BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasPourers and Casters, Metal

O*NET · 51-4052.00

Pourers and Casters, Metal

Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.

Also called Aluminum Pourer · Billet Header · Brass Pourer · Buggy Ladle Tender · Bull Ladle Tender · Busher · Caster · Casting Machine Operator
26 more

Casting Operator · DC Caster · DC Caster (Direct Chill Caster) · DCO · DCO (Die Cast Operator) · Die Cast Machine Operator · Die Casting Machine Operator · Header · Ingot Caster · Ingot Header · Iron Pourer · Ladle Car Operator · Ladle Filler · Ladle Operator · Ladle Pourer · Ladle Puller · Ladleman · Ladler · Melter · Metal Handler · Molten Iron Pourer · Pourer · Steel Pourer · Third Steel Pourer · Tin Pourer · White Metal Caster

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.76
  • I Investigative2.45
  • A Artistic1.14
  • S Social1.05
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma20%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent80%
Related work experience
None (59%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (28%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Coordination2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Quality Control Analysis2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Time Management2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Speakingbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Equipment Maintenance2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
Show the other 23
  • Troubleshooting2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Complex Problem Solving2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Social Perceptiveness2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Active Learningbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Repairing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Writingbasic2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Persuasion2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service Orientation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Equipment Selection2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Sciencebasic1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Operations Analysis1.80.9
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.8
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Programming1.3—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

9 core · 7 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms.4.7
  2. Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications.4.7
  3. Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis.4.6
  4. Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.4.6
  5. Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.4.6
  6. Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment.4.5
  7. Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles.4.5
  8. Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling.4.4
  9. Transport metal ingots to storage areas, using forklifts.3.7
Show the other 7
  1. Turn valves to circulate water through cores, or spray water on filled molds to cool and solidify metal.4.6
  2. Assemble and embed cores in casting frames, using hand tools and equipment.4.6
  3. Pull levers to lift ladle stoppers and to allow molten steel to flow into ingot molds to specified heights.4.5
  4. Remove metal ingots or cores from molds, using hand tools, cranes, and chain hoists.4.3
  5. Repair and maintain metal forms and equipment, using hand tools, sledges, and bars.4.3
  6. Add metal to molds to compensate for shrinkage.4.1
  7. Stencil identifying information on ingots and pigs, using special hand tools.3.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English Language3.12.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Production and Processing2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Education and Training2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Mechanical2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Administration and Management2.21.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Mathematics2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Transportation2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Public Safety and Security1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
Show all 33
  • Chemistry1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Engineering and Technology1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Computers and Electronics1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Customer and Personal Service1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Administrative1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Design1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Communications and Media1.5—
  • Physics1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Law and Government1.4—
  • Economics and Accounting1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.3—
  • Sales and Marketing1.3—
  • Psychology1.2—
  • Telecommunications1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Geography1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Manual Dexterity3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Near Vision3.13.6
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Reaction Time3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
  • Finger Dexterity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Problem Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Information Ordering2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Recognition2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Static Strength2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Depth Perception2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Extent Flexibility2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Inductive Reasoning2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Expression2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Rate Control2.82.6
  • Speech Clarity2.82.6
  • Visualization2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written Comprehension2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Auditory Attention2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Stamina2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Time Sharing2.52.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Response Orientation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Explosive Strength2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Strength2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Fluency of Ideas2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Glare Sensitivity2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Night Vision2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Number Facility2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Originality2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Closure2.01.9
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Written Expression2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching Others3.32.7
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Getting Information3.22.5Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Processing Information3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.02.8
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.92.7
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.72.8
  • Working with Computers2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Thinking Creatively2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.7—
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.4—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled5.0
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Spend Time Standing4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings4.2
  • Exposed to Contaminants3.9
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures3.9
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls3.8
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions3.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.5

Technology

5 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (1)
  • Husky Injection Molding Systems Shotscope NX

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
  2. Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  3. Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  4. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  5. Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  6. Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
  7. Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Machine Feeders and Offbearers
  10. Foundry Mold and Coremakers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.