Future employment and advancement opportunities may require training or experience in computer-aided manufacturing, and in the operation and maintenance of industrial lasers. There will be some job openings each year to replace a portion of the workers who leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as experienced workers transfer to other occupations. Opportunities will be best in large metropolitan areas where most large factories are located. Experience working with machine tools and the ability to communicate clearly can improve chances of getting a job.
Some employers require the applicant to take an aptitude test.
After an apprenticeship, the worker usually must qualify as an all-around machinist or a skilled machine tool specialist before becoming a setter. Metal job and die setters may advance to tool and die makers. Those who take additional training may become instrument setters. Others may be trained to advance to machine programmers, toolers or stress planners. Others may progress to supervisors or shop superintendents.