Overview
All Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians
-
$1,838 Weekly Pay
-
Moderate Future Growth
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
-
1,100 workers Employment Size
-
High skill Skill level rating
-
91% Full-Time Full-Time Share
-
46 hours Average full-time
-
42 years Average age
-
3% female Gender Share
Mechanical Engineering Technicians conduct tests of mechanical systems, collect and analyse data, and assemble and install mechanical assemblies in support of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.
Specialisations: Boiler Testing Technician, Hydraulic Controls Technician, Mechanical Laboratory Technician, Pipe Testing Technician.
You usually need a certificate III or IV in mechanical engineering or another related field to work as a Mechanical Engineering Technician. Some workers have university qualifications.
Tasks
- Selects tools and equipment.
- Assembles and installs new and modified mechanical assemblies, components, machine tools and controls, and hydraulic power systems.
- Estimates material costs and quantities, and machine requirements.
- Performs and directs field and laboratory tests.
- Collects and analyses data, carries out complex computations and prepares diagrams.
- Organises and supervises inspection and maintenance of machines and plant.
- Ensures that designs and finished work are within specifications, regulations and contract provisions.
Prospects
The number of people working as Mechanical Engineering Technicians (in their main job) stayed about the same over 5 years:
from 1,000 in 2011 to 1,100 in 2016.
Caution: The Australian jobs market is changing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These estimates do not take account of the impact of COVID-19. They may not reflect the current jobs market and should be used and interpreted with extreme caution.
- Size: This is a very small occupation.
- Location: Mechanical Engineering Technicians work in many parts of Australia. Western Australia has a large share of workers.
- Industries: Most work in Manufacturing; Other Services; and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.
- Full-time: Most work full-time (91%, much higher than the average of 66%).
- Hours: Full-time workers spend around 46 hours per week at work (compared to the average of 44 hours).
- Age: The average age is 42 years (compared to the average of 40 years).
- Gender: 3% of workers are female (compared to the average of 48%).
Main Industries
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Industries are based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC 06).
States and Territories
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian States and Territories, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Education Level
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Pathways
You usually need a certificate III or IV in mechanical engineering or another related field to work as a Mechanical Engineering Technician. Some workers have university qualifications.
Before starting a course, check it will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need. Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Skills & Knowledge
Employers look for Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Filter Skills & Knowledge
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
Mechanical
Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
Technical design
Design techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
Engineering and technology
Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
Mathematics
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
Production and processing
Raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
Physics
The physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
English language
English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Computers and electronics
Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
Chemistry
Chemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
Administration and management
Business principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
Customer and personal service
Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
Education and training
Curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Building and construction
Materials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
Public safety and security
Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
Clerical
Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
Telecommunications
Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
-
Sales and marketing
Showing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
-
Transportation
Moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
Communications and media
Media production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
-
Personnel and human resources
Recruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
-
Reading comprehension
Reading work related information.
-
Critical thinking
Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
-
Quality control analysis
Doing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
Writing
Writing things for co-workers or customers.
-
Active listening
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
Monitoring
Keeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
Operation monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Speaking
Talking to others.
-
Coordination with others
Being adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
Complex problem solving
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
Instructing
Teaching people how to do something.
-
Operation and control
Controlling equipment or systems.
-
Social perceptiveness
Understanding why people react the way they do.
-
Time management
Managing your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
Judgment and decision making
Figuring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
Active learning
Being able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
Learning strategies
Figuring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
-
Mathematics
Using maths to solve problems.
-
Negotiation
Bringing people together and trying to sort out their differences.
-
Management of personnel resources
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities.
-
Oral comprehension
Listen to and understand what people say.
-
Oral expression
Communicate by speaking.
-
Deductive reasoning
Use general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
Problem spotting
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
Near vision
See details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
Sorting or ordering
Order or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
Written comprehension
Read and understand written information.
-
Categorising
Come up with different ways of grouping things.
-
Inductive reasoning
Use lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
Written expression
Write in a way that people can understand.
-
Control precision
Quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
Visualization
Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
Finger dexterity
Put together small parts with your fingers.
-
Perceptual speed
Use your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
Colour discrimination
Notice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
-
Speech clarity
Speak clearly so others can understand you.
-
Speech recognition
Identify and understand the speech of another person.
-
Arm-hand steadiness
Keep your hand or arm steady.
-
Brainstorming
Come up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
-
Selective attention
Pay attention to something without being distracted.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
Keeping your knowledge up-to-date
Keeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
Controlling equipment or machines
Operating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
Handling and moving objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
Thinking creatively
Using your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
Communicating within a team
Giving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
Building good relationships
Building good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
Giving expert advice
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups.
-
Planning and prioritising work
Deciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
Monitoring people, processes and things
Checking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
Making decisions and solving problems
Using information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
Drafting, laying out, and specifying parts
Detailing and describing how devices, parts or equipment are to be made, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
-
Checking for errors or defects
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
Checking compliance with standards
Deciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
Collecting and organising information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
Looking for changes over time
Comparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
Documenting or recording information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Researching and investigating
Looking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
Making sense of information and ideas
Looking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
-
Working with computers
Using computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Estimating amounts, costs and resources
Working out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.

O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 17-3027.00 - Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
Work Environment
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Filter Work Environment
Demands
The physical and social demands workers face most often are shown below.
-
Face-to-face discussions
Talk with people face-to-face.
-
Freedom to make decisions
Have freedom to make decision on your own.
-
Indoors, heat controlled
Work indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
Being exact or accurate
Be very exact or highly accurate.
-
Contact with people
Have contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
Unstructured work
Have freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
Electronic mail
Use electronic mail.
-
Teamwork
Work with people in a group or team.
-
Wear common protective or safety equipment
Wear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
Time pressure
Work to strict deadlines.
-
Telephone
Talk on the telephone.
-
Lead or coordinate a team
Lead others to do work activities.
-
Using your hands to handle, control, or feel
Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
Health and safety of others
Take responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
Responsible for outcomes
Take responsibility for the results of other people's work.
-
Physically close to people
Work physically close to other people.
-
Impact of decisions
Make decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
Loud or uncomfortable sounds
Be exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
Frequent decision making
Frequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
Dangerous equipment
Work near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
Values
Work values are important to a person’s feeling of satisfaction. All six values are shown below.
-
Support
Supportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
Working conditions
Job security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
Relationships
Serve and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
Achievement
Results oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
Recognition
Advancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
-
Independence
Work alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
Analytical
Ideas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
Practical
Practical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
Administrative
Following set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
Creative
Working with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
Enterprising
Starting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
Helping
Working with people. Helping or providing service to others.

O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 17-3027.00 - Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
All Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians
-
$1,838 Weekly Pay
-
Moderate Future Growth
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
-
1,100 workers Employment Size
-
High skill Skill level rating
-
91% Full-Time Full-Time Share
-
46 hours Average full-time
-
42 years Average age
-
3% female Gender Share
Mechanical Engineering Technicians conduct tests of mechanical systems, collect and analyse data, and assemble and install mechanical assemblies in support of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.
Specialisations: Boiler Testing Technician, Hydraulic Controls Technician, Mechanical Laboratory Technician, Pipe Testing Technician.
You usually need a certificate III or IV in mechanical engineering or another related field to work as a Mechanical Engineering Technician. Some workers have university qualifications.
Tasks
- Selects tools and equipment.
- Assembles and installs new and modified mechanical assemblies, components, machine tools and controls, and hydraulic power systems.
- Estimates material costs and quantities, and machine requirements.
- Performs and directs field and laboratory tests.
- Collects and analyses data, carries out complex computations and prepares diagrams.
- Organises and supervises inspection and maintenance of machines and plant.
- Ensures that designs and finished work are within specifications, regulations and contract provisions.
The number of people working as Mechanical Engineering Technicians (in their main job) stayed about the same over 5 years:
from 1,000 in 2011 to 1,100 in 2016.
Caution: The Australian jobs market is changing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These estimates do not take account of the impact of COVID-19. They may not reflect the current jobs market and should be used and interpreted with extreme caution.
- Size: This is a very small occupation.
- Location: Mechanical Engineering Technicians work in many parts of Australia. Western Australia has a large share of workers.
- Industries: Most work in Manufacturing; Other Services; and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.
- Full-time: Most work full-time (91%, much higher than the average of 66%).
- Hours: Full-time workers spend around 46 hours per week at work (compared to the average of 44 hours).
- Age: The average age is 42 years (compared to the average of 40 years).
- Gender: 3% of workers are female (compared to the average of 48%).
Main Industries
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Industries are based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC 06).
States and Territories
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian States and Territories, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Education Level
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
You usually need a certificate III or IV in mechanical engineering or another related field to work as a Mechanical Engineering Technician. Some workers have university qualifications.
Before starting a course, check it will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need. Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Employers look for Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Filter Skills & Knowledge
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
Mechanical
Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
Technical design
Design techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
Engineering and technology
Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
Mathematics
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
Production and processing
Raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
Physics
The physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
English language
English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Computers and electronics
Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
Chemistry
Chemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
Administration and management
Business principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
Customer and personal service
Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
Education and training
Curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Building and construction
Materials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
Public safety and security
Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
Clerical
Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
Telecommunications
Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
-
Sales and marketing
Showing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
-
Transportation
Moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
Communications and media
Media production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
-
Personnel and human resources
Recruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
-
Reading comprehension
Reading work related information.
-
Critical thinking
Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
-
Quality control analysis
Doing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
Writing
Writing things for co-workers or customers.
-
Active listening
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
Monitoring
Keeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
Operation monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Speaking
Talking to others.
-
Coordination with others
Being adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
Complex problem solving
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
Instructing
Teaching people how to do something.
-
Operation and control
Controlling equipment or systems.
-
Social perceptiveness
Understanding why people react the way they do.
-
Time management
Managing your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
Judgment and decision making
Figuring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
Active learning
Being able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
Learning strategies
Figuring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
-
Mathematics
Using maths to solve problems.
-
Negotiation
Bringing people together and trying to sort out their differences.
-
Management of personnel resources
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities.
-
Oral comprehension
Listen to and understand what people say.
-
Oral expression
Communicate by speaking.
-
Deductive reasoning
Use general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
Problem spotting
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
Near vision
See details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
Sorting or ordering
Order or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
Written comprehension
Read and understand written information.
-
Categorising
Come up with different ways of grouping things.
-
Inductive reasoning
Use lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
Written expression
Write in a way that people can understand.
-
Control precision
Quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
Visualization
Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
Finger dexterity
Put together small parts with your fingers.
-
Perceptual speed
Use your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
Colour discrimination
Notice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
-
Speech clarity
Speak clearly so others can understand you.
-
Speech recognition
Identify and understand the speech of another person.
-
Arm-hand steadiness
Keep your hand or arm steady.
-
Brainstorming
Come up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
-
Selective attention
Pay attention to something without being distracted.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
Keeping your knowledge up-to-date
Keeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
Controlling equipment or machines
Operating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
Handling and moving objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
Thinking creatively
Using your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
Communicating within a team
Giving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
Building good relationships
Building good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
Giving expert advice
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups.
-
Planning and prioritising work
Deciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
Monitoring people, processes and things
Checking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
Making decisions and solving problems
Using information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
Drafting, laying out, and specifying parts
Detailing and describing how devices, parts or equipment are to be made, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
-
Checking for errors or defects
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
Checking compliance with standards
Deciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
Collecting and organising information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
Looking for changes over time
Comparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
Documenting or recording information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Researching and investigating
Looking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
Making sense of information and ideas
Looking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
-
Working with computers
Using computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Estimating amounts, costs and resources
Working out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.

O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 17-3027.00 - Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Filter Work Environment
Demands
The physical and social demands workers face most often are shown below.
-
Face-to-face discussions
Talk with people face-to-face.
-
Freedom to make decisions
Have freedom to make decision on your own.
-
Indoors, heat controlled
Work indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
Being exact or accurate
Be very exact or highly accurate.
-
Contact with people
Have contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
Unstructured work
Have freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
Electronic mail
Use electronic mail.
-
Teamwork
Work with people in a group or team.
-
Wear common protective or safety equipment
Wear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
Time pressure
Work to strict deadlines.
-
Telephone
Talk on the telephone.
-
Lead or coordinate a team
Lead others to do work activities.
-
Using your hands to handle, control, or feel
Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
Health and safety of others
Take responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
Responsible for outcomes
Take responsibility for the results of other people's work.
-
Physically close to people
Work physically close to other people.
-
Impact of decisions
Make decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
Loud or uncomfortable sounds
Be exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
Frequent decision making
Frequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
Dangerous equipment
Work near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
Values
Work values are important to a person’s feeling of satisfaction. All six values are shown below.
-
Support
Supportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
Working conditions
Job security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
Relationships
Serve and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
Achievement
Results oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
Recognition
Advancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
-
Independence
Work alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
Analytical
Ideas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
Practical
Practical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
Administrative
Following set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
Creative
Working with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
Enterprising
Starting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
Helping
Working with people. Helping or providing service to others.

O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 17-3027.00 - Mechanical Engineering Technicians.