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Model Makers, Wood

People classed as Model Makers, Wood construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (7.0 of 7), then Conventional (4.0) and Artistic, which gives it the code RCA. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. O*NET’s skill data points to operations monitoring, monitoring, and time management as the ones to build. A regular part of the work is to read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need helping, teaching or caring for people.

What they do

Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.

Main tasks

  • Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
  • Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
  • Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
  • Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
  • Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
  • Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Time Management
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operations monitoring and monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.4 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCA takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Builder
  • Craftsman
  • Jig Maker
  • Model Builder
  • Model Maker

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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.