Machine Operator Career Description
The advent of electrical and electronic machines has revolutionised office equipment and today an ever increasing force of men and women operate these machines in commerce, industry, banks, universities, hospitals, municipalities and in provincial and government departments. Since there are different types of machines with specific functions for different tasks and purposes, the functions of the machine operator are explained in different categories. This career field is especially suitable for persons with disabilities.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The handling of the different machines varies according to the type of machine and the nature of the processing to be done. In the case of the bookkeeping machine, where data is keyed in directly, the actual production exclusively depends on the skill of the operators. Although the functions are of a repetitive nature, prospective operators are subjected to short training courses, usually offered by the suppliers of the machines or by the employers.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
The operators of the various office machines need to be adept at figures and must not find the work monotonous. The work is in fact interesting and operators can experience full job satisfaction in their work. In the case of computers, the tasks performed are varied and entail large amounts of movement by the
operator. Such a person should also have good hand dexterity as well as good eye hand co-ordination.
Where can I work?
With ever-increasing mechanization, prospects for employment in this field are favorable. Physically handicapped people, who have the use of both hands and eyes, can be employed as office machine operators.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Experienced computer operators, who have thorough knowledge of computers or software packages, may start their own businesses, which would include free-lance typing, desk top publishing, accounting services for small businesses, etc. A fair amount of capital would be needed, since these machines are expensive.
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