Career Development Grid

Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators are skilled professionals who work in the manufacturing industry. They are responsible for setting up and operating machines used for soldering and brazing metal parts together.
Education and Training:
To become a Soldering and Brazing Machine Setter and Set-Up Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates with vocational training or an associate degree in welding technology or a related field. On-the-job training is also provided to acquire the necessary skills.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of a Soldering and Brazing Machine Setter and Set-Up Operator include:
1. Reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and other technical documents to understand the specifications of the product to be manufactured.
2. Setting up and operating machines used for soldering and brazing metal parts together.
3. Adjusting machine settings to ensure that products are manufactured to meet the required specifications.
4. Inspecting finished products to ensure that they meet quality standards.
5. Maintaining and repairing machines to ensure they are in good working condition.
6. Following safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential for Soldering and Brazing Machine Setter and Set-Up Operators varies depending on the employer, location, and level of experience. In Nigeria, the average salary for this position is around ₦100,000 to ₦150,000 per month.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Soldering and Brazing Machine Setter and Set-Up Operators can advance their careers by taking on more responsibilities such as supervising a team of operators or becoming a production manager. They can also undergo further training to become a welding inspector or a welding engineer.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
The biggest challenge facing Soldering and Brazing Machine Setter and Set-Up Operators is the risk of injury from the machines they operate. To overcome this challenge, they must follow safety procedures and wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and helmets.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
To gain experience and build a network in this field, you can start by seeking an apprenticeship or an entry-level job in a manufacturing company. You can also join professional organizations such as the American Welding Society or the Nigerian Welding Society.
Job Prospects and Future Outlook:
The job prospects for Soldering and Brazing Machine Setter and Set-Up Operators are generally good,

Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require additional vocational training or an associate degree in a related field such as welding or metalworking. On-the-job training is also common for this occupation. Additionally, certification from a recognized organization such as the American Welding Society (AWS) may be preferred by some employers.

Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that solder or braze metal parts together. Their typical job duties and responsibilities include:
1. Reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to determine the correct machine settings and procedures.
2. Setting up and adjusting machines according to specifications, including selecting the appropriate welding or brazing materials and adjusting the temperature and pressure settings.
3. Loading and unloading metal parts into the machine, ensuring that they are positioned correctly and securely.
4. Starting and stopping the machine, monitoring the process, and making adjustments as needed to ensure that the parts are properly welded or brazed.
5. Inspecting the finished product for quality and accuracy, and making any necessary repairs or adjustments.
6. Maintaining the machine and equipment, performing routine maintenance and repairs, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
7. Following safety procedures and guidelines, including wearing protective gear and ensuring that the work area is clean and free of hazards.
8. Communicating with supervisors and other team members to ensure that production goals are met and that any issues or concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

The earning potential for Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators can vary depending on a few factors such as location, experience, and industry.
In the short term, those who are just starting out in this career can expect to earn an average hourly wage of around $14-$16 per hour. However, with experience and skill development, this wage can increase to around $20-$25 per hour in the long term.
In addition, those who work in industries that require a high level of skill and expertise, such as aerospace or medical device manufacturing, may earn higher wages than those in other industries.
Overall, while the earning potential for Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators may not be as high as some other careers, it can still provide a stable and reliable income with opportunities for growth and development.

As a career counsellor for students between the ages of 6 and 20, it is important to note that Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators is a specialized field that requires technical skills and experience. The opportunities for career advancement in this field may depend on the level of education, training, and experience of the individual.
Some possible opportunities for career advancement in this field include:
1. Lead Operator: With experience and expertise in operating soldering and brazing machines, individuals may be promoted to lead operator roles, where they are responsible for overseeing the work of other operators and ensuring that production targets are met.
2. Quality Control Inspector: Individuals who demonstrate a strong understanding of the soldering and brazing processes may be promoted to quality control inspector roles, where they are responsible for ensuring that the finished products meet the required quality standards.
3. Maintenance Technician: With additional training in machine maintenance and repair, individuals may advance to maintenance technician roles, where they are responsible for maintaining and repairing soldering and brazing machines.
4. Production Manager: Individuals with a combination of technical expertise and leadership skills may be promoted to production manager roles, where they are responsible for overseeing the entire production process, managing a team of operators, and ensuring that production targets are met.
Overall, the opportunities for career advancement in this field may vary depending on the individual’s skills, experience, and willingness to pursue further education and training.

The biggest challenges facing Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators include:
1. Technical Skills: This job requires a high level of technical expertise in operating and setting up soldering and brazing machines. As technology advances, it is important for workers to keep up with the latest developments and advancements in the field.
2. Attention to Detail: Soldering and brazing require precision and attention to detail. Even a small mistake can result in a faulty product or compromise safety. Workers must be able to maintain focus and concentration for extended periods of time.
3. Safety Hazards: Soldering and brazing involve the use of high temperatures, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. Workers need to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential hazards and follow safety protocols.
To overcome these challenges, individuals can:
1. Pursue Education and Training: Individuals can take courses or training programs to enhance their technical skills and knowledge. This can include certifications or apprenticeships that provide hands-on experience.
2. Practice and Develop Attention to Detail: Workers can improve their attention to detail by practicing soldering and brazing techniques regularly. This can help them develop muscle memory and improve precision.
3. Follow Safety Protocols: Workers should always follow safety protocols and guidelines to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries. This can include wearing protective gear, properly storing hazardous materials, and regularly maintaining equipment.

Here are some ways to gain experience and build a network in the field of Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators:
1. Education and Training: Pursue a certificate or diploma in welding, soldering, brazing, or a related field. This will give you a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that you can build upon.
2. Apprenticeships: Seek out apprenticeships with experienced professionals in the field. This will give you hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from seasoned experts.
3. Internships: Look for internships with companies that specialize in soldering and brazing. This will give you an opportunity to gain practical experience and build your network.
4. Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering with organizations that work with metalwork or welding. This will give you an opportunity to gain experience and build your network while giving back to the community.
5. Industry Events: Attend industry events such as trade shows, conferences, and workshops. This will give you an opportunity to network with professionals in the field and learn about new developments and trends.
6. Online Networking: Join online groups and forums related to soldering and brazing. This will give you an opportunity to connect with professionals in the field and learn from their experiences.
7. Professional Associations: Join professional associations such as the American Welding Society or the International Brazing and Soldering Association. This will give you access to resources, training, and networking opportunities.

Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators are responsible for setting up and operating machines that join metal parts together using heat and filler metal.
Currently, the job prospects for this career are stable. There is a demand for these professionals in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and automotive repair. However, the job growth rate is expected to be slow in the future due to automation and the use of more advanced technologies.
As more companies continue to automate their processes, the need for manual labor in this field may decrease. However, there will still be a need for skilled professionals who can operate and maintain the machines. Additionally, the use of more advanced technologies may require workers to have additional training and skills.
Overall, while the job prospects for Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators are currently stable, it is important for individuals in this field to stay up-to-date with new technologies and continue to develop their skills to remain competitive in the job market.

The most important skills and qualities for someone to succeed as a Soldering and Brazing Machine Setter and Set-Up Operator include:
1. Technical knowledge: A thorough understanding of the principles of soldering and brazing, as well as experience with the tools and equipment used in the process, is essential.
2. Attention to detail: This job requires precision and accuracy, so being able to pay close attention to detail is crucial.
3. Problem-solving skills: When issues arise during the soldering or brazing process, it is important to be able to identify the problem quickly and come up with solutions to fix it.
4. Physical dexterity: This job involves working with small components and intricate machinery, so having good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity is important.
5. Communication skills: Being able to communicate effectively with other team members is important in order to ensure that the soldering or brazing process runs smoothly and efficiently.
6. Time management skills: This job often involves working on tight deadlines, so being able to manage time effectively is important to ensure that projects are completed on time.
7. Safety consciousness: Soldering and brazing involve working with high temperatures and potentially hazardous materials, so being aware of safety protocols and taking appropriate precautions is essential.

The demand for Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators can be found in various sectors and industries, including:
1. Electronics Manufacturing: Soldering and brazing machine setters and setup operators are in high demand in the electronics manufacturing industry. They are responsible for assembling electronic components and circuit boards using soldering and brazing machines.
2. Automotive Manufacturing: In the automotive industry, soldering and brazing machine setters and setup operators are responsible for joining metal parts using soldering and brazing machines. They work on various components such as radiators, exhaust systems, and fuel tanks.
3. Aerospace Manufacturing: Soldering and brazing machine setters and setup operators are also in demand in the aerospace industry. They are responsible for assembling components for aircraft and spacecraft using soldering and brazing machines.
4. Plumbing and HVAC: In the plumbing and HVAC industry, soldering and brazing machine setters and setup operators are responsible for joining pipes and other components using soldering and brazing machines.
5. Metalworking: Soldering and brazing machine setters and setup operators are also in demand in the metalworking industry. They work on various metal components such as pipes, fittings, and valves.
Overall, Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators are in demand in various sectors and industries that require the joining of metal components using soldering and brazing machines.

Common misconceptions about Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators include:
1. It is a low-skilled job: Many people assume that setting up and operating a soldering and brazing machine requires minimal skills or education. However, this is not true. These operators need to have a good understanding of the machine’s mechanics, be able to read and interpret technical drawings, and have a good knowledge of the materials they are working with.
2. The job is dangerous: People may assume that working with machines that generate heat and flames can be dangerous. While there are risks associated with the job, such as burns and electrical shocks, these can be minimized by following safety protocols and using protective equipment.
3. It is a monotonous job: Some people may think that operating a soldering and brazing machine is a repetitive and monotonous job. However, this is not the case. Each job is unique, and operators need to adjust the machine settings and techniques to suit the specific requirements of the job.
The reality is that Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters and Set-Up Operators are skilled professionals who play a critical role in the manufacturing industry. They are responsible for setting up and operating machines that join metal components together, such as in the production of electronic components, automotive parts, and medical devices. These operators need to have a good understanding of the machines they work with, be able to read and interpret technical drawings, and have a good knowledge of the materials they are working with. While there are risks associated with the job, these can be minimized by following safety protocols and using protective equipment. Overall, this is a challenging and rewarding career for those who enjoy working with their hands and have a passion for manufacturing.