What role do most people in the manufacturing trades play?

Manufacturing includes all occupations that are involved in making products by hand or by machine. These products range from simple plastic or wooden objects, such as clothespins or toothpicks, to highly complicated electronic computers. Manufactured goods also vary in size, from microscopic electronic parts to giant aircraft carriers and supertankers.
    About two-thirds of the workers in manufacturing actually make products. These employees include craftworkers, skilled and semiskilled workers, and unskilled laborers. Craftworkers are highly skilled in such trades as tool designing, tool and die-making, and tailoring. Many craftworkers supervise other employees. Skilled workers, who include engravers, machinists, printers, and welders, use special job skills to make items or to operate machinery. Semiskilled workers include machine operators and assistants to skilled workers. Many semiskilled occupations require workers to repeat the same task again and again. Unskilled laborers perform jobs that require no special skills, such as sorting, packing, or moving materials. Most employees in manufacturing work in factories or shops. Common working conditions include high levels of dust, heat, or noise. Some factory jobs require great strength or standing for long periods.
    Many scientists, engineers, and technicians also work in manufacturing. Scientists perform laboratory tests and other research to develop new products and improve old ones. Engineers design and test airplanes, automobiles, household appliances, machine parts, and countless other products. They also design production equipment and improved manufacturing techniques. Some technicians assist scientists and engineers. Others plan or supervise production activities, such as packing or storing products. The manufacturing cluster also includes management workers. They develop and enforce company policies, plan and direct production activities, purchase equipment and materials, or work in labor relations or public relations.