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Job Profiles

The most researched job profiles have been identified in 6 countries. For every profile, the related skills have been listed.

Teachers and school counsellors should use the information provided to enhance students' motivation underlining the consistency between what is learnt at school and the skills required by the labour market.

For every country the most researched job profiles are presented providing information on the related qualifications, knowledge, skills, competences and personal attitude.

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NAME OF THE JOB PROFILE:
Machining system technician
Description of the job profile
The machining system technician prepares, rules and leads the machining system to carry out precision parts, independently, on the basis of technical specialisations.
He produces parts (metallic, in composite material) by removing some materials following different processes, until they are shaped (flat and cylindrical shapes) and of defined dimensions, individually or in series, using conventional machine control systems, numerically control and/or machining centres. According to the workstation, he may in particular provide turning and milling. The produced parts can range from a few millimetres to several meters. They are used to produce mechanical assemblies for all industries: automotive (as engines...), aeronautics (as undercarriage...), agriculture (as tractor cab...) or the medical sector (as pins connecting bones...)

In details:
From the received plans, the technician:
• analyses the job to carry out (he determines the operating range, he selects the cutting tools and instruments and he installs them on machines)
• pursues or performs the machining program, which determines the precise movement of tools and their trajectory
• tests and checks the conformity of the first parts made related to specifications and adjusts the settings before launching them in mass production
• guarantees the quality and the rhythm of operations by addressing anomalies in the shortest time possible
The technician also provides first level maintenance and service of the workstation.

The machining system technician conducts business mainly in a working group, under supervision. He works alone, in a team of workers doing the same job or within a multidisciplinary team.
The technicians are actively sought in various industrial sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, mechanical engineering, tooling and so on. Depending on the companies, organisational and production patterns and interventions could be realized on one, different or similar machine’s tools and in a production or maintenance department.
Economical sector
Secondary
Country
Belgium
Qualifications required
Full-time Education: Technical and Vocational high school (5th, 6th and 7th), field “industry”.
Training can be done via different channels and networks:
• Dual Education System (in “CEFA”), which combines apprenticeships in a company and vocational education at a vocational school in one course. An educational team accompanies, supports and guides students in all aspects of their project. Modules are the same as in full-time Education.
• Social advancement Education, high school, qualification (Machining technician, machining systems operator...)
• FOREM (Public Service of Employment and Training in Wallonia) and the competence centres also providing the training in machining systems (CNC lathe, CNC milling machine ...)
• Adults (>18 years old) who have learned the vocation through practice could have their skills officially recognised through validation of skills.
Knowledge
Knowledge Description Level
Knowledge of materials/goods and techniques/procedures Materials (denomination, composition, machining characteristics...) Machining (definition, types, production specificities...) Level 4
Sciences and Mathematics Mathematics (basic mathematical notions: 4 operations, percentages and unit conversions, geometrical shapes, angles, arcs, chords...) Level 4
Specific knowledge Knowledge of the sector of activity (common professional terminology...) Level 4
Using of technical tools Machine’s characteristics (types, use modes, security measures...) Level 4
Skills
Skill Description Level
Graphics Spatial ability: the technician mentally pictures the pieces in three dimensions based on a plan or a sketch, they see them evolve in space Level 4
Graphics Plans reading and/or interpreting (reading, decoding, interpreting plans, sketches, sheets…) Level 4
Computer Skills Ability to use digital command software Level 4
Managing safety rules Applying the specific safety rules to use machining systems Level 4
Organisational skills Managing one’s workstation (ordering and maintaining the small equipment and environment of the workstation) Level 4
Quality management skills Supervision of the machining process: controlling the programme proceedings, the good production of the piece, intervention if needed Level 4
Using of technical tools Machinery handling (performing turning and milling operations …) Level 4
Competences
Competence Description Level
Adaptability Adaptability (adapting to the evolution of technologies and materials) Level 4
Analytical thinking Anticipating or detecting the causes of malfunctions, participating in diagnosis to spot and ascertain the possible origins of the malfunction(s) Level 4
Assessment Self-control (controlling one’s work, maintaining quality respecting the quality process of the company) Level 4
Problem solving Handling problems (detecting anomalies and solving them, reacting quickly and serenely, self-control in case of unexpected event) Level 4
Teamworking Team work (coordinating one’s interventions with the different team members and/or other trades) Level 4
Personal Attitude
The technician is usually standing while performing the tasks. It requires constant attention and good spatial representation as well as a good sight.
The activity requires wearing security equipment adapted to the tools. It also involves, in some cases, to use lubricant products (risk of allergies).
Depending on the organisation, the work can be performed in normal schedule or shift work (2x8, 3x8...) and in the weekend.
The work also requires the following qualities: accuracy and observation, rigor and meticulousness.
Job Profile in national language

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.