or store them for
additional processing.
 Thread extruded strips through water tanks and hold-down bars,
or attach strands to wires and draw them through tubes.
 Swab moulds with solutions to prevent products from sticking.
 Remove moulds, mould components, and feeder tubes from
machinery after production is complete.
 Send product samples to laboratories for analysis.
 Measure, mix, cut, shape, soften, and join materials and
ingredients such as powder, cornmeal, or rubber in order to prepare
them for machine processing.
 Activate machines to shape or form products such as candy bars,
light bulbs, balloons, or insulation panels.
 Ignite burners to preheat products, or use torches to apply heat.
 Pour, scoop, or dump specified ingredients, metal assemblies, or
mixtures into sections of machine prior to starting machines.
 Install, align, and adjust neck rings, press plungers, and feeder
tubes.
 Couple air and gas lines to machines to maintain plasticity of
material and to regulate solidification of final products.
40
 Measure arbours and dies to verify sizes specified on work tickets
7. 8112 - Glass and ceramics process operatives
16. (8112) Mixer attendant (ceramics mfr)
Mixing and moulding machine operator34
Job description
Moulding Machine Tender: Mixing-and-moulding-machine operator
Tends machine that mixes modelling clay ingredients and moulds clay
for packaging: Fills hopper of machine with modelling compounds and
colour pigments, according to formula. Moves lever or depresses pedal
to start machine that grinds and mixes ingredients. Turns valve to admit
mixed clay ingredients into unit of machine that moulds clay for
packaging.
16. (8112) Crusher (ceramics mfr)
Crusher Tender35
Job description
Crusher Tender: Crusher operator, primary-crusher operator, roll
attendant Tends any of several types of crushers that size materials, for
example coal, rock, salt, clay and shale, or ore for industrial use or for
further processing:
- Moves levers to regulate flow of materials to and from conveyors,
chutes, pumps, or storage bins.
- Starts crusher, and prods, breaks, or discards lumps to prevent
plugging, using bar, sledgehammer, or jackhammer.
- Adjusts equipment, for example screens, conveyors, and fans, to
control or vary size or grade of product, or to maintain uniform flow of
materials.
- Cleans and lubricates equipment.
- May also keep record of materials processed.
34
35
http://www.job-descriptions.org/molding-machine-tender-1.html (26-06-2014)
http://www.job-descriptions.org/crusher-tender-2.html (26-06-2014)
41
48. (8112) Mixer (ceramics mfr)
Refractory mixer36
Job description
Refractory Mixer: Tends equipment that crushes and mixes materials,
for example brick, clay, and refractory mud, to form refractory mortar,
used to line interior of furnaces: Starts crushing machine and shovels
materials into hopper. Shovels crushed materials into wheelbarrow and
dumps materials into hopper of mulling (mixing) machine. Turns valve
to admit water into mulling machine and starts machine. Feels
consistency of mixture and adds crushed material or water to obtain
mixture of specified consistency. Shovels mixture into mud box for
transportation to work area.
49. (8112) Clay mixer (ceramics mfr)
Clay mixer37
Job description
Clay Mixer: Tends machines and equipment that mix materials, for
example clay, iron oxide, magnesium, and water according to formula
for use in making brick or ceramic floor tile: Gathers materials specified
by work order from storage area and transports materials to scales,
using handtruck or industrial truck. Weighs materials and records
weight on batch card. Dumps materials into mixer, using hoist, or
shovels materials into mixer. Turns valves to admit specified amount of
water into mixer, and flips switch or presses button to start mixer.
Presses button to discharge mixture from machine or shovels mixture
into container.
36
37
http://www.job-descriptions.org/refractory-mixer.html (26-06-2014)
http://www.job-descriptions.org/clay-mixer.html (26-06-2014)
42
54. (8112) Kiln operator (ceramics mfr)
Tunnel Kiln Operator38
Job description
Tunnel Kiln Operator: Controls preheating chamber and tunnel kiln to
preheat and bake clay products, for example brick, sewer pipe, mosaic
tile, and ceramic and quarry tile:
a) Observes colour of fires and reactions of pyrometric cones to
increases in temperatures in kiln and reads gauges and automatic
recording instruments to verify specified temperatures in kiln.
b) Turns fuel and air valves and opens or closes dampers to adjust
temperatures.
c) Pulls loaded kiln car from drier, opens preheater doors, and pushes
kiln car into preheater, using car puller or transfer car.
d) Closes preheater doors and starts mechanism that pushes car
through preheater.
e) Pulls loaded kiln cars from preheating chamber, opens tunnel kiln
doors, and starts mechanism that pushes string of cars through kiln.
f)
Removes cars from tunnel kiln and moves them to sorting area,
using transfer car.
g) May also control kiln equipped with automatic loading and drawing
equipment. May also control drying tunnel. May also control tunnel kiln
equipped with preheating chamber to bake clay products. May also be
designated according to type of tile burned as Bisque-Tile Burner (brick
industry), Glost-Tile Burner (brick industry).
38
http://www.job-descriptions.org/tunnel-kiln-operator.html (26-06-2014)
43
55. (8112) Ball mill operator (ceramics mfr)
Mill Operator39
Job description
Clay temperer Operates crushers, mixers, and blenders to grind, mix,
and temper clay for use in moulding ceramics products:
a) Drives liftscoop tractor to convey clay from storage piles or bins and
dumps material on crusher pit grates.
b) Breaks up clay with bar or sledge.
c) Starts crusher, conveyors, elevator, and vibrating screens to grind
raw materials to specified size and to transport ground materials to
storage bins.
d) Examines screens and clears blockages, using wire brush.
e) Weighs and dumps raw materials into mixing machine, following
formula.
f)
Starts mixer and turns valve to feed water into mixing machine.
g) Inserts instrument into mixture to measure water content.
h) Discharges mixture onto conveyors leading to blending machine.
i)
Starts blending machine that mulls mixture into tempered clay.
j)
May also be designated according to machine operated as Blender
Operator (brick industry), Crusher Operator (brick industry), Mixer
Operator (brick industry), or according to kind of materials processed as
Clay-Dry-Press-Mixer Operator (brick industry), Silica-Mixer Operator
(brick industry).
69. (8112) Glaze preparer (ceramics mfr)
Glaze maker40
Job description
Glaze Maker: Frit maker, pulveriser Tends ball mill that mixes and grinds
materials to produce glaze for coating pottery, tile, and porcelain:
a) Weighs materials, for example calcium, carbonate, clay, feldspar, flint,
and lead oxide, in specified proportions, using tubs and scale.
39
40
http://www.job-descriptions.org/mill-operator-1.html (26-06-2014)
http://www.job-descriptions.org/glaze-maker.html (26-06-2014)
44
b) Dumps materials into mill and pushes button to start mill that
pulverizes and mixes glaze ingredients.
c) Turns valve to transfer finished glaze from mill over screens and
magnets and into storage jars.
73. (8112) Kiln setter (pottery)
Kiln furniture caster41
Job description
Kiln Furniture Caster: Fabricates ceramic kiln furniture used to support
glazed ware during firing: Weighs domestic clay and grog according to
formula. Dumps materials into mixing machine, adds water, and allows
machine to run for specified time. Drains grog from container into
moulds. Removes furniture (setters and pedestals) from mould when
dry, finishes furniture with knife and sponge, and places furniture in kiln
for firing at specified temperatures. Removes fired pieces from kiln to
storage, using handtruck. May also cut setters from extruded clay
sheets, using specified shape cutters.
75. (8112) Pipe setter (pottery)
Pipe setter42 (?)
Job description
Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains.
Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or
culverts, position pipe, or seal joints. They:

Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.

Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe
systems.

Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment,
cement, or glue.

Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or
lasers.
41
42
http://www.job-descriptions.org/kiln-furniture-caster.html (25-06-2014)
http://www.mymajors.com/career/pipe-setter/ (25-06-2014)
45

Cut pipes to required lengths.

Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing.

Train or supervise others in laying pipe.

Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using
trenching tools.

Cover pipes with earth or other materials.

Operate mechanised equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers,
tandem dump trucks, front-end loaders, or backhoes.

Lay out pipe routes, following written instructions or blueprints and
coordinating layouts with supervisors.

Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices.

Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.

Locate existing pipes needing repair or replacement, using magnetic
or radio indicators.
81. (8112) Slaker (cermics mfr)
Lime slaker43
Job description
Lime Slaker: Lime mixer, lime-plant operator, milk-of-lime slaker Tends
rotary slaker or open batch tank that mixes lime and water to make milk
of lime (slaked lime) by either of following methods:
(a) Regulates automatic feed of lime and water into rotary slaker to
obtain continuous production of milk of lime. Tests concentration with
hydrometer.
(b) Weighs lime and dumps lime into tank. Adds water and starts
agitators to dissolve lime. Tests specific gravity of mixture with
hydrometer and adds lime or water to obtain specified concentration.
Opens drain valve or starts pump to transfer mixture through mesh
screens or settling tank into storage tank.
May also separate coarse and fine lime particles in classifier. May
also crush or grind limestone in crushing machine or ball mill. May also
collect samples of lime or waste material for assaying. May also test lime
43
http://www.job-descriptions.org/lime-slaker.html (26-06-2014)
46
solution by titration to determine its concentration. May also heat water
with steam coils to speed mixing process
9. 8119 - Process operatives N.E.C.
2. (8119) Clay maker (pottery)
Clay maker44
Job description
Clay Maker: Blunger-machine operator, clay mixer, clay washer, slip
maker, slip mixer, wet mixer Operates blunger (mixing machine) and
auxiliary equipment to blend and mix clay into semiliquid for use in
casting ceramic ware: Dumps sacks of clay into conveyor to charge
blunger. Turns valve to admit water into blunger. Starts blunger that
mixes clay into semiliquid. Stops blunger and places hydrometer in
semiliquid to determine specific gravity. Adds water or clay to obtain
mixture of specific gravity. Regulates valves to discharge mixture over
screens, agitators, and magnets to remove iron or steel in mixture.
Removes excess water from mixture with vacuum filter. Washes screens
and magnets to remove foreign particles and sludge, using hose. May
also mix clays according to formula.
6. (8119) Pug mill man (pottery)
Pug Mill Operator Helper45
Job description
Pug Mill Operator Helper: Pugger helper Tends mixing chamber that
mixes clay and water to make pugged clay: Loads sacks and cakes of
clay from storage area onto truck and pushes truck to pug mill. Dumps
clay into mixing chamber of mill. Turns valves to regulate flow of water
into mixing chamber. Stacks rolls of pugged clay on truck. May also
wrap pugged clay in burlap to prevent dehydration. May also move clay
to molding room, using handtruck.
44
45
http://www.job-descriptions.org/clay-maker.html (26-06-2014)
http://www.job-descriptions.org/pug-mill-operator-helper.html (26-06-2014)
47
16. Elementary process plant occupations N.E.C. (code 9139):
2. (9139) Kiln Drawer (ceramics mfr)
Kiln Drawer46
Job description
1) Removes burned clay products, such as sewer pipe, brick,
refractories, and roofing tile, from tunnel kiln cars or periodic kilns, by
hand or using hoist: Places pallet on drawing dock and lifts and stacks
product on pallet.
2) Examines products for defects, such as cracks, chips, and distortions.
3) Grades and sorts products.
4) Removes and places kiln furniture, such as tie brick, clamp, and
holders, in box for reuse.
5) Discards setting rings in waste bin.
6) Cleans used kiln and door brick.
7) May load clay products onto kiln cars prior to firing process.
8) May stock clay products on pallets or place products in carton for
shipment.
6. (9139) Gatherer (ceramics mfr)
Gatherer47
Job description
1) Ball maker Dips punty (metal rod used to gather molten glass) or
blowpipe into tank furnace to gather gob (lump) of molten glass for
further processing
2) Reads product specifications to determine size of gob of molten glass
to be gathered.
3) Immerses head of punty or blowpipe into molten glass in furnace and
turns punty or blowpipe to gather gob of molten glass.
4) Twirls punty or blowpipe and blows through blowpipe to maintain
gob of molten glass in globular form.
46
47
http://dot-job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/KILN-DRAWER.cfm (26-06-2014)
http://www.job-descriptions.org/gatherer.html (25-06-2014)
48
5) Hands punty to PRESSER or blowpipe to GLASS BLOWER for further
processing.
6) May also twirl gob of molten glass in container of alkali solution or in
cavity of wet wooden block to form thin skin on gob of molten glass to
prevent punctures in glassware during pressing or blowing.
7) May also hold punty in mould while PRESSER cuts off required amount
of glass.
8) May also make head of punty from clay. May also reheat gob to
retain shape and temperature.
49
IX. APPENDIX 1
TABLE 3: SOC2010 List of jobs related to the ceramic and pottery production
Code
Indexing word and
occupational
qualifier
Industry
Code
1.
2129 - Engineering professionals n.e.c
7.
1
2129
2
2129
3
2129
4
5
2129
2129
2.
1
2
1
Ceramist
Pottery
2
Pottery
3
8112
Attendant, kiln
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
Pottery
4
5
8112
8112
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
6
8112
Attendant, mixer
Attendant, oven
Attendant,
potter's
7
8112
Attendant, press
(ceramics mfr)
8
9
10
8112
8112
8112
Attendant, screen
Baller
Bedder
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
11
8112
Burner
(ceramics mfr)
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
Burner, head
Burner, kiln
Cranker
Cranker-up
Crusher
Feeder, hopper
Filler, oven
Filler-in
Fireman
21
8112
Fireman, kiln
(ceramics mfr)
22
8112
Fireman, oven
(ceramics mfr)
23
24
25
26
27
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
(ceramics mfr)
28
8112
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
Firer
Firer, stove
Foreman, kiln
Furnaceman
Grinder, clay
Grinder,
composition
Grinder, flint
Grinder, glaze
Hand, kiln
Hand, oven
Loader
Machinist
Machinist, tapping
Maker, dust
Maker, flow
Maker, glaze
Maker, slip
Man, clay
Man, kiln
(ceramics mfr)
42
8112
Man, mill
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
43
44
45
8112
8112
8112
Man, pan
Miller
Miller, dust
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Consultant,
ceramics
Engineer
Engineer, ceramics
3422 - Product, clothing and related
designers
3422
Designer
Pottery
3422
Designer, pottery
Pottery
4.
1
5421 - Pre-press technicians
5421
Engraver, potter's
5.
1
5422 - Printers
5422
Printer, plate
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
2
3
4
5
6
5441 - Glass and ceramics makers,
decorators and finishers
(ceramics
5441
Artist
decorating)
5441
Artist, ceramic
Pottery
5441
Artist, pottery
Pottery
5441
Bander
(ceramics mfr)
5441
Bander, clay
Pottery
5441
Batter
(pottery mfr)
7
5441
Blacker
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
21
5441
22
23
24
5441
5441
5441
Blaster, sand
Blower
Brusher
Bumper
Burnisher
Burnisher, gold
Caster
Caster, hollow-ware
Cementer
Chipper
Chummer-in
Cleaner
Cutter
Decorator,
aerographing
Dipper
Dipper, automatic
Dipper, machine
1
8112 - Glass and ceramics process
operatives
8112
Assistant, potter's
Pottery
Assistant,
8112
Pottery
thrower's
Pottery
1
2
6.
Industry
Ceramicist
5223 - Metal working production and
maintenance fitters
5223
Engineer, potter's
Pottery
5223
Fitter, potter's
Pottery
3.
Indexing word
and occupational
qualifier
Pottery
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
50
25
26
27
28
29
30
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
46
47
48
49
50
51
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
Miller, flint
Miller, glaze
Mixer
Mixer, clay
Mixer, dust
Mixer, glaze
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
Pottery
52
8112
Mixer, grog
(ceramics mfr)
5441
5441
Driller, pottery
Duster
Edger
Emptier, press
Enameller
Engraver
Engraver, pattern,
pottery
Engraver, pottery
Etcher
31
5441
32
33
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
53
54
8112
8112
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
34
5441
Fettler
(ceramics mfr)
55
8112
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
Filler
Finisher
Finisher, pipe
Finisher, pipe
Finisher, sanitary
Foreman
Foreman, shop
Gilder
Glazer
Glazer, pottery
Grinder
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
46
5441
Jiggerer
(ceramics mfr)
67
8112
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
Jointer
Knocker
Lather
Liner
Liner, gold
Lithographer
Maker, bat
Maker, block
Maker, bowl
Maker, cover
Maker, flower
Maker, form
Maker, handle
Maker, hollow-ware
Maker, model
Maker, mould
Maker, pattern
Maker, pin
Maker, pipe
Maker, pipe, clay
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
8112
Operator, furnace
Operator, kiln
Operator, mill,
ball
Operator, tumbler
Ovenman
Packer, potter's
Picker
Picker, bone
Pitcher
Placer
Placer, biscuit
Placer, glost
Placer, kiln
Placer, tile
Placer, ware,
sanitary
Preparer, colour
Preparer, glaze
Setter
Setter and drawer
Setter, clamp
Setter, kiln
Setter, oven
Setter, pipe
Setter, tile
Setter-in
Shader
Sifter
Sifter, dust
Slaker
Stoker, furnace
Temperer
Worker, clay
Worker, kiln
Worker, process
67
5441
Maker, pipe, drain
Pottery
8.
68
5441
Pottery
1
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
Maker, pipe,
sanitary
Maker, plate
Maker, pottery
Maker, saddle
Maker, slab
Maker, thimble
Manufacturer
Modeller
Modeller, clay
Mottler
Moulder
Moulder, clay
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
Pottery
Pottery
Pottery
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
8117 - Metal making and treating process
operatives
Potter, furnace,
8117
Pottery
blast
9.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8119 - Process operatives N.E.C.
8119
Dryer, clay
Pottery
8119
Maker, clay
Pottery
8119
Man, dry
Pottery
8119
Man, kiln, dry
Pottery
8119
Man, mill, potter's
Pottery
8119
Man, mill, pug
Pottery
8119
Man, pug
Pottery
10
8123 - Quarry workers and related
51
operatives
80
81
5441
5441
Moulder, hand
Moulder, pipe, clay
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
1
2
8123
8123
82
5441
Ornamenter
(ceramics mfr)
3
8123
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
Painter
Painter, pottery
Painter, spray
Piercer
Pinner
Polisher
Polisher, gold
Polisher, tile
Potter
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
11
1
2
3
8127 - Printing machine
8127
Stamper
8127
Stamper, gold
8127
Stamper, pattern
12
1
2
92
5441
Potter, clay
Pottery
3
93
94
95
96
5441
5441
5441
5441
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
(ceramics
97
5441
98
99
100
101
102
103
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
Preparer
Presser
Presser, dust
Presser, flat
Presser, hollowware
Presser, hot
Presser, pottery
Presser, sagger
Presser, tile
Repairer
Restorer
8133 - Routine inspectors and testers
8133
Checker
(ceramics mfr)
8133
Examiner
(ceramics mfr)
Examiner,
8133
(ceramics mfr)
decorator's
8133
Inspector
(ceramics mfr)
8133
Inspector, sanitary (ceramics mfr)
8133
Looker-over
(ceramics mfr)
8133
Tester
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
13
1
2
3
4
5
104
5441
Runner, mould
(ceramics mfr)
6
105
5441
Scolloper
(ceramics mfr)
106
5441
Scourer
(ceramics mfr)
14
107
5441
Sponger
(ceramics mfr)
1
108
5441
Sponger of clayware
Pottery
2
109
110
111
112
113
114
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
5441
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
3
4
5
6
7
115
5441
(ceramics mfr)
15
116
117
118
5441
5441
5441
Sprayer
Sprayer, aerograph
Sprayer, cellulose
Sprayer, colour
Sprayer, enamel
Sprayer, glaze
Stenciller,
aerographing
Sticker, junction
Stopper
Thrower
1
2
119
5441
Toucher-up
120
121
5441
5441
122
5441
123
5441
124
5441
125
5441
126
127
128
5441
5441
5441
Tower
Transferer
Transferer,
lithograph
Turner
Turner, machine,
pottery
Turner, porcelain,
electric
Washer
Wedger, clay
Worker, acid
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics
decorating)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
4
5
6
7
Cutter, clay
Getter, clay
Refiner, clay,
china
Pottery
Pottery
Pottery
assistants
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
8134 - Weighers, graders and sorters
8134
Grader
(ceramics
8134
Selector
(ceramics
8134
Selector, biscuit
(ceramics
8134
Sorter
(ceramics
8134
Sorter, machine
(ceramics
Sorter,
8134
warehouse,
(ceramics
biscuit
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
mfr)
8139 - Assemblers and routine operatives
N.E.C.
Assembler,
8139
Pottery
pottery
Assistant, house,
8139
(ceramics mfr)
green
8139
Cutter, litho
(ceramics mfr)
8139
Handler
(ceramics mfr)
8139
Preparer, litho
(ceramics mfr)
8139
Sticker-up
(ceramics mfr)
8139
Taker-off
(ceramics mfr)
9134 - Packers, bottlers, canners and
fillers
9134
Boxer-up
(ceramics mfr)
9134
Paperer
(ceramics mfr)
1
2
9139 - Elementary process plant
occupations N.E.C.
9139
Drawer
(ceramics mfr)
9139
Drawer, kiln
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
3
9139
Drawer, oven
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
4
9139
Emptier
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
5
9139
Erector, wicket
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
6
9139
Gatherer
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
7
8
9
9139
9139
9139
Oddman
Runner
Runner, clay
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
Pottery
16
52
129
130
5441
5441
Worker, pottery
Worker, tile
Pottery
(ceramics mfr)
10
11
12
9139
9139
9139
Stripper
Taker-out
Turner, wheel
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
(ceramics mfr)
X. APPENDIX 2
Minor group definitions (SOC2010)
1.
Engineering Professionals N.E.C. (code 2129): Workers in this unit
group perform a variety of professional engineering functions.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: Chartered engineers possess an
accredited university degree. After qualifying, periods of appropriate
training and experience are required before membership of a chartered
engineering institution is attainable. Incorporated engineers possess an
accredited university degree, BTEC/SQA award or an apprenticeship
leading to an NVQ/SVQ at Level 4.
b. Tasks:
i. Researches into problem areas to advance basic knowledge,
evaluate new theories and techniques and to solve specific
problems
ii. establishes principles and techniques to improve the quality,
durability and performance of materials such as textiles,
glass, rubber, plastics, ceramics, metals and alloys
iii. designs new systems and equipment with regard to cost,
market requirements and feasibility of manufacture
iv. devises and implements control systems to monitor
operational efficiency and performance of system and
materials
v. prepare sketches, drawings and specifications showing
materials to be used, construction and finishing methods and
other details
vi. examines and advises on patent applications
vii. provides technical consultancy services
2.
Product, Clothing and related Designers (code 3422): Product,
clothing and related designers plan, direct and undertake the creation of
designs for new industrial and commercial products, clothing and related
53
fashion accessories, costumes and wigs, and for building interiors and stage
sets.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: Entrants have usually completed
a foundation course, BTEC/SQA award, degree and or postgraduate
qualification. NVQs/SVQs in Fashion Design and Design are available
at Level 2, as are apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3.
b. Tasks:
i. liaises with client to determine the purpose, cost, technical
specification and potential uses/users of product
ii. undertakes research to determine market trends, production
requirements, availability of resources and formulates design
concepts
iii. prepares sketches, designs, patterns or prototypes for
textiles, clothing, footwear, jewellery, fashion accessories, set
props, wigs, ceramics, plastics, motor vehicles, domestic
appliances and engineering products
iv. submits design to management, sales department or client for
approval, communicates design rationale and makes any
necessary alterations
v. specifies materials, production method and finish for
aesthetic or functional effect, and oversees production of
sample and/or finished product
vi. observes and manages intellectual property issues
3.
Metal working production and maintenance fitters (code 5223):
Metal working production and maintenance fitters erect, install and repair
electrical and mechanical plant and industrial machinery, fit and assemble
parts and sub-assemblies in the manufacture of metal products and test and
adjust new motor vehicles and engines.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: entrants usually possess
GCSEs/S grades, a GNVQ/ GSVQ or a BTEC/SQA award.
Apprenticeships in Engineering Maintenance at NVQ/SVQ Level 3 are
available.
b. Tasks:
i. examines drawings and specifications to determine
appropriate methods and sequence of operations;
54
ii. fits and assembles parts and/or metal sub-assemblies to fine
tolerances to make marine engines, prototype metal products,
agricultural machinery and machine tools;
iii. fits and assembles, other than to fine tolerances, prepared
parts and sub-assemblies to make motor vehicles, printing
and agricultural machinery, orthopaedic appliances and other
metal goods;
iv. examines operation of, and makes adjustments to, internal
combustion engines and motor vehicles;
v. erects, installs, repairs and services plant and industrial
machinery, including railway stock, textile machines, coin
operated machines, locks, sewing machines, bicycles and gas
and oil appliances
4.
Pre-press technicians (code 5421): Pre-press technicians prepare,
format and compose text and graphics in a form suitable for use in a variety of
print processes.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S
grades. Training is typically received on-the-job. Apprenticeships are
available as well as BTEC certificates and diplomas and other
vocational courses at NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3.
b. Tasks:
i. determines from specification the kind and size of type to be
used
ii. arranges and pastes printing material onto paper ready for
photographing
5.
Printers (code 5422): Printers set up and operate various small offset
printing presses and digital printing processes.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S
grades. Training is typically received on-the-job. National
Traineeships and apprenticeships in Machine Printing are available at
NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3.
b. Tasks:
55
i. positions form or plate on machine, checks alignments and
sets press
ii. dips wooden pattern block into colour tray and lays different
colours on top of, and adjacent to, others to form the required
pattern
iii. maintains, adjusts, repairs and cleans machine
6.
Glass and Ceramics Makers, Decorators and Finishers (code 5441):
Glass and ceramics workers, form, shape, decorate, smooth and polish
glassware, earthenware, refractory goods, clay bricks and other ceramic goods.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/
SVQs at Levels 1, 2 and 3 are available in some areas.
b. Tasks:
i. makes models and moulds from moulding clay and plaster for
use in the making and casting of pottery and other ceramic
goods
ii. throws, casts and presses clay by hand or machine to form
pottery, stoneware or refractory goods such as bricks,
crucibles, ornaments, sanitary furnishings, saggars, cups,
saucers, plates and roofing tiles
iii. cuts and joins unfired stoneware pipes to form junctions and
gullies, moulds sealing bands on clay pipes, prepares and
joins porcelain or earthenware components and assists
crucible makers and stone workers with their tasks
iv. applies decorative designs and finishes to glassware, optical
glass and ceramic goods by grinding, smoothing, polishing,
cutting, etching, dipping, painting or transferring patterns or
labels
7.
Glass and Ceramics process operatives (code 8112): Glass and
ceramics process operatives position articles ready for firing in kilns and
operate and attend furnaces and kilns to make and treat glass and ceramic
items.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: Academic qualifications are not
normally required. Training is mostly on-the-job, the amount and
56
extent depending on the equipment used and type of operations
performed. NVQs/SVQs/vocational qualifications covering glass
processing, glass manufacturing, kiln operations and manufacturing
ceramic items are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3.
b. Tasks:
i. directs loading of furnace with prescribed quantities and types
of ingredients;
ii. sets timing and temperature controls, monitors pressure
gauges, adjusts controls as necessary and regulates level of
glass in furnace as required;
iii. operates controls to rotate rotary furnaces and create a
vacuum in vacuum furnaces, ensures that static furnaces are
correctly positioned and switches on current;
iv. monitors temperature of drying and annealing kilns and
reports any significant deviations from schedule sheet;
v. cuts off heat supply after firing/heating/drying and cleans
furnace and kiln areas.
8.
Metal making and treating process operatives (code 8117): Metal
making and treating process operatives operate furnaces, ovens and other
heating vessels, drawing, rolling, extruding, galvanising, forging and other
metal processing equipment to smelt, shape and treat metal and metal
products.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/
SVQs in Steel Making, Steel Refining, Steel Casting and Metal Forging
are available at Levels 2 and 3
b. Tasks:
i. charges furnace, operates controls to regulate furnace
temperature, and adds oxidising, alloying and fluxing agents
as required
ii. sets rolling speed, tension and space between rolls, guides
the metal to and from rollers, and monitors the rolling
process to detect irregularities, and ensure that the gauge and
finish match required specifications
57
iii. operates equipment to remove dirt, scale and other surface
impurities by immersion in chemical solution
9.
Process operatives N.E.C. (code 8119): Job holders in this unit group
perform a variety of processing occupations not elsewhere classified in MINOR
GROUP 811: Process Operatives.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
entry requirements, though some employers may expect entrants to
possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically provided on-the-job,
supplemented by specialist training courses. NVQs/SVQs in Process
Operations are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3.
b. Tasks:
i. packs products ready for kiln setting;
ii. operates kilns, furnaces and ovens to produce cement clinker,
linoleum cement and asphalt, to fire abrasive and carbon
products and otherwise cook and heat treat materials and
products not elsewhere classified;
iii. operates machines to mix, blend, crush, wash and separate
seeds and other materials not elsewhere classified;
iv. operates machines to produce fat and corrugated asbestos
cement pipes and sheets;
v. performs other processing tasks not elsewhere classified
10.
Quarry workers and related operatives (code 8123): Quarry workers
erect supports in underground workings, set and detonate explosives to
loosen rocks and set up and operate drilling equipment to extract minerals
(other than coal) from the ground, and operate machinery to wash, crush or
separate stone and ores.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/
SVQs in Drilling Operations and Process Operations (Extractive
Industries) are available at Level 2. There is a minimum age limit of
18 for underground work.
b. Tasks:
i. performs other mining and quarrying tasks not elsewhere
classified including digging clay from open pits, operating
58
high-pressure hoses to wash china clay from open pit faces
and otherwise assisting miners
11.
Printing machine assistants (code 8127): Printing machine assistants
set and operate letterpress, platen or cylinder, lithographic and photogravure
printing machines, photocopiers, office printers, duplication machines and
other reprographic equipment.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: No academic qualifcations are
required. Off- and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs in
Screen Printing are available at Levels 1 and 2, and in Machine
Printing at Levels 2 and 3.
b. Tasks:
i. positions printing plates, loads inks into reservoirs and loads
paper rolls or sheets into printing press
ii. sets and operates presses for stamping patterns and labels on
textiles, clothing, pottery, footwear and other leather goods
12.
Routine inspectors and testers (code 8133): Jobholders in this unit
group inspect and/or test metal stock, parts and products, electrical plant,
machinery and electronic components, systems and sub-assemblies, textiles,
wood, paper, food, plastics and rubber goods, parts and materials to detect
processing, manufacturing and other defects.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
entry requirements, although some employers require candidates to
possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job,
supplemented by training courses where instruction in specific
techniques is required. Various NVQs/SVQs encompass aspects of
quality control.
b. Tasks:
i. examines articles for surface flaws such as cracks, dents,
defective sealing or broken wires by visual inspection or using
aids such as microscopes or magnifying glasses;
ii. sets up test equipment, connects items/system to power
source/pressure outlet, etc. and operates controls to check
performance and operation of electrical plant and machinery
and electronics systems;
59
iii. reports any recurrent or major defects and recommends
improvements to production methods.
13.
Weighers, graders and sorters (codes 8134): Jobholders in this unit
group weigh, grade and sort materials, goods and products.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
entry requirements. Training is typically received on-the-job,
supplemented by short courses relating to the specific material or
product being considered.
b. Tasks:
i. examines hide, skins, leather, fabric, wool, rags, scrap metal,
tobacco pipe bowls, fish, fibres, ceramics, produce and other
goods
ii. assesses product quality visually and by touch, and grades
according to weight, thickness, colour and other quality
criteria
iii. ascertains material(s) required from order card, recipe, or
specification and weighs and measures prescribed quantities
accordingly
14.
Assemblers and routine operatives N.E.C. (code 8139): Jobholders in
this unit group perform assembly and routine operative tasks not elsewhere
classified in MINOR GROUP 813: Assemblers and Routine Operatives.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: There are no formal academic
entry requirements, though some employers may require GCSEs/S
grades. Some employers may set dexterity and aptitude tests for
entrants. Normal colour vision may be required for some posts.
NVQs/SVQs at Levels 1, 2 and 3 are available in a variety of areas.
b. Tasks:
i. assembles prepared components in sequence by soldering,
bolting, fastening, spot-welding, screwing, nailing, stapling,
dipping and fastening using power and hand tools or
assembly machine;
ii. applies enamel to jewellery and coats, lacquers, dips and
touches up articles (other than ceramic);
60
iii. sets up and operates machines to apply colour to wallpaper
and to coat articles (other than ceramic) with paint, cellulose
or other protective/ decorative material;
iv. performs miscellaneous painting and coating tasks not
elsewhere classified including, staining articles, applying
transfers, operating french polishing machines, removing
surplus enamel from components and marking design
outlines on articles
15.
Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers (code 9134): Jobholders in this
unit group pack, wrap, fill, label and seal containers by hand or machine.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: No academic qualifications are
required. Training is typically provided on-the-job and varies
according to the type of packing and product. Formal courses are
run for specialist packing.
b. Tasks:
i. fills tubes, ampoules, bottles, drums, barrels, bags, sacks,
cans, boxes and other containers by hand using
measuring/weighing aid or by positioning container under
feeder spout;
ii. loads machine with packaging containers, materials, adhesive,
etc., loads hopper with items to be packaged/wrapped,
monitors filling, wrapping and packaging, adjusts controls as
necessary and clears any blockages;
16.
Elementary process plant occupations N.E.C. (code 9139): Jobholders
in this unit group assist the work of machine operatives and perform a variety
of manual tasks in foundries, engineering and allied trades and in other
process and plant operations not elsewhere classified in MINOR GROUP 913:
Elementary Process Plant Occupations.
a. Characteristics and qualifications: No academic qualifications are
required. On-the- job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs may be
available in some areas.
b. Tasks:
i. assists with the operation of furnaces and the preparation of
castings;
61
ii. assists in setting up attachments on plant and machinery, and
operates saws, shears or other equipment;
iii. loads and unloads vehicles, trucks and trolleys;
iv. performs a variety of manual tasks in relation to the operation
of coke ovens, boilers and blast furnaces.
62