3 Technicians and Associate Professionals

Science and engineering associate professionals perform technical tasks connected with research and operational methods in science and engineering. They supervise and control technical and operational aspects of mining, manufacturing, construction and other engineering operations, and operate technical equipment including aircraft and ships. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the third ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: setting up, monitoring and operating instruments and equipment, conducting and monitoring experiments and tests of systems; collecting and testing samples; recording observations and analysing data; preparing, revising and interpreting technical drawings and diagrams; coordinating, supervising, controlling and scheduling the activities of other workers; operating and monitoring switchboards, computerized control systems, and multi-function process control machinery; performing technical functions to ensure safe and efficient movement and operations in ships, aircraft and other equipment. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 311 Physical and Engineering Science Technicians 312 Mining, Manufacturing and Construction Supervisors 313 Process Control Technicians 314 Life Science Technicians and Related Associate Professionals 315 Ship and Aircraft Controllers and Technicians.

Health associate professionals perform technical and practical tasks to support diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease, injuries and impairments in humans and animals, and to support implementation of health care, treatment and referral plans usually established by medical, veterinary, nursing and other health professionals. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the third ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in the sub-major group usually include: testing and operating medical imaging equipment and administering radiation therapy; performing clinical tests on specimens of bodily fluids and tissues; preparing medications and other pharmaceutical compounds under the guidance of pharmacists; designing, fitting, servicing and repairing medical and dental devices and appliances; providing nursing and personal care and midwifery support services; using herbal and other therapies based on theories, beliefs and experiences originating in specific cultures. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 321 Medical and Pharmaceutical Technicians 322 Nursing and Midwifery Associate Professionals 323 Traditional and Complementary Medicine Associate Professionals 324 Veterinary Technicians and Assistants 325 Other Health Associate Professionals.

Business and administration associate professionals perform mostly technical tasks connected with the practical application of knowledge relating to financial accounting and transaction matters, mathematical calculations, human resource development, selling and buying financial instruments, specialized secretarial tasks, and enforcing or applying government rules. Also included are workers who provide business services such as customs clearance, conference planning, job placements, buying and selling real estate or bulk commodities, and serving as agents for performers such as athletes and artists. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the third ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include recording and transmitting buy and sell orders for securities, stocks, bonds or other financial instruments and for foreign exchange for future or immediate delivery; submitting credit and loan applications to management with recommendations for approval or rejection; approving or rejecting applications within authorized limits ensuring that credit standards of the institution are respected; maintaining complete records of all financial transactions of an undertaking according to general bookkeeping principles, with guidance from accountants; assisting in planning and performing mathematical, statistical, actuarial, accounting and related calculations; selling and buying financial instruments. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 331 Financial and Mathematical Associate Professionals 332 Sales and Purchasing Agents and Brokers 333 Business Services Agents 334 Administrative and Specialized Secretaries 335 Government Regulatory Associate Professionals.

Legal, social, cultural and related associate professionals perform technical tasks connected with the practical application of knowledge relating to legal services, social work, culture, food preparation, sport and religion. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the third ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: providing technical and practical services and support functions in legal processes and investigations, social and community assistance programmes, and religious and cultural activities; participating and adjudicating in sporting events; developing and delivering sports coaching, fitness and recreational programmes; combining creative and technical skills in a variety of artistic, cultural and culinary activities; creating dishes and menus and overseeing the preparation of meals. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 341 Legal, Social and Religious Associate Professionals 342 Sports and Fitness Workers 343 Artistic, Cultural and Culinary Associate Professionals.

Information and communications technicians provide support for the day-to-day running of computer systems, communications systems and networks, and perform technical tasks related to telecommunications, broadcast image and sound as well as other types of telecommunications signals on land, sea or in aircraft. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the third ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: providing assistance to information and communications systems users; installing new programs and equipment; establishing, operating and maintaining network and other data communications systems; installing, monitoring and supporting Internet and Intranet websites or web server hardware or software; modifying web pages; and performing web server backup and recovery operations; controlling equipment to record sound, edit and mix image and sound recordings; controlling and maintaining transmitting and broadcast systems and satellite systems for radio and television programmes; controlling and maintaining radio communications systems, satellite services and multiplex systems on land, sea or in aircraft; providing technical assistance connected with research and development of computer systems and telecommunications equipment, or testing prototypes; designing and preparing blueprints of circuitry according to the specifications given; providing technical supervision of the manufacture, utilization, maintenance and repair of telecommunications systems. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 351 Information and Communications Technology Operations and User Support Technicians 352 Telecommunications and Broadcasting Technicians.