Manufacturing plays a key role in our national economy. The label 'Made in America' has come to stand for quality goods, made reliably and efficiently. So each person on the production line has to do their job well. Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setter, as well as operators and tenders for metal and plastic, are each trained to do a specific job.

The setters get the machines ready for operation. They are trained to adjust and set up specific equipment. The tenders operate the machines during production. These are skills that can be learned on the job. They require good hand-eye coordination, the ability to read and follow instructions, and, often, physical strength.

The work can be repetitive, requiring lifting and bending. The workplace can be noisy and distracting. Safety equipment such as earplugs may be required. Global competition, as well as advances in automation will make it more difficult to find this kind of work in the years ahead.

However, while job opportunities may become limited, the high expectations for quality will remain the same. Because even if what you're making is just a small piece of a larger item, the ultimate product is only going to be as reliable as its individual parts.