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ESCO occupation

metallurgist

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Metallurgists specialise in the extraction and processing of metals such as iron, steel, zinc, copper and aluminium. They work to mold or combine both pure and mixed metals (alloys) into new shapes and properties. Metallurgists handle the extraction of metal ores and develop their use in metal processing techniques. They may work in both manufacturing or do scientific research about the performance of metals.

2146.5 ISCO 2146 ESCO source
Competences
50
Groups
4
Essential
17
Optional
33

Competences and skills

50 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 9 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
ferrous metal processing

Various processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.

ESCO source
metal and metal ore products

The offered metal and metal ore products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

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non-ferrous metal processing

Various processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.

Scope note
Excludes precious metals.
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precious metal processing

Various processing methods on precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum.

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types of metal manufacturing processes

Metal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.

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Cross-sector

4 competences
alloys of precious metals

Types of material that consist of two or more metals or non-metals.

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metal forming technologies

The variety of technologies and techniques, such as forging, pressing, stamping, rolling and others, used for the forming processes of metal product manufacturing.

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precious metals

Types of rare metal that occur naturally and have a high economic value.

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types of metal

Qualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.

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Essential skills and competences 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
conduct metallurgical structural analysis

Perform detailed analysis related to researching and testing new metal products.

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join metals

Join together pieces of metal using soldering and welding materials.

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shape metal over anvils

Forge pieces of metal over an anvil using the appropriate hand tools and heating equipment.

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work in metal manufacture teams

Ability to work confidently within a metal manufacturing group with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.

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Cross-sector

4 competences
assess suitability of metal types for specific application

Assess the physical nature and structural composition of various metals and alloys, and analyse how the materials behave in different circumstances.

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manipulate metal

Manipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.

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perform metal work

Work with metal and iron materials in order to assemble individual pieces or structures.

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prepare scientific reports

Prepare reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.

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Optional knowledge 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
chemical processes

The relevant chemical processes used in manufacture, such as purification, seperation, emulgation and dispergation processing.

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chemical technologies in metal manufacture

The chemical procedures and technologies used  in basic metal production.

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innovation processes

The techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation.

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manufacturing of jewellery

The manufacturing of different type of jewellery such as rings or necklaces out of various metal types such as silver, gold, diamond and other precious stones.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
design drawings

The drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.

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materials engineering

The study of existing materials and substances properties to produce new materials or enhance several existing properties such as chemical or physical ones. It involves knowledge on the structure, on the performance of diverse materials and on the transferability of the new or improved materials to different industries.

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physics

The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

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Optional skills and competences 26 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

10 competences
conduct chemical testing on basic metals

Perform examinations and tests on all kinds of metals in order to ensure high quality and chemical resistance.

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design metal components

Design metal components in response to a need. Provide support by writing documents, manuals, metallurgical investigations, and reports in support of customer liaison.

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develop new installations

Design and develop new facilities and installations, conduct feasibility studies.

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ensure public safety and security

Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.

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extract materials from furnace

Remove materials from the furnace using a crane, a conveyor, by tilting the furnace, or using other methods.

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interpret extraction data

Process and interpret extraction data and send feedback to the development teams. Apply learnings to concrete operational activities.

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monitor extraction logging operations

Monitor logging operations and oversee formation testing and sampling operations. Analyse and interpret results.

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prepare extraction proposals

Prepare detailed extraction proposals by putting together subsurface information about extraction site and agreement of partners involved.

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separate metals from ores

Apply various chemical and physical methods to separate minerals from their ores such as magnetic, electric or chemical methods

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test raw minerals

Take samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.

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Cross-sector

16 competences
address problems critically

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.

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apply health and safety standards

Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

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cast metal

Pour liquid metal into the hollow cavity of a mould, which contains the future product's desired shape, place it into a furnace and then cool it and let it solidify.

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ensure compliance with environmental legislation

Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

green
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ensure health and safety in manufacturing

Ensure health and safety of personnel during manufacturing process.

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extract products from moulds

Remove finished products from moulds and examine them in detail for anomalies.

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fabricate metal parts

Fabricate metal parts, using equipment such as drill presses and engine lathes.

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install monitors for process control

Plan and deploy a system of monitors for controlling specific processes in an organisation or a system.

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liaise with quality assurance

Work closely with the relevant quality assurance or grading party involved.

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make time-critical decisions

Pursue optimal time-critical decision making within the organisation.

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monitor manufacturing quality standards

Monitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing process.

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perform sample testing

Examine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.

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prepare samples for testing

Take and prepare samples for testing, verify their representability; avoid bias and any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination. Provide clear numbering, labelling and recording of the sample details, in order to make sure that the results can be accurately matched to the original material.

Scope note
May also perform routine testing on the obtained samples.
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process incident reports for prevention

Verify incident information, complete reporting requirements and report to management and relevant site personnel, in order to enable follow-up and future prevention.

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provide technical documentation

Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.

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troubleshoot

Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

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