TRADE GLOSSARY 

HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Mechanics may also be called heating and air conditioning technicians, or environmental control system installers or services’. The majority of mechanics are employed in the construction, services, and trade industries.

Mechanics work from blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturer instructions to install compressors, motors, condensers, thermostats, fans, ducts, pipes, and other mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into place. They use hand tools such as wrenches, electric drills, pipe cutters and benders, acetylene torches, and hammers to connect parts to duct work, gas and refrigerant lines, and other piping. Mechanics also use test instruments such as voltmeters, thermometers, and manometers. After attaching temperature and pressure control testing devices, the mechanics charge the system with refrigerant, and then test it for proper operation, making any necessary final adjustments.

A varied and complex task, known as "troubleshooting", requires that mechanics examine and, if necessary, take apart a unit when a breakdown occurs to find the source of the problem. After the source is identified and the necessary repairs are made, the unit is reassembled and tested.

Mechanics usually work independently, but depending on the job, may work with electricians or sheet metal workers. On large projects, electrical work may be done by electricians, pipe and other component installation by plumbers and pipe fitters, and duct work by sheet metal workers.

Mechanics are trained to install and service both residential and commercial heating and air conditioning units and commercial refrigeration
systems. They may specialize in areas such as installation, maintenance, servicing of furnaces, oil burners, commercial refrigerators, or solarpanels.

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An "alarm installer" installs, services or maintains security or fire alarm systems to detect intrusion, break-in, movement, sound or fire. Any entity which engages in the business of providing any of these services must be licensed by the Department as an alarm installer.

BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM INSTALLERS (also called Protective Signal Installers or Alarm Agents) install electrical signaling systems that either: notify a private central office of fire or burglary on a subscriber's premises; automatically dial 911 if a break-in or fire is detected, or simply ring an alarm. Installers set up wired and wireless alarm systems, conduits, electronic sensors, and signaling units in residential and commercial establishments, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans. They also install closed circuit television, surveillance systems and intercom systems.

BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM REPAIRERS examine the initiating and signalling installation to ensure sound connections and unbroken insulation. This involves the keypad control system, door and window contacts that detect entry, an interior alarm to alert occupants to an intrusion or fire, motion detectors, and often, telephone connections to a central station monitoring the system.

They test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications. To do this, electrical testing devices such as ohmmeters or voltmeters are used. Controls and sensors are then adjusted or repaired to ensure the proper operation of the alarm system on the premises, as well as the transmission of signals to the appropriate central station.

Range of products include wireless alarm systems, wireless accessories, digital surveillance systems; wireless surveillance systems, back to base monitoring, intercoms; Biometric and card access control systems; security cameras; CCTV and surveillance, installation and repairs of alarm systems

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MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIRERS service larger electric, gas, and microwave household appliances; these include stoves, ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and large microwave ovens. Appliances are repaired for the most part in the customer's home.

SMALL APPLIANCE REPAIRERS traditionally specialize in the repair of small electric, gas and electronic equipment such as toasters, waffle irons, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, power tools, and microwave ovens. Most of this work is done in repair shops at workbenches.

Repairers will operate the equipment to detect unusual noises, overheating, or excess vibrations. They check for faulty electrical connections, damaged circuit boards and other common sources of appliance failure. When necessary, technicians disassemble the appliance to examine its parts, using the appropriate hand and power tools. They use special devices such as ammeters, voltmeters, digital logic testers, pressure gauges, manometers, and pipe-threading tools to check and repair electric, electronic and gas systems.

After determining the problem, technicians estimate the time and cost of repair. Then, with the customer's approval, they make the necessary adjustments, replace worn or defective parts, and install new ones. They may cut, thread, and connect pipe to a feederline. Repairers also test for gas and microwave leaks.

As part of their job, repairers keep records of parts used and time spent on each call and compute the total charge. They also may answer customers' questions or complaints about the appliances and demonstrate their proper use and care. The major employers of Appliance Repairers are department stores, gas companies, electrical and other repair shops, and household appliance stores.

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ARCHITECTS develop new designs and structural techniques to improve the quality, safety, and attractiveness of the buildings and settings in which we live, work and play. The scope of architectural work is very broad. Architects often work with urban and interior designers, structural engineers, landscape architects and members of other professions to incorporate their efforts into the total building project.

Architects employed by large firms often work on extensive projects as part of a development team; each member specializes in one phase of work such as planning, programming, designing, cost estimating, writing project specifications, or administering construction contracts. Work assignments often vary from project to project, depending upon customer need or the Architect's special area of interest. The principal or other senior Architect of the firm negotiates with clients to secure projects and handles most business contacts with clients. Architects functioning as site planners and designers conduct site analyses, establish basic requirements for the project and suggest alternative design concepts.

Once the general design has been set, Architects prepare schematic and design development drawings. The project director supervises a staff which includes drafters. Drafters prepare working drawings, models, sketches of the proposed finished building and other necessary graphics. Architects also supervise specifications writers who set the qualities and dimensions of the materials to be used and estimators who develop cost estimates based
on building area, material types and quantities. During construction, construction administrators oversee the work to ensure that the requirements of the plans and specifications are met.

Architects working for small firms usually work on individual commercial or industrial structures, apartment buildings, residences, or additions to existing buildings. In these firms, one Architect is likely to perform several functions such as designer, drafter, estimator and construction overseer, as well as communicating directly with clients and buildingcontractors.Most Architects now use computers and computer aided design (CAD) as basic tools to create and modify structural designs.

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CEMENT MASONS pour, smooth and finish concrete surfaces such as floors, walls, sidewalks and curbs using hand and power tools. Their work
encompasses such small projects as backyard patios to large jobs such as concrete highways.

Before concrete is poured, Cement Masons (also called cement finishers) check the forms (which hold the concrete) to see that they are properly
constructed. During the pour, laborers spread the concrete to the desired depth, using shovels and rakes. On small jobs, the Cement Masons may mix or direct the mixing of the concrete and also pour and spread the concrete. Cement Masons level, smooth, finish and shape the concrete surfaces, using a variety of hand tools such as straightedges, tamps, floats and trowels. Power trowels may be used on large-scale projects, but corners, edges and hard-to-reach places must still be finished by hand. In some projects, machines are used in the leveling and troweling process. Masons mold joints and edges, using hand tools such as edgers, jointers and straightedges. They remove rough spots from surfaces with power grinders, hammers and chisels and patch holes with a fresh cement mixture. Cement Masons can create desired textures and colors using a variety of brushes, belts, coloring powders and terrazzo (marble) chips. Crew leaders may also direct the preliminary work such as setting forms or grading soil. Cement Masons must be familiar with the characteristics of various cements and concrete mixes and be knowledgeable of the effects of weather upon the curing of concrete.

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Tradespeople to assist in anyway in the bathroom from bathroom design and installation, dripping taps and leaks, rejuvenate your old bath and bathroom into a bright new beautiful matsterpiece, plumbing, wall and floor tiling - no job is to small or big for the tradespeople at Quote City.

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Tradespeople to supply and/or install a complete range of quality blinds and awnings. Let one of our tradespeople visit your home or office with a selection of samples and assist with your design needs and provide you with a free quote and measure. Range of blinds can include Awnings, Cafe Blinds, Sunscreen Blinds, Roman Blinds, Roller Blinds, Timber Blinds, Motorisation, Panel Glides, Venetion Blinds, Vertical Blinds,…

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Bricklaying is an ancient craft. Egyptian BRICK MASONS helped build the pyramids. Today, bricklaying is considered as much an art as a craft.

Brick Masons work with solid bricks, hollow concrete blocks, structural tiles, natural and artificial stone, and prefabricated masonry panels. Using these materials and mortar, Brick Masons build walls, partitions,arches, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures. In heavily industrialized areas of California, such as the San Francisco Bay Area and various parts of Southern California, some Brick Masons install and repair firebrick linings in industrial kilns and furnaces.

This trade requires extreme care from the planning to the finishing stage. To begin a project, Brick Masons must study the blueprint design and specifications. They determine the proper layout by placing the bricks in "dry course," without mortar. The supervisor or an experienced Brick Mason does the layout by first building the corners at each end of the structure, using a plumb rule (mason's level) to insure proper alignment, and then stretching a nylon line from corner to corner. Guided by the line and corners, Brick Masons lay masonry units in straight, level courses or layers using mortar. If a brick is too large for a space, they may break it with their hammer or mark it for cutting on a power saw. If two or more layers of brick are set, Brick Masons must arrange bricks in a pattern in which vertical joints do not overlap. Mixing and spreading mortar is a basic bricklaying task that must be completely mastered. Brick Masons use mostly hand tools, such as trowels, jointers, hammers, rules, chisels, squares and mallets.

Journey-level Brick Masons can tackle any kind of masonry work. Ordinarily they work in small groups directed by a supervisor and assisted by hod carriers or apprentices who set up scaffolds, carry materials and mix mortar.

Most masonry construction in must be reinforced to resist stress
(especially in earthquake-prone areas) and to carry architectural weight loads. To do this, bricklayers insert steel bars between two vertical walls of bricks or through the open cores of hollow blocks. They then pour cement into the space between the walls to securely bond the masonry units to the reinforcing steel.

Occasionally, panels composed of masonry units are pre-assembled at a factory and installed at the job site by bricklayers. On multi-story
buildings, where large, heavy prefabricated panels must be raised by cranes and bolted or welded to a steel or cement framework, bricklayers work with iron-workers and other construction workers. Bricklayers position and align panels and may assist with welding, if they are suitably trained and certified.

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Quality building work as services range from building extensions, building refurbishment, Interior and exterior decorating, loft conversions, structural alterations, patios, garden building work, renovations and property conversions, general building maintenance and decorating.

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Despite the development of plastics and other high-tech materials, the demand for wood products continues to be strong. Helping to meet this demand are Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters.

These workers often work in small or medium-sized shops, but some work in large companies producing high-volume products.

These workers use power and hand tools to cut, shape, and attach wood to make durable, attractive wood cabinets and other products. They may work with similar products such as solid surface countertops that behave much like wood and employ the same or similar tools.

Some of the tools Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters use include portable power saws, routers, drills, and screwdrivers. They also frequently use large, stationary tools such as table saws, radialarm saws, drill presses, routers, joiners, and lathes.  Before or after a wooden product is assembled, some woodworkers finish by sanding, taping off sections if necessary, and staining or painting the product. Sometimes, the wood is sealed after the stain or paint dries.

While equipment has had a great impact on workers in the largest, most efficient firms, precision or custom woodworkers—who generally work in smaller firms—have continued to employ the same production techniques they have used for many years. Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
and those in other woodworking occupations work on a customized basis, often building one-of-akind items. These highly skilled precision woodworkers usually perform a complete cycle of tasks—cutting, shaping, and preparing surfaces, and assembling prepared parts of complex wood components into a finished wood product. For this reason, these workers normally need substantial training and an ability to work from detailed instructions and specifications. In addition, they often are required to exercise independent judgment when undertaking an assignment.

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CARPENTERS work in almost every type of construction. The jobs they do depend on the type of construction, the type of company, and the particular skills of the Carpenter. Working for a small home builder, a Carpenter might be involved in every part of a project, such as putting up the framework, walls, roofs, and installing doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, paneling, and molding. In a larger operation, where there is more opportunity for specialized work, a Carpenter might do only one thing, such as roof framing or installing doors and windows. Carpenters working for a special trade contractor would specialize in whatever the special work might be, such as the installation of hardwood flooring. In other types of construction, Carpenter jobs can be as different as constructing wooden forms for pouring concrete; building wooden bridges, piers, and trestles; and installing tunnel bracing.

Most Carpenter's work involves certain basic steps: They read plans, identify and find the materials they need, determine the sizes of the parts required, and measure and mark the materials for cutting. Working with hand tools and power equipment, Carpenters cut and shape the material and assemble or install them following the plans.

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Chimney sweeping is one of the oldest jobs in history, and even in Australia the sweeps often dress in the traditional top hat and coat and tails of an English Chimney Sweep. Although many kinds of brushes are used, today's Chimney Sweeps usually use a vacuum that empties soot and dirt into a container mounted on a truck. They clean out fireplace flues, connecting pipes, and may reseal joints with cement.

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JANITORS AND CLEANERS keep office buildings, hotels, stores, factories, hospitals, schools, and other places clean. Job titles and job duties may be different in this job group, depending on where the work is done. For example, jobs in this field also include Chimney Sweeps, Window Cleaners, and Laboratory Aides.

Janitors and Cleaners sweep, vacuum, mop and wax floors, clean carpets, dust and polish furniture, clean and supply restrooms, collect and throw out trash, wash walls and ceilings, replace lights, and polish metal work. In some jobs they may do minor repairs, paint, do carpentry work, kill insects and other pests, clean heavy machinery, tend furnaces, air conditioners and boilers, operate heavy machinery such as paper balers, or supervise other workers. In schools and office buildings, they may set up tables and chairs in auditoriums or meeting rooms. Janitors and Cleaners must know how to use chemical cleaners and power equipment to keep from harming or damaging floors and fixtures. Other jobs in this category include:

INDUSTRIAL CLEANERS -- These workers keep work areas in industrial businesses clean and orderly. Using a hand truck, they may carry products or supplies between departments or buildings. These workers often clean
lint, dust, oil, and grease from machines and conveyers, wash floors using a hose, and may wash out processing tanks, containers or barrels.

WINDOW CLEANERS -- These workers use soapy water or other cleaners, sponges and squeegees to clean windows, glass partitions, and mirrors. This job often requires working on ladders, the use of a swing chair, or scaffolding to reach outside windows on upper floors of a building.

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Construction Laborers dig trenches, mix and place concrete, erect scaffolds, set braces to support the sides of excavations, and clean and prepare construction sites to rid it of any dangers, such as rubble and debris, asbestos, and other hazardous waste. They use tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment. They may assist other craft workers such as carpenters, plasterers, and masons.

At heavy and highway construction sites, Construction Laborers clear and prepare highway work zones and rights of way; install traffic barricades, cones, and markers; and control traffic passing near, in, and around work zones. They also install sewer, water, and storm drain pipes, and place concrete and asphalt on roads.

Construction Laborers at hazardous waste sites safely sample, identify, handle, pack, and transport asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other harmful materials, and clean and decontaminate equipment, buildings, and other enclosed structures.

CONSTRUCTION TRADES HELPERS assist skilled trades workers in a variety of construction occupations. They may help carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, cement masons, brick and stone masons, roofers, cabinet makers, floor covering installers, glaziers, painters, and others engaged in home and commercial construction.
Trades Helpers:
• carry or move equipment, tools, and materials to the work site
• set up ladders
• mix cement
• build forms
• construct scaffolding
• cut carpeting
• carry lumber and bricks from delivery trucks to the construction site
• dig trenches
• tear out and remove old building materials on remodeling projects
• gather equipment and supplies at the construction site
• clean up at the end of work days

CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING INSPECTORS
Construction and Building Inspectors examine and help regulate the construction or repair of buildings, highways and streets, sewer and waste water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures. Construction and Building Inspectors can specialize variously as building inspectors,electrical inspectors, elevator inspectors, mechanical inspectors, public works inspectors, and home inspectors. The following duties are common to most specialty fields.

Building Inspectors inspect the structural quality and general safety of buildings. They typically inspect the soil condition and position and depth of foundation footings before the construction of a building foundation. Building Inspectors also routinely examine a structure’s fire sprinklers,
alarms and smoke control systems, and fire exits.

Electrical Inspectors examine the installation of electrical systems and equipment to ensure compliance with electrical codes and standards. Other routine inspections include electrical wiring for heating and air-conditioning systems, appliances, and sound and security systems.

Mechanical Inspectors inspect the installation of the mechanical components of commercial kitchen appliances, heating and air-conditioning equipment, gasoline and butane tanks, gas and oil piping, and gas-fired and oil-fired appliances.

Public Works Inspectors ensure that federal, state, and local government construction projects (i.e., water and sewer systems, highways, streets, and bridges) comply with contract specifications. They inspect excavation and fill operations, the placement of forms for concrete, concrete mixing and pouring, asphalt paving, and grading operations. Public works inspectors can specialize in highways, structural steel, reinforced concrete, or ditches.
Home Inspectors conduct inspections of newly built or previously owned homes. They generally inspect a home’s roofing and structural quality as well as the home’s plumbing, electrical, and heating and air conditioning systems.

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Whenever big construction equipment is hard at work, it draws a crowd. Maybe it’s just human nature but it seems like everyone likes to watch huge machines bang, crush, smash, pulverize, pound, or demolish whatever is in the way. Taming these monster machines is the job of the Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.

Operating Engineers (also known as Construction Machine Operators) use different types of heavy equipment on construction work sites. Simply put, they use these heavy duty machines to move things around. Most of the time, they dig, scrape, cut, and move dirt, rocks, stones, and boulders. Some equipment is designed to move construction materials from where it is delivered to where the workers need it. Other equipment is designed to smash rocks, boulders, buildings, and other things that need to be demolished. Some equipment is used to crush materials, and still others are made to squeeze, press, and squish material such as asphalt so that it can stick together well and form a solid roadway. These machines include bulldozers, backhoes, graders, trench diggers, excavators, loaders, paving machines, rollers, cranes, pile drivers, pumps, tractors, scrapers, and other machines.

Besides operating the controls of these impressive machines, Operating Engineers also inspect their vehicles for safe operation prior to using them. They also may help set up these machines, perform routine maintenance on them, and make minor repairs.

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DRAFTERS make drawings and plans to specify dimensions, materials, and processes used in the making of a final product. These drawings are guidelines for the workers who will actually build or make whatever is being produced. They also make drawings from blueprints, engineering sketches, photos, and other sources which show how parts and other objects work, their relation to one another, and how they will be put together.

Drafting work has many specialties, each with its own set of knowledge and skills and each applying to different fields. Most fall into, or are at least generally related to, the five major specialties covered by this guide: Architectural, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, and Mechanical.

Working from rough sketches, verbal instructions, and/or engineering data, Drafters and Design Drafters may produce working drawings by hand, such as schematic drawings, process and instrumentation diagrams, and drawings of finished products, using drafting machines, rules, curves, triangles, and other drawing tools. More often, these workers produce drawings using a computer assisted drafting system (CAD). They may also create freehand drawings and are usually expected to complete the lettering that goes with their drawings.

Actual duties and job titles differ, but most drafting and design jobs fall within three levels. Trainee Drafter is the typical entry-level job. The work of a Trainee Drafter is less complicated and often routine, and the work is closely supervised and reviewed.

An Intermediate Drafter has some drafting experience. This worker does simple drawings and changes existing drawings to show changes in design. Some calculations are made and some judgment may be used. Supervision is lighter, but most work is still open to review.

A Senior Drafter draws the details of a design from sketches, verbal instructions, and other sources. At this level, the Drafter is responsible for many calculations, such as weights, volumes, and stress factors. A Senior Drafter may also work as crew leader, coordinating the work of other Drafters working on the same project. Judgment and decision-making, when instructions are not clearly defined, may be necessary at this level.

The Design Drafter works under the direction of the Project Engineer or Chief Designer. Although some Senior Drafter duties are often included, this worker mainly develops design concepts, with attention to appearance, proper mechanics, and other necessary things. The Design Drafter often acts as supervisor and drawing and detail checker and may also act as go-between for the drafting room and the production area or construction site.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTERS deal with the structural, functional, and decorative features of structures and buildings. They may specialize in residential, industrial, commercial, or public buildings.

CIVIL DRAFTERS work on plans for major construction projects such as dams, roads, bridges, and sewage systems. They make drawings and topographic and relief maps which often cover large areas.

ELECTRICAL DRAFTERS make wiring diagrams and schematics of electrical circuits for use by those who install and repair electrical systems such as those found in buildings, communication centers, and power plants.

ELECTRONIC DRAFTERS make drawings of the layout and schematics of electronic devices and components. They may specialize in the drafting of drawings used to make one or several related types of devices or components or they may be involved with many kinds of electronic items.

MECHANICAL DRAFTERS make plans and designs for many kinds of mechanical equipment. They may be involved with both a mechanical product and the machines used to make the product.

TECHNICAL ILLUSTRATORS do 3-D line drawings of parts and objects from different angles to show how they work, fit together and how they should be assembled, taken care of, and repaired. They may specialize in catalogs, technical manuals and handbooks, and brochures, or presentation materials such as transparencies, flip charts, and slides. Most Technical Illustrators make drawings for detailed instructions on how to assemble manufactured products.

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Custom-ordered draperies are made to exactly fit a window or other space, to solve decorating problems. They are important to the overall look of homes,motels, hotels, business offices and public buildings. Draperies can be made to fit any area. They may be made of a fabric that is sheer, heavy-lined, or unlined. Draperies are used to shut out light, give privacy, act as a room divider, add a decorator's touch, or some combination of these functions. The work of preparing, cutting, and assembling the material and sewing it into draperies is done by various drapery workers. The occupations covered in this guide are Drapery Cutters, Drapery Operators, Tablers and Pleaters.

Drapery Cutters unroll the fabric and check it for flaws and then layout and measure it on a cutting table. They cut the fabrics into lengths using Scissors, knives, or electric cutters. Using the lengths of cut fabric, Drapery Operators match up the selvages (finished edges), cut off the selvages, and sew drapery pieces together to the correct width. They machine hem drapery sides and bottoms with a blind-stitch hemming machine.

Tablers lay out the unfinished draperies on a table and measure them to the correct size. They fold down the heading (top) and press a stiffening fabric into it.

Pleaters fold the top of the drapery panel at designated places to form the pleats, either by hand or machine. They sew the pleats with loose stitches (tack) to hold them in place and steam, shape, fold, and tie the draperies.

In some custom drapery workrooms, much of the selvage cutting, blind stitching, and pleat tacking are done by hand, while in other shops,machines are used almost exclusively. Some drapery shops have steam rooms where draperies are hung, then blocked to shape. Experienced workers sometimes make matching bedspreads or cover cornices. Well-qualified drapery workers can usually perform two or three operations. In smaller shops, drapery workers may do all the steps in making draperies

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Feed, water, groom, exercise, or otherwise care for small or large animals, fish, or birds in zoos, circuses, pounds, laboratories, animal hospitals, aquariums, kennels, or stables. Clean and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks. May administer tests to animals or give treatments to sick or injured animals. May keep records of feedings, tests, and treatments; and of animals received and discharged.

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Do work that is essential to the development, manufacture, modification, and maintenance of a wide range of products and equipment.

TECHNICIANS usually work as assistants to engineers and are often identified by titles similar to those given to the engineers. Some common ones are Design Engineering Technician, Systems Development Technician, and Product Engineering Technician. Technicians with the most experience often work in the area of Research and development.

Technicians use their knowledge of electronics theory and circuitry, test procedures, mathematics, and physics to draw sketches, make layouts, and build experimental circuitry ("breadboards"), prototype and production models, and production equipment. They design and modify basic circuits, and recommend changes in circuitry or specifications. They trouble-shoot failed units, often down to the level of the individual components, analyze the cause of failures, and do necessary repairs. They use equipment such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, signal generators, ammeters, and oscilloscopes. Technicians set up and run a variety of environmental, operational, and functional tests on components, systems, and new products, and sometimes devise new test procedures as well. They analyze and interpret test data, write technical reports, develop graphs or charts to describe operating characteristics, failures, and limitations for the engineers to consider, pinpoint certain malfunctions.

Some technicians are primarily involved with the manufacturing process; they maintain production and quality control equipment, develop tests to assure product quality, and investigate various manufacturing problems. They also often train and supervise junior technicians and production assemblers.

Other technicians work as Customer Engineers or Field Service Representatives, installing and maintaining equipment and systems at the
customer's worksite. In addition to providing preventive and corrective maintenance, they often train the customer's employees, and advise them of
proper procedures to use to avoid equipment breakdowns. In the performance of their duties, Electronic Technicians operate calculators, computers, and experimental and laboratory equipment. They use drafting tools and complex electronic and mechanical instruments, and also make use of engineering handbooks and other reference materials.

MICROWAVE TECHNICIANS ARE ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS
who specialize in electronic microwave systems typically found in telecommunications, radar systems, and military electronic detection and countermeasure systems. These workers apply theory and practical techniques to develop, test, install, and service an ever-increasing number of applications of electronic-microwave equipment. Most of them work in the defense industry designing and fabricating microwave systems.

ELECTRICAL and ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS are involved in the science that studies elementary particles, smaller than the atom, called electrons. This field of study is very broad. Engineers apply theories and principles of science and mathematics to solve practical technical problems. Electrical Engineers specialize in the production, transmission and uses of electrical power. Electronics Engineers are more involved with low power applications including radio and television, computers and telephones.

Most of Australias Electrical and Electronics Engineers are employed in manufacturing industries including aerospace, electrical equipment, personal electronics, computer electronics, medical electronics and telecommunication equipment. Engineers in manufacturing may be Researchers and investigate issues related to possible applications, such as chemical interactions and new materials. Engineers who actually do product design and development use CAD/CAE (computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering) tools to draw up plans for efficient production. The Production Engineers are the "hands on" engineers. They guide products through all stages of the manufacturing process. They also determine performance standards for new products and write maintenance schedules to ensure that these standards will be met. Many Engineers also write technical manuals, instructional pamphlets, and installation instructions.

Electrical and Electronics Engineers work in other fields including power plant construction and design, nuclear power, Research, field service and teaching. Engineers are also employed by consulting firms, public utilities and government. Other engineers skilled in the marketing and sales of technical products are in demand as Sales Engineers.

Electrical and Electronics Engineers frequently present the findings of their work in oral presentations, as well as in technical reports. This requires the keeping of accurate records of all work performed and the ability to clearly communicate findings and results. Much of their time is also spent consulting with specialists in other engineering disciplines and business occupations.

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Electricians plan, lay out, install, repair, and maintain electrical equipment that provides light, heat, communications, and power. Electricians perform electrical work required in the building and remodeling of structures. They assemble, install and connect lighting and power systems, thermostats, intercoms, signaling systems and ventilators. Electricians follow blueprints and specifications to install electrical wires, cables and conduit systems. Electricians must have good mechanical ability, a thorough knowledge of the principles of electricity, circuitry, and power distribution within a building and familiarity with the materials and techniques of construction. For safety, Electricians follow local electrical building and safety codes. On small jobs they may work alone with minimal supervision, and they may supervise an apprentice.On large jobs they may work under the direction of the Electrician
Supervisor or Superintendent.

Maintenance Electricians typically work in large industrial buildings, commercial establishments and production or processing plants. Maintenance Electricians perform most of their work in preventive maintenance and repairing electrical systems rather than installing new systems. When a breakdown occurs, they must diagnose and locate the cause, correct the problem and restore service quickly. In some organizations they may keep records, write reports, plan and estimate jobs, and order supplies and equipment. In hospitals, hotels and public buildings, Electricians must operate and maintain emergency generators in the event of power failure.

Other Electricians specialize in electrical work for ship and boat building, water transportation, aircraft manufacturing, theaters and motion pictures, elevator maintenance, neon signs, and power generating plants. All Electricians must be familiar with hand tools and test equipment such as ohmmeters, ammeters, voltmeters, and continuity testers.

Electronic home entertainment has improved both in the variety and quality of the equipment available. It used to be that a television set and a radio or two were the household norm. Now video cameras, stereo sound
systems, compact disc players, wireless telephones, answering machines, and home security systems are common. Because the prices for these items have decreased in recent years while overall product quality and reliability have improved, many consumer electronic products in use seldom need servicing. Instead of repairing a damaged item, owners may find it more economical or convenient to buy another. When repairs or checkups are necessary, the equipment is usually taken to the service departments of consumer electronics and home appliance stores and electronic home equipment specialty shops. They also may be shipped to centrally located service centers by the customer or by the local repair shop.

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Use their thorough knowledge of electronics theory and circuitry to maintain, service, and repair a variety of automated assembly line systems, as well as production and test equipment. These highly skilled, versatile workers are often known by titles such as line maintenance technician, equipment support technician, or equipment maintenance technician.

Automation is common in almost every industry. Electronically operated and controlled systems and processing machines are installed frequently. Many of these units are computer operated, while others may be electro- mechanical, vacuum, or pneumatic systems that have some electronic controls. Electronics Repairers align, adjust, and calibrate the equipment on a regular basis to keep it running efficiently. They modify existing, or develop new industrial electronic devices, circuits, and equipment according to company specifications that may not have complete technical data and instructions. When a malfunction does occur, the entire assembly line may stop, and technicians must work quickly to locate the problem and repair the system so that production can resume as soon as possible.

Electronics Repairers calibrate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the equipment and instruments that help them run tests and locate problems.They may also install industrial electronic communication systems and devices such as AM and FM intercommunication transmitters receivers, public address systems, fire alarms, audio recorders, and electronic emergency systems. They use instruments such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, multimeters, pressure gauges and soldering tools to do their work. They keep equipment logs and records of all repairs and services and often keep inventory for spare parts.

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CIVIL ENGINEERS plan, design, and direct the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, pipelines, subdivisions, airports, waste water systems, and many other types of facilities. They may work in a specific field such as construction, land development, structural or hydraulic design, soil mechanics, waste water treatment, or solid waste management. The may also work with specialists on general problems such as soil or ground water contamination or energy development and conservation.

Civil Engineers may design the main features of a project, then direct the work of drawing plans, writing specifications and preparing final cost estimates. They may prepare deeds, property descriptions and right-of-way maps. In the field they usually do surveying, site investigation, or construction inspection or supervision. They may also sample and test soil or construction materials in the laboratory or the field.

In structural work, engineers may work on detailed calculations to be certain that design features meet all structural requirements. They may go into the field to make sure that work in progress conforms to the plans and specifications; they may also inspect existing structures that may need repair or replacement.

In transportation, engineers design streets and highways and plan alterations to improve traffic flow. They do survey work, draw preliminary plans, or inspect and test materials to be used in construction. They may also prepare reports on environmental impact. Engineers may further specialize in a particular part of the work such
as improving traffic signs, planning and designing impact devices, or studying pedestrian traffic. Others study population growth and industrial trends to determine future transportation needs.

COMPUTER ENGINEERS
Computer Systems Engineers assist in the selection and installation of computer systems by providing technical advice and support, and by helping organizations acquire and set up affordable, workable data processing systems suited to current and projected needs.

Most Computer Systems Engineers work for companies which manufacture or sell complete computer systems to corporations. As members of the marketing/sales staff, they serve as the primary technical resource, both for customers and sales crew. They are closely involved in all phases of product sales and installation and maintain contact with their customers. During the presales phase, for example, systems engineers visit the
customer's site, where they analyze daily operations and confer with managers and other personnel to determine information handling needs. Then, drawing on their knowledge of data processing technology and their company's products and systems they recommend appropriate hardware, software, and accessories to the customer. Working with other members of the account team, they develop written proposals and give product demonstrations. After the sale, systems engineers oversee system installation and may develop custom software to adapt the system to special applications. They evaluate the technical capabilities of the customer's staff to determine the training required, then prepare and conduct classes and seminars. They are also responsible for following up on established accounts, making regularly scheduled visits to monitor the system, and to provide additional guidance. They remain available for problem solving or to handle special projects, such as helping customers design and implement their own programs. Some systems engineers work for data processing consulting firms or for management consulting firms specializing in selecting, modifying, and setting up computer systems for a variety of clients. In many respects, the work of consulting systems engineers is similar to that of systems engineers who represent one computer company. However, as independent experts, consulting systems engineers review proposals from different computer vendors and objectively evaluate all of the client's options -- including that of retaining and improving the existing manual system or contracting with an outside computer service bureau.

Some systems engineers work in large organizations with separate data processing departments. Sometimes known as Computer Applications Engineers or Project Engineers, they help design and install computer-based information systems to support other departments, such as Payroll. They also prepare hardware and software specifications for outside vendors and consultants, code and test software for special purposes, and handle on-going system maintenance.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERS design, produce, maintain and improve all kinds of mechanical devices, components, engines and systems. Examples include transportation equipment, environmental control systems, materials handling systems, machine tools, robots, and automated manufacturing equipment. Mechanical Engineers are also involved with power conversion systems ranging from internal combustion engines to large power-generating stations. They need to know about all forms of energy needed to produce motion or heat - solar, water, wind and nuclear energy as well as conventional fuels. The field is diverse, and Mechanical Engineers can work in different areas including: design,
testing, manufacturing/plant engineering, sales or teaching.

Mechanical Engineers played a very important part in the creation of the mass production factories of the 1920's. Today, manufacturing industries are turning to cost-saving technologies including automated processing and robotics to improve their competitiveness and productivity. Once again Mechanical Engineers are playing a major role. Using CAD (computer-aided design) they are developing new types of automated systems utilizing laser-processing and machining and advanced sensor and imaging technologies. Mechanical Engineers also design and develop service, or mobile robots, and automated guided vehicles, including space exploration vehicles. Many Mechanical Engineers work in machinery and systems design. Design engineers are mainly concerned with new product development but also upgrade existing designs to achieve desired performance goals.

Computers have become an integral part of the design engineer's job. Using CAD systems, engineers create realistic geometric models of objects on a computer terminal screen. They can rotate these images to view them from any desired angle, and even simulate and analyze the effects of different operating conditions and try out alternative designs. Computer-models are eliminating the need for handmade drawings and experimental physical prototypes.

Testing of products in order to verify or improve their quality is an integral part of both design and manufacturing. Test engineers select or develop the testing apparatus and procedures to be used. If problems arise during testing, or if the product does not perform according to specifications, test engineers may recommend changes in overall design, in particular components or materials, or in certain manufacturing procedures.

Mechanical Engineers who work in manufacturing are responsible for all aspects of production from development or selection of manufacturing methods to overseeing day-to-day operations on the factory floor. Engineers must be able to design, install and operate complex manufacturing systems made up of people, materials, robotics and other automated equipment. Along with this, they develop and monitor preventive maintenance programs. They may work on teams with design and/or test engineers, and often develop the product and the production
process concurrently.

Sales of sophisticated technical products frequently require knowledge of how the device or system operates. Therefore, Mechanical Engineers are sometimes employed as sales representatives. They solicit new business and furnish technical assistance to customers; they also provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems and needs

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Construction Laborers dig trenches, mix and place concrete, erect scaffolds, set braces to support the sides of excavations, and clean and prepare construction sites to rid it of any dangers, such as rubble and debris, asbestos, and other hazardous waste. They use tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment. They may assist other craft workers such as carpenters, plasterers, and masons.

At heavy and highway construction sites, Construction Laborers clear and prepare highway work zones and rights of way; install traffic barricades, cones, and markers; and control traffic passing near, in, and around work zones. They also install sewer, water, and storm drain pipes, and place
concrete and asphalt on roads. Construction Laborers at hazardous waste sites safely sample, identify, handle, pack, and transport asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other harmful materials, and clean and decontaminate equipment, buildings, and other enclosed structures.

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Carpet, tile, hardwood flooring, vinyl or linoleum, and other types of floor coverings are often used in residences and commercial buildings where comfort and appearance is important. Carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers lay these floor coverings in homes, offices, hospitals, stores,
restaurants, and many other types of buildings. Tile also is installed on walls and ceilings and is covered in the Tile Setters guide (see page ).
Each specialty construction trade covered in this guide has its own methods of installation and many contractors only do one type of installation. Some install both carpet and vinyl floor coverings. However, laying hardwood floors is usually done by a specialist who works principally in laying wood floors. Before any type of floor covering is applied, installers make sure the subfloor or other area to be covered is in good condition, level, and smooth. If holes and other irregularities are present, they must fill them in with patching or leveling compound. They may take out high spots in the surface by cutting them out or sanding them down. Some materials, such as old linoleum or vinyl floors, must never be sanded because they contain asbestos.

Once the floor area is smooth, they measure the area to be covered, and rough cut the carpet or vinyl to fit, leaving some overlap that will be cut away later. When applying a wood floor, a pattern must be chosen that will look attractive, satisfy the customer, and work well with the space available. When carpet is applied, a soft cushion of ‘rebond’ or other padding material is either stapled or glued down. Next, the carpet, vinyl, or wood flooring is laid down. Most carpet is attached through the use of tackless strips, which have been nailed to the floor beforehand to hold it in place.

Floor installers use hand tools such as hammers, drills, staple guns, carpet knives, linoleum knives, rubber mallets, power saws, trowels, utility knives, nail setters, and power nailers.

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Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.Furniture Removalist, pick up, load and transport your furniture to a different location.

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GARDENERS and GROUNDSKEEPERS work in many different places, from private property to city parks to golf courses.These workers have different titles, depending on where they work and the type of work they do.

Garden Workers and Yard Workers condition and prepare soil, plant seeds or bulbs in greenhouses or outdoors, and plant flowers, shrubs, and trees using a work plan. They fertilize, weed, transplant, and thin plants in public or private gardens. They may also lay sod, prune trees and repair gardening tools and fences.

LANDSCAPE GARDENERS keep up city, state and national parks. Following a planned design of the landscaped area, they lay sod or sow grass seed and plant shrubs, flowers, and trees. These workers also trim hedges, prune trees, spray herbicides and pesticides, mow lawns, and remove rubbish. They may also help repair roads, walks, and greenhouses.

GREENSKEEPERS maintain the grounds of private and public golf courses. Operating tractors, electric and hand mowers with various attachments, they till, cultivate and grade new course areas. These workers use fertilizers, esticides and other materials to keep the grass healthy, cut grass on greens and tees to the right height, and connect hose and sprinkler systems at designated points on the course to water the grass.

LAWN SERVICE WORKERS use thatchers, power and hand aerators, and chemicals to grow healthy lawns. They remove dead leaves and grass and rake lawns to put air into the soil. They apply fertilizers, fungicides and pesticides on a set schedule. These workers may take their tools from job to job and record activities and determine charges to customers.

CEMETERY WORKERS prepare graves and maintain cemetery grounds. They dig graves using picks and shovels or a back hoe. They position a casket - lowering device over the grave, put up a canopy over the grave site, and arrange folding chairs in for graveside funeral services. Following a set plan, these workers may plant and prune flowering shrubs, flower beds, and lawns, using hand and power tools.

INDUSTRIAL-COMMERCIAL GROUNDSKEEPERS do the same kind of work as Garden Workers, except on commercial, industrial, or public property. They may also do minor fence, gate, sprinkler and outbuilding repairs, and may also shovel snow during the winter season. These workers also clear the grounds of litter and rake and bag leaves.

Special Effects Gardeners create special displays of plants for movie sets, gardening workshops, or fairs, working from detailed instructions. They also collect moss, rocks, plants, and flowers to use in the display. They
may fertilize, water, and weed sets while the display is up.

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GLAZIERS cut and install glass and perform a variety of related tasks. They may read job orders and blueprints to determine the size, shape, and
location of glass to be installed and possibly the type and size of the staging and scaffolding necessary to complete a job. Those who only install
auto glass are not included in this guide.

In a shop setting, Glaziers build metal sash and moldings, using aluminum or steel framing. The metal is cut and shaped for storefront facings, for entrances in commercial, office, and factory buildings, and for glass doors and windows of all types. The metal is usually intended to support
the glass and provide a decorative effect. Glaziers sometimes cut glass to a specified size. This involves drawing a glass cutter firmly along a
straightedge or template and gently breaking away the excess. The shop has equipment for grinding and polishing when this is necessary. Some
types of glass cannot be cut after manufacture and must be ordered to size. At a construction site, Glaziers attach the formed metal moldings to the building. The sash must be exactly vertical and square, and the channel must be of sufficient depth to allow clearance for expansion of the glass and still assure that it will hold the glass when it is contracted. The glass may be tinted, laminated, insulated, or treated by some other process. Each type of glass has an expansion and contraction rate with which the Glazier must be familiar. The Glazier chooses the appropriate glazing compound which may be laid in the channel with a putty knife for putty glazing, or which may come in strip form or in the form of a rubber gasket for dryset. When the glass is dryset, plastic or cushion-metal setting blocks are used as supports. The job is finished by fitting in the glass
and, if necessary, attaching face moldings, weather seals or hardware, and adjusting door or window operation. Less skill is required of Glaziers
installing prefabricated glass products which are increasingly used in building construction.

The Glazier may be required to perform jobs such as installing mirrors and structural glass (colored, decorative glass applied to structural members), glazing one-way mirrors, and repairing glass showcases or ordinary wooden- framed windows. Although some Glaziers may specialize in jobs such as installation of tub or shower doors, many learn to handle all the different types of glass installation and the special problems presented by each. These "all-around" or "combination" Glaziers also install auto glass.

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HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Mechanics may also be called heating and air conditioning technicians, or environmental control system installers or servicers. The majority of mechanics are employed in the construction, services, and trade industries.

Mechanics work from blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturer instructions to install compressors, motors, condensers, thermostats, fans, ducts, pipes, and other mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into place. They use hand tools such as wrenches, electric drills, pipe cutters and benders, acetylene torches, and hammers to connect parts to duct work, gas and refrigerant lines, and other piping. Mechanics also use test instruments such as voltmeters, thermometers, and manometers. After attaching temperature and pressure control testing devices, the mechanics charge the system with refrigerant, and then test it for proper operation, making any necessary final adjustments.

A varied and complex task, known as "troubleshooting", requires that mechanics examine and, if necessary, take apart a unit when a breakdown
occurs to find the source of the problem. After the source is identified and the necessary repairs are made, the unit is reassembled and tested.

Mechanics usually work independently, but depending on the job, may work with electricians or sheet metal workers. On large projects, electrical
work may be done by electricians, pipe and other component installation by plumbers and pipe fitters, and duct work by sheet metal workers.

Mechanics are trained to install and service both residential and commercial heating and air conditioning units and commercial refrigeration
systems. They may specialize in areas such as installation, maintenance, servicing of furnaces, oil burners, commercial refrigerators, or solar
panels.

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HORTICULTURISTS are agricultural scientists dedicated to finding better ways to grow, harvest, store, process and ship fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. Also concerned with insuring healthy and hardy plants, they work with plant pathologists and other experts to develop plants that resist disease and grow well in all climates. The field of horticulture is both dynamic and exciting. Horticulturists have opportunities to work in many interesting, challenging and different areas.

Horticulturists who want to remain rooted to their profession work in nursery production. These specialists in "growing" know everything about
plants. They are experts in all parts of plant cultivation and propagation including seeding, cutting, layering, budding, and grafting. They also
protect the plants from pests and diseases.

Individuals who enjoy meeting people and sharing their plant knowledge might find their niche working in garden centers, the retail arm of the field. Serving as a link between the nursery industry and the plant buying public, Horticulturists can work as buyers, landscape designers or as managers.

FLORICULTURISTS, those who specialize in flowers, bedding and potted plants, will find challenges in floral design and wholesale and retail florist work.

Landscape designers work with both commercial and residential customers and have opportunities to convert clients' visions and dreams into reality. Landscape maintenance specialists work to maintain and protect the beauty of established landscaping.

Horticultural Therapists know just how therapeutic plants and gardening can be, and they plan therapy projects to help senior citizens and those with emotional and physical disabilities. Still even more Horticulturists have rewarding careers working as:

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May perform a single type of household task, such as cooking or cleaning, or they may perform a wide variety of duties related to the entire household and its occupants including gardening, chauffeuring, and caring for children and pets on a full time basis. The following job descriptions cover the most common types of Private Household Workers.

COOKS plan menus and prepare meals in private homes, according to recipes ortastes of their employer. They peel, wash, trim, and cook vegetables andmeats for eating, and bake breads and pastries. Cooks also clean thekitchen and cooking utensils, and sometimes serve meals. In addition, Cooksmay prepare fancy dishes and food for special diets. They may specialize inpreparing and serving dinner for employed, retired, or other persons and be designated a Family-Dinner Service Specialist.

YARD WORKERS / HANDYMAN keep the grounds of a private residence in neat and orderly condition. They plant, apply fertilizers, spray pesticides, prune,cultivate, and water flowers, vegetables, shrubbery, and trees. They seed and mow lawns, rake leaves, and keep grounds free of other debris. Yard Workers paint fences and wash and polish automobiles. Yard Workers
also clean patio furniture, straighten-up garages, and clean walkways. Yard Workers may tend furnaces or groom and exercise pets.

GENERAL HOUSE WORKERS keep private homes clean and orderly. They plan, cook, and serve meals according to their employer's instructions and washand clean silverware. They keep the kitchen stocked with groceries and household supplies. House Workers clean furnishings, floors, and windows, and answer the telephone and the doorbell. They may also oversee activities of children, and assist them in dressing and bathing.

CHILD CARE WORKERS attend and supervise the activities of children in private homes. They amuse children by reading to or playing games with them and help school-age children with their homework. Child Care Workers accompany children on walks or other outings, and keep children's quarters clean and orderly. They also prepare and serve meals and dress or assist children to dress and bathe.

NANNIES generally take care of children from birth to age ten or twelve. They tend to the child's early education, nutrition, health, and other
needs. They may also help with general housekeeping duties. Governesses look after children in addition to other household duties. They help
children with schoolwork and may teach them a foreign language.PERSONAL COMPANIONS AND ATTENDANTS provide companionship for individuals who are often elderly, handicapped, or recuperating. They attend to an employer's personal needs and transact social or business affairs. Personal Attendants also read aloud and play cards or other games to entertain their employers. They may accompany the employer on trips and outings, and may prepare and serve meals.

CHAUFFEURS drive private cars as directed by the owner or passengers and perform various other tasks. They assist passengers in entering and leaving the car. Chauffeurs keep cars clean, polished, and in operating condition. They may make minor repairs and adjustments, such as fixing tire punctures and cleaning spark plugs. They may also groom and exercise their employers' pets.

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INTERIOR DESIGNERS plan and design or redesign attractive and useful interiors for homes, hotels, ships, hospitals, office buildings, and other
commercial structures. They can be classified by the following general categories:

(1) Designers who own and operate design studios

(2) Designers who work as assistants or associates in design firms

(3) Designers employed by retail or office furnishings stores

(4) Designers employed by architectural firms

(5) Designers employed in the design departments of large firms and institutions

Interior Designers usually work directly with clients and must consider their requirements, tastes, preferences, and budget. They must keep form,
color, scale, and arrangement in balance, and at the same time be concerned with utility, construction, economy, and client satisfaction. Designers should be familiar with the nature of woods, textiles, and decorating products such as paint and wallpaper. They should be knowledgeable about the historical periods that have influenced the development of furniture style and room design.Designers often work from blueprints, make detailed floor plans, and draw furniture to scale. They shop in wholesale markets to locate furnishings and accessories, and, when necessary, design original pieces to be made to order. They often work closely with both building and landscape architects in planning the interiors of new buildings or remodeling old ones. Presentations for client approval usually include a sketch or scaled floor plan showing furniture arrangement, color charts, and samples of upholstery, draperies, and wall coverings. The complete proposal includes an estimate of the cost for the installation. After the proposal is accepted, Interior Designers assemble furnishings and act as agents for their clients by contracting and supervising the services of craft workers.

Some Interior Designers may specialize in color coordination, lighting, furniture or fabric design. Others may teach at universities, art schools,
or adult education facilities.

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Design and plan outdoor spaces. They are overall responsible for the overall design and detailed plans for a wide range of projects in outdoor spaces including industrial and office parks, residential land, lands subdivision, parks and recreational areas, as well as master plans for management of forested lands. There work falls into general categories of site design and planning, environmental planning, and land management and resource analysis.

Landscape Architects perform the following tasks: Analyze location, climate, soil, vegetation, drainage, structures, visual qualities, proposed use, feasibility studies, and the preservation of critical nature resources.

Create preliminary designs and prepare site plans showing grading and drainage, existing trees and plants, placement of new plantings, and the proposed location of structures, roads, parking areas, lighting and irrigation.

Prepare models and other graphic aids, such as sketches and diagrams, to help clients visualise the total design.

Prepare working drawings, cost estimates, and detailed instructions regarding dimensions, workmanship and materials for construction of designed elements.

Observe the construction and new planting work to ensure its proper completion as the project progresses.

Prepare Environmental Impact statements or reports for projects that significantly alter the environment.

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Have you ever locked yourself out of your home or car? Have you lost the keys to your car, home, or a locked cabinet? Has your home ever been broken into requiring the replacement of damaged locks? Have you rekeyed locks because of security concerns? These common situations require the skills of LOCKSMITHS.

Locksmiths develop and maintain security systems for residential and commercial customers. For example, they rekey door locks in a warehouse, change the combination of an office safe, or install deadbolt locks in a home. Rekeying is changing the tumblers of a lock to fit a
new key. Rekeying a master key system is a time-consuming, complicated job. In a master key system, some keys must open all doors, others open several doors, while most keys open individual doors. In some hotels and other lodging places, Locksmiths install security systems that require an electronic key card to open guest room doors. Some Locksmiths install and repair electronic burglar alarms and surveillance systems that signal police or firefighters when break-ins or fires occur.

Most Locksmiths work in small repair shops that serve residential and commercial customers. Locksmiths often specialize in one aspect of their trade. In-house Locksmiths work for large organizations such as colleges, universities, school districts, industrial complexes, hospitals, local and State government, and large hotels. Locksmiths perform the following tasks:
• Take apart mechanical or electrical locking devices and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
• Insert new or repaired tumblers into lock to change combination.
• Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components, using hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting apparatus.
• Cut new or duplicate keys, using keycutting machine.
• Install safes, vault doors, and deposit boxes according to blueprints, using equipment such as powered drills, taps, dies, truck crane, and dolly.
• Drill open safe locks.
• Move picklock in cylinder to open locks without keys.
• Remove interior and exterior finishes on safes and vaults and spray on new finishes.
• Keep record of company locks and keys.
• Refer to manufacturers’ manuals that describe the construction and working of various locks.

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Use a variety of skills to install, repair, and maintain industrial machinery and equipment as well as physical structures like commercial buildings, factories, apartment houses, schools, and hospitals. Their duties may involve repairing restaurant refrigerators, building office partitions, repairing windows and doors, replacing electrical switches, painting walls and floors, laying bricks and installing tiles, clearing clogged drains and replacing plumbing, repairing heating and air conditioning equipment, and rewiring offices.

Repairers have skills in several construction and mechanical crafts such as carpentry, electrical installation and repair, plumbing, painting, roofing, and mechanics.

Maintenance Repairers use tools ranging from common hand and power tools such as hammers, hoists, saws, drills, and wrenches to precision measuring instruments and electrical and electronic testing devices.

They may be required to read and understand diagrams, drawings, blueprints, maintenance manuals and schematic diagrams. Some may be responsible for ordering parts, supplies and equipment from industrial catalogs and suppliers.

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Service larger electric, gas, and microwave household appliances; these include stoves, ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and large microwave ovens. Appliances are repaired for the most part in the customer's home.

SMALL APPLIANCE REPAIRERS traditionally specialize in the repair of small electric, gas and electronic equipment such as toasters, waffle irons, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, power tools, and microwave ovens. Most of this work is done in repair shops at workbenches. Repairers will operate the equipment to detect unusual noises, overheating, or excess vibrations. They check for faulty electrical connections, damaged circuit boards and other common sources of appliance failure. When necessary, technicians disassemble the appliance to examine its parts, using the appropriate hand and power tools. They use special devices such as ammeters, voltmeters, digital logic testers, pressure gauges, manometers, and pipe-threading tools to check and repair electric, electronic and gas systems. After determining the problem, technicians estimate the time and cost of repair. Then, with the customer's approval, they make the necessary adjustments, replace worn or defective parts, and install new ones. They may cut, thread, and connect pipe to a feederline. Repairers also test for gas and microwave leaks.As part of their job, repairers keep records of parts used and time spent on each call and compute the total charge. They also may answer customers' questions or complaints about the appliances and demonstrate their proper use and care. The major employers of Appliance Repairers are department stores, gas companies, electrical and other repair shops, and household appliance stores.

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Are skilled workers who paint and varnish new and old buildings. Many kinds of surfaces are painted, including wood, metal, concrete, masonry, and plastic.

There are three steps to a good paint job: surface preparation, priming or undercoating, and the finishing coats. There are different kinds of surface preparation. Some surfaces need no special preparation, while others need sanding, filling of cracks and holes with spackling, and cleaning the surface. Some painted surfaces need partial or complete removal of the old finish. The Painter may use a scraper, wire brush, chemicals, sandpaper, or sandblasting equipment to take off an old finish. When the surface is ready, the Painter primes the bare wood or metal with special paint, if needed. If the old paint is in good condition, new paint can be put directly over it.

Finished coats are put on with spray guns, rollers or brushes, depending on the type of surface. Rollers are most often used on even surfaces such as walls and ceilings. On surfaces that are hard to paint with a brush or roller, such as cinder block and metal fencing, a spray gun may be used. Spraying equipment can be a lot faster than painting with a brush or roller, although a lot of time is needed to mask areas that are not going to be painted.

Painters not only have to be skilled in handling painting tools, they also have to know which tools and materials to use. When choosing paints and
finishes, Painters have to consider whether they're right for the job, their cost, and how long they'll last. Although finishes usually come ready-mixed in almost any color, Painters must know about paint composition and color harmony to get the texture, tint, and shade the customer wants.

AUTOMOTIVE PAINTERS repaint automobiles, trucks, and buses that have beenrepaired, and older vehicles that have lost their luster. Others work on production lines painting new motor vehicles.

To prepare a vehicle for repainting, painters or their helpers use power sanders and sandpaper to remove the original paint or rust, and fill small nicks and scratches with body putty. They also remove or mask parts they do not want painted, such as chrome trim, headlights, windows, and mirrors. When painting only a portion of a vehicle, they figure how much paint will be needed to cover the area. They mix the paint to exactly match the existing color and blend the paint to its correct thickness. This may involve using simple arithmetic such as decimals and fractions and using a viscosity meter to make sure the paint is the right consistency.

Painters use a spray gun to apply both the primer and final coats of paint, which may be a natural or synthetic lacquer or enamel, or a polyurethane coating. They adjust the spray gun nozzle and, if necessary, the air-pressure regulator, according to the kind of paint being used. To speed drying, they may place the freshly painted vehicle under heat lamps or in a special infrared oven. After each coat of paint dries, they sand the surface to remove any irregularities and to help the next coat adhere better. This is the most time-consuming step. After the final coat of paint has dried, painters or their helpers may polish the newly painted surface. They clean their spray guns, mixing paddles, and other equipment. Painters must also keep up with new products used in the manufacture and painting of cars, and maintain records of materials used.

In production plants, painters may operate a washing tank to clean items before painting. An increasing number of factories use automatic painting machinery and robots controlled by workers who adjust the nozzles of guns used by the robots. Painters also set up, keep the machinery running, and check for imperfections. They may spray paint the parts that the machine misses or cannot reach. As production lines become more automated, painters must learn to handle machinery such as electrostatic applicators and powder-type painting systems.

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Spray or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill pests and vermin, such as mice, termites, and roaches, that infest buildings and surrounding areas.

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Plasterers and Stucco Masons apply decorative and protective materials to walls and ceilings of buildings. Plaster is generally used inside a building, because it isn’t waterproof. Stucco, on the other hand, can stand up to the weather and is generally used on exterior walls and ceilings.
The materials are similar in the way they are prepared and applied. Both are mixtures of a dry powder, additives, and water. In the case of plaster, specially prepared gypsum is mixed with water, sand, and other materials designed to make the mixture harder, more wear resistant, and
less likely to crack. Traditionally, the interior walls of homes were covered with plaster. Since plaster needs something to stick to, thin wooden strips called lath were nailed to the wall’s wood studs. Three coats of plaster were then spread over the lath. Today, this is rarely done although metal lath covered with plaster can form curves and other shapes not possible with wooden lath. Most plasterers today apply plaster over a gypsum board substrate. This skim coat makes the walls much less likely to be dented in day-to-day activities. It can also help hide imperfections that may be present such as an irregular appearance of the drywall. Stucco Masons apply stucco in much the same way to exterior walls. Stucco is a cement-based product much like concrete but without stones (aggregate). Stucco Masons prepare the surface to be stuccoed by first attaching a protective layer of tarpaper or housewrapping fabric. They then attach stucco wire to the house. Then, three layers of stucco is applied. Once the stucco dries, it is generally painted for a nice, decorative look.

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Assemble, install, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of water, gas, and waste disposal systems, according to specifications and plumbing codes. They work with piping systems that transport liquid, gas, or semisolid material. Their work includes the installation of sinks, tubs, and other fixtures and their connection to water and sewage systems. Plumbers also maintain existing plumbing systems. Journey-level Plumbers may give written estimates of the cost of their work.

In new construction work, Plumbers must follow blueprints so that the plumbing lines go in the right place. They plan the job, determine the size
and type of pipe to be used, and select the proper fixtures. They lay out the exact route the piping will take. The pipe is cut to correct lengths and fitted with valves and other types of connections. Pipes and connections may be copper, glass, lead, plastic, ceramic, cast iron, or steel.

Plumbers cut and join these materials into complete systems. They braze, glue, cement, solder, chemically bond, or thread joints. Plumbers must cut holes in beams, ceilings, floors, roofs, and walls through which the pipes are passed. Once the pipes are connected to a water supply and sewage system, they check the system to insure that the plumbing works properly.

After the system is inspected by the building inspector, Plumbers install the necessary plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc. This means that Plumbers must come back to the job site after the floors and walls are up and finished. They then install and hook up plumbing fixtures such as tubs, toilets, and sinks. These are also tested to make sure there are no leaks, and the system works properly.

Plumbers, doing maintenance and alteration work on existing buildings, trace troubles in the plumbing systems, open clogged drains and pipes, thaw frozen pipes, replace worn parts of leaking valves or complete valves, repair and replace pipes, fittings, and fixtures, and extend piping systems to connect new fixtures to water and drainage systems.

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SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM INSTALLERS include Photovoltaic System (PVS) Installers and Solar Thermal Installers.PVS Installers install the systems that generate solar electricity to heat and cool entire homes and buildings.Solar thermal Installers install and repair hot water and swimming pool heating systems.

Both thermal and PVS installers mount pre-assembled solar panels or systems and install storage tanks, pumps, valves, pipes, and ducts. They set up and adjust electrical or electronic controls and sometimes do routine maintenance. In new construction, they follow blueprints to connect piping, ducting, controls and wiring.

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Roofers attach a variety of materials to the roofs of buildings to ensure they are watertight so that buildings and their contents are protected. Wood shingles are a traditional choice, but more and more, other materials such as asphalt (composition) and tile are chosen by homeowners. Most
commercial structures still use “hot mop” roofs to cover flat or low-pitched roofs. Roofers both patch or repair roofs and replace them. Techniques are similar for both tasks. The roofer inspects the roof to determine if the roof can be repaired or if the damage is so extensive that the entire roof needs to be replaced. Sometimes old roofing material needs to be removed in order to comply with building codes or because the damage extends down to the roof deck (the wood sheathing that supports the roofing material). The roofer then prepares the roof surface, and nails or staples new material to the roof.

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Perform all operations necessary to make, install, and repair a wide variety of sheet-metal products. When fabricating a product, they select a suitable sheet of material and lay out the work, following blueprints, sketches, work orders or verbal instructions. They locate and mark reference points, and using shop mathematics, calculate angles and curves. Next, they cut the flat material and shape it into a three-dimensional form, using hand and power-driven tools and fabricating machines. Finally, they assemble and rivet, weld, bolt, solder or bond parts together, and then smooth or polish the surface. When installing a completed unit, workers maneuver and anchor it in place. When repairing sheet-metal equipment, they determine the source of trouble and make any modifications required either at the site or in the shop.

Most Sheet Metal Workers are employed by contractors who specialize in sheet-metal equipment for residential, industrial, or commercial buildings. Much of this work involves installation of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, as well as architectural sheet metal products, such as roofing, siding and drains. Industrial sheet-metal work also includes fabrication and installation of heavy production equipment, such as tanks, hoppers, machine guards, chutes and conveyers. Some journey-level workers specialize in stainless steel work, particularly kitchen and food processing equipment, for hotels, restaurants or food products manufacturers. Work with stainless steel requires careful handling and precision techniques.

Many sheet metal parts can be bought in standard sizes and shapes. These are rapidly assembled at the job site, requiring only slight modification for a proper fit. Because residential components are particularly easy to mass produce, they are inexpensive and widely available. As a result, residential Sheet Metal Workers may do only on-site installation, frequently using flexible duct instead of more expensive, custom parts. Other materials, such as fiberglass and plastic, are finding their way into the industry. In contrast, commercial and industrial items are typically designed to meet unique specifications, and usually require custom fabrication.

Some Sheet Metal Workers are employed in private and federal shipyards, and a small number are employed in railroad shops. They build, install and repair ventilating ducts, compartments and other sheet metal portions of ships or railroad equipment.

Workers who have additional metal-working skills are sometimes employed as general maintenance mechanics in large firms. They inspect and maintain equipment, and make repairs when necessary. They overhaul equipment periodically, keep it in working order and make repairs on site. A few highly skilled workers are employed by sheet metal product manufacturers to develop and lay out new patterns and supervise production.

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Assemble steel columns, beams, reinforcing steel, and other basic metal parts of large structures used at construction sites such as bridges and buildings. They make stairs, ornamental grilles, beams, and girders and also make and assemble units for prefabricated metal buildings. All their work is performed in shops or yards. Drilling, cutting, and welding operations are much like those used in other machine or metal fabricating shops. However, structural fabricators ordinarily work with large shapes and thick, heavy materials--individual pieces may weigh as much as 20 tons. They use large cranes to lift or move materials and finished products.

Journey-level workers are layout or master mechanics who can do all shop operations. They work from blueprints to develop scale layouts, make
templates (pattern pieces) and plan the steps of jobs to be done by Machine Operators and Welders. Operators set up and operate various machines and tools that cut, bend, straighten, and shape the metal work pieces. Welders position, align, fit, and weld the parts together and make sure that the finished product is the exact size and shape needed. In small shops, journey-level workers may perform all job steps, with helpers to load and unload material and keep the shop area clean.

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Better known as Field Ironworkers, work on large construction projects such as skyscrapers and bridges. Like shop workers, they also use large cranes to hoist massive steel beams, girders and columns into place. Working from blueprint specifications, they push, pull, pry, and guide building materials into position. They connect the parts with bolts, making sure that all pieces are properly aligned, and weld or bolt the parts permanently into place. They attach metal units such as exterior building panels, metal stairways, and ornamental iron gates. For dams and other concrete structures, ironworkers place reinforcing steel or mesh inside concrete forms before the cement is poured to give it extra strength.

Structural workers also set up metal fences and highway guard rails. They are generally trained in all aspects of structural metal tasks but often
work in one specialty. One specialty occupation is Ornamental Ironworkers. They install metal stairways, large exterior building panels, fences,
railings, and other finishing units. Workers spend most of their time fitting and aligning pre-assembled units, making sure they fit correctly
before bolting or welding them to the structure. Riggers specialize in rigging the hoisting or skidding equipment with wire or fiber rope, hooks
and rollers. They may also load or unload machines and equipment, using hoists, cranes, derricks, or simply their hands.

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Surveyors measure and record property boundaries and the topography of the land covered by construction and engineering projects. This measurement and the recorded data is called a “survey.” Surveys are used to establish legal boundaries, prepare maps and exhibits, and are the basis for written descriptions of land tracts that satisfy legal requirements. Surveyors work to set land values, subdivide land into lots, and stake development sites. Surveyors also measure and chart the depths and expanses of underground areas, the ocean floor, the atmosphere, and outer space. Surveyors use mathematical reasoning ability to visualize objects, measure distances, sizes, and other abstract forms. They must be precise and accurate in their work because mistakes can be costly. Global Positioning System (GPS) is the newest land surveying technology. GPS is an electronic system that uses information from earth-orbiting satellites to locate fixed points on the ground to establish survey lines.

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Ancient cities in Rome and Greece were famous for their mosaic tile floors and walls—some of which still exist today! The fact that their beauty has withstood centuries of use and neglect demonstrates that tile is a superior building material, one that finds many uses in modern commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. In fact, tile has been used in homes and other buildings for more than 4,000 years. Marble has also been used since antiquity and can be found in the most prestigious buildings of the ancient world. Marble possesses a natural beauty and can be carved, split, and polished easily. These properties also mean that marble is highly prized as a flooring and wall surface today. Tile and marble are wonderful building materials. They are water resistant, fireproof, and can’t be munched on by bugs. Both products are strong, resisting the occasional bump or ding. And, being fireproof, tile and marble can even be used to enhance the beauty of a fireplace or stove. As they are also water-resistant, tile and marble can be found around swimming pools, and in bathroom and kitchen countertops and floors.

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While the wood or steel framing parts carry a building’s load, the structural parts of a building are generally covered to provide an attractive living or working space. Years ago, many interior surfaces were covered by wooden lath and plaster. However, most interior spaces today are covered by drywall, which comes in panels of gypsum covered on both sides by heavy paper.

These panels go up much more quickly than lath and plaster, saving money during construction. Ceiling tile is generally used in commercial construction, and is only occasionally used in houses. It serves the same purpose as drywall although it can have greater sound and heat insulation properties.

Only minor changes in techniques and materials have occurred in the past several decades. The traditional metal edging used to reinforce corners has been joined by paper or plastic corners that are round, leading to a different look. However, application techniques are largely unchanged

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Create custom furniture and recondition old or worn upholstered furniture using hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods. These skilled crafts workers build or repair frames and add or replace fabrics, springs, and webbing. Some upholsterers repair and replace automobile upholstery and convertible and vinyl tops.

Upholstering involves several steps. When making furniture, Upholsterers start with a wooden frame and build on that foundation. When reconditioning furniture, Upholsterers first remove the old or worn fabric. If it is necessary, they remove the burlap and padding that cover the springs. They then examine the springs and replace any broken or bent ones. They also remove the webbing, which holds the springs in place, if it is worn. Once the frame is exposed, Upholsterers may reglue loose sections or refinish wooden parts.

The next step is to interweave and fasten strips of webbing to the back and underside of the furniture, using tacks or staples. The springs are
then placed in position and tied with twine. In modern furniture, coil springs have been replaced by other types such as "sinuous" or "no-sag"
springs. Burlap is used to form a covering for the material that pads the springs. Cotton and foam rubber are examples of materials used for
padding. Upholsterers then cut the upholstery fabric, sew it where necessary, and fit it smoothly onto the finished padding work.
Upholsterers complete the job by making pillow covers and sewing or tacking on fringes, buttons, or other ornaments.

Upholsterers use several small hand tools and fasteners in their work, including hammers, staple guns, tack and staple removers, shears, and
pliers. A special tool, the webbing stretcher, is used to stretch the webbing and the fabric. Upholstery needles and a sewing machine are used
in the sewing stages.

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Is the basic method of joining metals. Metals are heated to a liquid state, causing them to flow together to achieve a strong bond. COMBINATION WELDERS are skilled workers who perform this method of joining metals.

Combination Welders do both arc and gas welding. In arc welding, heat is produced by an electric current. Arc welding is used for large jobs such as fabricated work with heavy plates and large shapes. It is also used in production line and general assembly operations where speed is necessary. Gas welding is done with a flame combining oxygen and acetylene or oxygen and hydrogen gases and is used for small repairs or delicate jobs on light metals or tubing.

Journey level Combination Welders perform a variety of welding tasks using manual, semiautomatic, and automatic arc and gas equipment. They work from blueprints, layouts, and work orders. Their job duties include fabrication and repair of machine parts, motors, trailers, and manufacturing equipment. They repair broken parts, fill holes, cut metal, and increase the size of metal parts.

Arc cutters trim and cut metal objects to blueprint, work order, or layout specifications. Using a hand guided torch, they direct the electric arc
onto an area of metal. As the metal begins to melt, they cut it along premarked lines with arc torches or with a stream of gas flame from thermal
torches.

Thermal-cutting machine operators set up and operate machines that cut and shape metal by following instructions on blueprints, layouts, work orders, or templates. Direct flames from machine-mounted oxygen torches melt the metal area to be cut. A stream of oxygen or gas is then released from the torch which cuts metal along previously marked line.

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