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1316 Career Guide

Marine Corps

1316: Metal Worker

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Metal Worker (1316)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1316 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Welder

$48K
High matchHigh demand

Maintenance Technician

$55K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

HVAC certificationElectrical troubleshooting

Metal Fabricator

$45K
High matchGrowing demand

Quality Control Inspector

$52K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ certificationBlueprint reading

Ironworker

$58K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety trainingExperience with large-scale construction projects

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1316 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As a metal worker, you are responsible for planning projects and tasking the required resources. This means optimizing the use of materials, tools, equipment, time, and personnel to complete tasks efficiently and cost-effectively.

Your experience in optimizing resources translates directly into skills highly valued in project management and operations. You can analyze needs, allocate resources strategically, and ensure projects are completed within budget and on schedule.

Procedural Compliance

You strictly adhere to safety protocols, work orders, and technical specifications when performing metalworking tasks. Your attention to detail ensures quality and safety in all operations.

Your commitment to procedural compliance translates into valuable skills in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and risk management. You are adept at following established procedures, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring adherence to standards.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are able to troubleshoot and maintain metalworking and welding equipment under challenging conditions, even when resources are limited or equipment malfunctions. This requires resourcefulness and adaptability to maintain operational readiness.

Your ability to operate effectively in degraded modes demonstrates your problem-solving skills and adaptability. You can quickly diagnose issues, develop alternative solutions, and maintain productivity in the face of unexpected challenges.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a high level of awareness of your surroundings and potential hazards in the metalworking environment. This includes identifying potential safety risks, monitoring equipment performance, and anticipating potential problems.

Your strong situational awareness makes you an ideal candidate for roles that require vigilance and attention to detail, such as safety management or risk assessment. Your ability to anticipate and mitigate potential issues is a valuable asset.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Construction and Building Inspector

SOC 47-4011.00

You've been trained to identify defects and ensure compliance with standards. Your background in metalwork gives you a deep understanding of structural integrity, corrosion prevention, and safety regulations, making you a highly qualified inspector.

Quality Control Analyst

SOC 19-4041.00

You've consistently ensured the integrity of metalwork through inspections, tests, and adherence to strict standards. You can easily apply your skills to analyze production processes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that products meet or exceed quality expectations.

Machinery Maintenance Supervisor

SOC 49-1011.00

You've maintained and repaired complex metalworking and welding equipment, and have maintained equipment records. You have a hands-on understanding of machinery maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, making you an ideal candidate to lead maintenance teams in industrial or manufacturing settings.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Metal Worker Course, Marine Corps Engineer School, Camp Lejeune, NC

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in welding technology and materials science

Topics Covered

  • Blueprint Reading and Interpretation
  • Welding Techniques (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW)
  • Metal Identification and Properties
  • Corrosion Prevention and Control
  • Armor Plate Welding and Repair Procedures
  • Operation and Maintenance of Metalworking Equipment
  • Marine Corps Tactical Welding Shop Operations
  • Safety Procedures and Equipment Handling

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder70% covered

Requires additional study of specific welding processes and filler metals not commonly used in military applications, as well as passing the AWS Certified Welder exam.

AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)40% covered

Requires significant additional study of welding codes, inspection techniques, and quality control procedures. Practical experience in civilian welding inspection is also beneficial.

OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety30% covered

Requires study of OSHA regulations related to construction safety, including hazard recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention. The military training covers some safety aspects, but not all OSHA requirements.

Recommended Next Certifications

AWS Certified Welding SupervisorAssociate's Degree in Welding TechnologyNDT Level II Certification (in methods like Ultrasonic Testing or Radiographic Testing)Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) - SME

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Tactical Welding Shop (TWS)Mobile Welding Units (truck-mounted)
Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting SystemOxy-fuel welding and cutting torches
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) EquipmentArc welding machines
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) EquipmentMIG welding machines
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) EquipmentTIG welding machines
Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) EquipmentPlasma cutters
Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) Welding ProceduresAmerican Welding Society (AWS) standards and procedures

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