SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

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What do Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do?

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are skilled professionals who specialize in operating machines that apply protective or decorative coatings to a variety of surfaces. These surfaces may include products made of metal, plastic, wood, and other materials. The primary responsibilities of these workers involve setting up and controlling the equipment used for spraying paints, varnishes, and other substances. They ensure that the coatings are applied evenly and meet the required specifications for thickness, color, and finish. Additionally, these professionals inspect finished products for defects, maintain and clean machinery, and may also mix paints and coatings according to specified formulas. Their work is critical in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and automotive, contributing to product durability and aesthetic appeal.

What the work actually is

  • Dispose of hazardous waste in an appropriate manner.
  • Hold or position spray guns to direct spray onto articles.
  • Spray prepared surfaces with specified amounts of primers and decorative or finish coatings.
  • Monitor painting operations to identify flaws, such as blisters or streaks, and correct their causes.
  • Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers or power equipment, using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Quality Control Analysis Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Equipment Maintenance Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Visual Color Discrimination The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

A normal week

  • Getting Information
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Inventory management software Inventory control software · Inventory management systems
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
  • Facilities management software Maintenance management software
  • Office suite software Microsoft Office software

Tools

  • Paint sprayers High volume low pressure HVLP spray guns · Low volume high pressure LVHP sprayers · Paint spray guns
  • Paint application system Electrostatic paint systems · Paint booths
  • Respirators Protective respirators · Respiratory protection equipment
  • Hoists Electric hoists · Hoisting equipment
  • Blow torch Blow torches · Gas torches

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn in South Africa?

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do?

Dispose of hazardous waste in an appropriate manner, Hold or position spray guns to direct spray onto articles and Spray prepared surfaces with specified amounts of primers and decorative or finish coatings.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.