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TRADE SKILLS DIRECTORY

In-demand skills in manufacturing, robotics, and skilled trades. Find definitions, career paths, and schools near you.

Robotics Core Skills

Industrial Robotics

Learn the fundamentals of industrial robotics, including operation, programming, and integration in manufacturing environments.

Collaborative Robotics

Master the deployment and programming of cobots (collaborative robots) that work safely alongside human operators.

Robot Programming

Develop skills in programming industrial robots using teach pendants and offline simulation software.

Robot Integration

Learn how to integrate robotic systems with other manufacturing equipment and control systems.

Robotic Systems Design

Design complete robotic workcells and automated systems for production efficiency.

Robot Maintenance

Gain expertise in the preventive and corrective maintenance of industrial robotic arms and controllers.

Robot Calibration

Master the techniques for calibrating robot axes and tools to ensure high precision and accuracy.

Robot Vision Integration

Integrate machine vision systems with robots for guidance, inspection, and object recognition tasks.

Robot Safety Standards

Understand and apply RIA/ISO safety standards for robotic installations and risk assessments.

PLC Integration with Robots

Connect and coordinate PLCs with robotic controllers for seamless automation.

Robotic Palletizing

Program and operate robotic palletizing systems for end-of-line packaging automation.

Pick and Place Robotics

Implement high-speed pick and place robotic systems for assembly and packaging operations.

Robot Simulation

Use offline programming and simulation software to develop and test robot programs virtually.

Robot Troubleshooting

Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and software issues in robotic systems.

End Effector Design

Design and select grippers, tools, and end-of-arm tooling for robotic applications.

Robot Path Planning

Optimize robot movement paths for speed, accuracy, and collision avoidance.

Multi-Robot Systems

Coordinate multiple robots working together in synchronized manufacturing cells.

Robot Cell Design

Layout and design complete robotic workcells including safety systems and peripheral equipment.

Cycle Time Optimization

Analyze and optimize robot programs to reduce cycle times and increase throughput.

Teach Pendant Operation

Master the use of teach pendants for robot jogging, programming, and diagnostics.

Programming & Controls

Ladder Logic

Master the primary programming language used for PLCs in industrial automation.

Structured Text

Learn high-level structured text programming for complex automation algorithms.

Function Block Diagram

Program PLCs using graphical function block diagrams for process control.

Sequential Function Chart

Design state-based automation sequences using SFC programming methodology.

Instruction List

Program PLCs using low-level instruction list language for optimized code.

Python for Robotics

Use Python for scripting, data analysis, and controlling modern robotic systems.

C/C++ for Automation

Develop real-time control systems and embedded automation using C/C++.

ROS (Robot Operating System)

Master the open-source middleware used for developing advanced robotic software.

ROS 2

Develop industrial-grade robotic applications using ROS 2 with real-time capabilities.

Motion Control

Program and tune servo drives and motion controllers for precise machine movement.

CNC Programming

Write G-code and M-code to control CNC machining centers and lathes.

HMI Development

Design user-friendly Human-Machine Interfaces for machine operation and monitoring.

Embedded Systems

Design and program microcontroller-based systems for dedicated automation tasks.

SCADA Systems

Implement Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems for plant-wide monitoring.

IEC 61131-3 Programming

Apply international PLC programming standards across multiple platforms.

PAC Programming

Program Programmable Automation Controllers combining PLC and PC capabilities.

DCS Programming

Configure and program Distributed Control Systems for process automation.

Safety PLC Programming

Program safety-rated PLCs for machine safeguarding and emergency stop systems.

Machine Vision Programming

Develop machine vision applications for inspection, guidance, and identification.

Servo Tuning

Optimize servo motor performance through PID tuning and motion profiling.

OPC UA Communication

Implement OPC Unified Architecture for secure industrial data exchange.

Modbus Protocol

Configure Modbus TCP/RTU communication between industrial devices.

MQTT for Industrial IoT

Implement MQTT messaging protocol for IIoT data collection and monitoring.

API Development

Build REST APIs for integrating manufacturing systems with enterprise software.

Node-RED

Create flow-based automation and IIoT applications using Node-RED.

Welding & Fabrication

MIG Welding

Master Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) for joining various metals efficiently.

TIG Welding

Learn Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) for high-precision and high-quality welds.

Stick Welding

Practice Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick) for heavy-duty construction and repair.

Spot Welding

Operate resistance spot welding equipment commonly used in automotive manufacturing.

Robotic Welding

Program and operate robotic welding cells for consistent, high-volume production.

Welding Automation

Implement automated welding solutions to improve consistency and throughput.

Weld Inspection

Inspect welds for defects and discontinuities to ensure structural integrity.

Weld Testing

Perform destructive and non-destructive testing on weldments.

Metal Fabrication

Cut, bend, and assemble metal structures from raw materials.

Sheet Metal Work

Form and manipulate thin metal sheets for enclosures, ductwork, and body panels.

Pipe Welding

Specialize in welding pipe joints for industrial, structural, and pipeline applications.

Aluminum Welding

Master techniques for welding aluminum alloys using TIG and MIG processes.

Stainless Steel Welding

Weld stainless steel with proper techniques to prevent warping and corrosion.

Structural Welding

Perform welding on structural steel for buildings, bridges, and heavy equipment.

Plasma Cutting

Operate manual and CNC plasma cutting systems for metal fabrication.

Oxy-Fuel Cutting

Use oxy-acetylene torches for cutting, heating, and gouging metal.

Press Brake Operation

Set up and operate press brakes for precision metal bending and forming.

Shear Operation

Operate hydraulic and mechanical shears for cutting sheet and plate metal.

Ironworking

Install and connect structural and reinforcing iron and steel.

Blueprint Reading for Welders

Interpret welding symbols, dimensions, and specifications from engineering drawings.

Fit-Up & Fixturing

Prepare and align parts for welding using jigs, fixtures, and tack welds.

Submerged Arc Welding

Operate SAW equipment for high-deposition welding on thick materials.

Orbital Welding

Program and operate orbital welding systems for precision tube and pipe welding.

Laser Welding

Operate laser welding systems for precision joining with minimal heat input.

Friction Stir Welding

Apply solid-state friction stir welding for aluminum and other alloys.

Automation & Sensors

Automated Material Handling

Design and maintain automated systems for moving materials through production.

Conveyor Systems

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial conveyor belts and systems.

Pneumatics

Understand fluid power systems using compressed air for automation control.

Hydraulics

Master liquid-based fluid power systems for high-force industrial applications.

Sensors and Actuators

Select and implement input/output devices for monitoring and controlling machinery.

IoT in Manufacturing

Implement Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices for data collection and connectivity.

Industrial Networking

Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks.

Ethernet/IP

Specialize in the Ethernet Industrial Protocol for industrial automation.

Profinet

Master the PROFINET standard for data exchange in industrial automation.

Sensor Fusion

Combine data from multiple sensors to reduce uncertainty and improve accuracy.

Proximity Sensors

Select and configure inductive, capacitive, and photoelectric proximity sensors.

Vision Systems

Implement industrial cameras and vision software for inspection and guidance.

Barcode & RFID Systems

Deploy automatic identification systems for tracking and traceability.

Safety Sensors

Install and configure light curtains, safety mats, and area scanners.

Level Sensors

Measure and control liquid and solid levels using various sensing technologies.

Temperature Sensors

Apply thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared sensors for temperature monitoring.

Pressure Sensors

Measure and control pressure in pneumatic, hydraulic, and process systems.

Flow Sensors

Monitor liquid and gas flow rates using various flow measurement technologies.

Encoders & Resolvers

Implement rotary and linear encoders for position and speed feedback.

Force/Torque Sensors

Apply force and torque sensing for assembly verification and robot control.

Machine Maintenance & Mechanics

Mechanical Maintenance

Perform routine and corrective maintenance on mechanical systems.

Predictive Maintenance

Use data and condition monitoring to predict equipment failures before they occur.

Preventive Maintenance

Execute scheduled maintenance tasks to keep equipment running reliably.

Mechatronics

Combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering skills for automated systems.

Pneumatic Troubleshooting

Diagnose and repair faults in pneumatic control systems.

Hydraulic Troubleshooting

Identify and fix issues in hydraulic power systems.

Gearbox Repair

Maintain, repair, and rebuild industrial gearboxes and transmissions.

Bearings & Shafts

Install and maintain bearings, shafts, and related power transmission components.

Motor Drives

Install and maintain electric motors and their drive systems.

Servo Motors

Work with precision servo motors used in robotics and CNC machines.

Vibration Analysis

Use vibration monitoring to detect developing mechanical problems.

Shaft Alignment

Perform precision alignment of rotating equipment using laser and dial methods.

Lubrication Management

Implement proper lubrication practices and oil analysis programs.

Belt & Chain Drives

Maintain and replace belt and chain power transmission systems.

Pump Maintenance

Service and repair industrial pumps including centrifugal and positive displacement types.

Valve Maintenance

Maintain and repair industrial valves for process and utility systems.

Compressor Maintenance

Service air compressors and compressed air systems.

Infrared Thermography

Use thermal imaging for electrical and mechanical predictive maintenance.

Ultrasonic Testing

Apply ultrasonic techniques for leak detection and bearing analysis.

CMMS Operation

Use Computerized Maintenance Management Systems for work order and asset tracking.

Quality & Metrology

Statistical Process Control

Use statistical methods to monitor and control manufacturing processes.

CMM Operation

Operate Coordinate Measuring Machines for precise dimensional inspection.

GD&T Interpretation

Read and interpret Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing symbols on blueprints.

SPC Software

Utilize specialized software for tracking and analyzing quality data.

Laser Measurement

Use laser trackers and scanners for large-scale precision measurement.

Optical Inspection

Operate optical comparators and vision systems for part inspection.

Quality Auditing

Conduct internal and external quality audits to ensure compliance.

Root Cause Analysis

Apply problem-solving techniques to identify the underlying causes of defects.

Failure Mode Effects Analysis

Perform FMEA to analyze potential failure modes and their causes.

Calibration Standards

Maintain measurement equipment calibration to traceable standards.

First Article Inspection

Perform comprehensive inspection of first production parts against specifications.

Gage R&R Studies

Conduct measurement system analysis to validate inspection processes.

Surface Roughness Measurement

Measure and specify surface finish using profilometers and standards.

Hardness Testing

Perform Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers hardness testing on materials.

Dimensional Inspection

Use precision instruments to verify part dimensions and tolerances.

PPAP Process

Execute Production Part Approval Process for automotive quality requirements.

APQP Process

Implement Advanced Product Quality Planning for new product introduction.

8D Problem Solving

Apply 8 Disciplines methodology for systematic problem resolution.

Control Plans

Develop and maintain control plans for process and product quality.

3D Scanning & Inspection

Use 3D scanners for reverse engineering and dimensional verification.

Electrical & Power

AC/DC Systems

Work with alternating and direct current electrical systems in industrial settings.

Control Panels

Build, wire, and troubleshoot industrial control panels.

Power Distribution

Manage the distribution of high-voltage power within a facility.

Electrical Schematics

Read and interpret complex electrical diagrams and prints.

VFD (Variable Frequency Drives)

Install, program, and troubleshoot VFDs for motor control.

Bus Systems

Install and maintain electrical bus bar systems for power distribution.

Cabling & Termination

Install and terminate industrial electrical cables and connectors.

Grounding & Bonding

Ensure electrical safety and signal integrity through proper grounding.

UL/CE Standards

Design and build to UL and CE safety standards for global compliance.

Panel Build

Fabricate and assemble industrial control panels from scratch.

Motor Control Centers

Install and maintain MCCs for centralized motor control and protection.

Transformer Maintenance

Service and test power and control transformers.

Circuit Breakers & Protection

Select and maintain circuit breakers and protective devices.

Conduit Installation

Install electrical conduit systems per NEC requirements.

Wire Sizing & Selection

Calculate proper wire gauges for current capacity and voltage drop.

Relay Logic

Design and troubleshoot hardwired relay control circuits.

Electrical Troubleshooting

Diagnose and repair electrical faults in industrial equipment.

Arc Flash Safety

Understand arc flash hazards and implement NFPA 70E safety procedures.

Software & Data Systems

MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

Implement and use MES to track and document the transformation of raw materials to finished goods.

ERP Integration

Connect shop floor systems with Enterprise Resource Planning software.

Database Management

Manage SQL and NoSQL databases for manufacturing data storage.

Big Data Analytics

Analyze large datasets to identify trends and optimize manufacturing processes.

Digital Twins

Create and use virtual replicas of physical systems for simulation and monitoring.

Version Control (Git)

Manage code changes and collaboration using Git in automation projects.

Cloud Automation

Leverage cloud services for industrial data processing and storage.

Edge Computing

Process data locally at the edge of the network for real-time latency.

Cybersecurity for OT

Secure Operational Technology networks against cyber threats.

PLM Systems

Use Product Lifecycle Management software for design and manufacturing data.

Historian Databases

Configure and query process historian databases for trend analysis.

Dashboard Development

Create visual dashboards for real-time production monitoring.

Report Automation

Automate generation and distribution of production reports.

Data Integration

Connect disparate data sources for unified manufacturing intelligence.

Machine Connectivity

Connect machines to networks for data collection and remote monitoring.

Barcode System Administration

Manage barcode labeling and scanning systems for production tracking.

Andon Systems

Implement visual management systems for production status and alerts.

Simulation Software

Use discrete event simulation for process optimization and capacity planning.

Advanced Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing

Apply 3D printing technologies for prototyping and production parts.

3D Printing Metals

Operate metal additive manufacturing systems using DMLS, SLM, and binder jetting.

Laser Cutting

Operate CNC laser cutting machines for precision sheet metal processing.

Waterjet Cutting

Use high-pressure waterjets to cut various materials without heat zones.

CNC Machining

Set up and operate Computer Numerical Control mills and lathes.

Smart Factory Tech

Implement Industry 4.0 technologies for connected and intelligent manufacturing.

Digital Thread

Maintain a digital record of a product throughout its entire lifecycle.

AI for Vision

Apply artificial intelligence for advanced visual inspection and defect detection.

Machine Learning for Predictive

Apply machine learning algorithms to predict equipment failures.

Augmented Reality Support

Use AR devices for guided assembly, maintenance, and training.

EDM Machining

Operate wire and sinker EDM machines for precision die and mold work.

5-Axis Machining

Program and operate 5-axis CNC machining centers for complex geometries.

Swiss-Type Turning

Operate Swiss-type CNC lathes for precision small parts production.

Injection Molding

Set up and operate plastic injection molding machines.

Die Casting

Operate high-pressure die casting machines for metal parts production.

Composite Manufacturing

Fabricate parts using carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other composite materials.

Powder Coating

Apply powder coat finishes using electrostatic spray and curing processes.

Electroplating

Perform electroplating operations for corrosion protection and appearance.