TYPISTS AND WORD PROCESSING TECHNICIANS California Occupational Guide Number 20 Interest Area 7 1995
Computers are changing the way most people do their work -- workers at all levels can now use the computer to do perfect documents. Since these documents formerly were done by Typists and Word Processing Technicians, this trend will gradually decrease the need for these and other clerical support as this decade ends.
THE JOB
TYPISTS use typewriters or word processing machines to type letters, reports and other items from rough draft copies. The drafts are sometimes hard to read. Clerk-typists may also sort and file materials, answer telephones, serve as receptionists, record information and sort and distribute mail. They may handle and account for cash, prepare simple statistical reports, operate business machines and run errands. Other typists in this first category have duties similar to those of clerk-typists, but spend more of their time typing.
Specialty Typists work in fields like, law, medicine, engineering and foreign languages. They type complex statistical reports or technical material. These typists must know special formats as well as special terminology required by specific fields. These workers may use special equipment such as editing typewriters or computing and non-computing billing machines.
Transcribing Machine Typists type reports or data from taped information heard through earphones. They regulate the playback speed of the recording and the volume of the speaker's voice. They also erase old recordings and condition tapes and file them for reuse. Many of them specialize in transcribing legal, medical and other technical material, often having that specialty in their job title, such as medical transcriber or legal transcriber.
WORD PROCESSING TECHNICIANS do their work on computerized typewriters. They use composing machines, text-editing machines or computers. Technicians enter information from written drafts or transcribing equipment by typing the information on a keyboard that is connected to a visual display terminal resembling a television screen.
Technicians locate and correct spelling errors using computer software. They proofread and correct grammar and punctuation errors on completed documents simply by finding errors and typing over them inserting corrections. They also load paper in printers, change print wheels or fluid cartridges, and activate printers to obtain the desired hard copies on appropriate paper or forms. Technicians maintain a "filing" system to retrieve, update and delete materials on tapes or discs. They may input data using an entry device other than keyboards, such as optical scanners.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Typists and Word Processing Technicians are employed in a variety of government agencies and private businesses ranging from small secretarial services to large insurance companies. They may work in centralized word processing centers which provides transcription and typing services for entire departments, or in a small office performing a variety of additional secretarial duties. They usually work in pleasant, well-lighted, well- furnished and air-conditioned offices. Some may work in small, cramped areas in industrial plants or in trailers. Display screens may create a glare that causes eyestrain for workers who must look at the screen for prolonged periods; however, some employers permit extra rest periods for these workers To prevent cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) caused by repetitive motion activities, manufacturers' guidelines for correct positioning of equipment and workers must be followed exactly. Some Typists and Word Processing Technicians are represented by unions, especially those working for government agencies.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published in 1994 by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department:
Estimated number of new jobs 1990-2005 30,260 Jobs created as workers leave the occupation 43,090 This occupation ranks fourteenth in California's occupations with the largest job growth.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries vary significantly in this occupation depending on geographical area, size of the employer and the education, experience and skills of workers.
Employers usually provide paid sick leave, vacation and medical, dental and vision insurance and partially paid. life insurance and retirement plans. A few employers provide partial child-care benefits and on-site child care centers are increasing through out the State.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most recent hires have at least a high school education with some office training and related work experience. Many took office technology in community colleges, private business schools or public adult schools. Regional Occupation Programs (ROP) located in school districts throughout the State provide excellent opportunities for high school students to get both classroom training and real job experience as interns or student assistants with local employers. Most employers now expect office workers to skillfully use word processors and computers. Job seekers usually must pass typing and written tests. Government agencies also count interviews as part of the testing process.
Communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to get along with co-workers ranked high by surveyed employers. Many hire only graduates of business programs from community colleges, private schools, high schools and adult education programs.
ADVANCEMENT
Advancement opportunities generally are greatest in large organizations where employers provide regular pay increases, as well as opportunities for promotion to office technician, secretary or clerical supervisor.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should register for non-fee job placement with:
California Employment Development Department Job Service offices Student placement services of their business school or community colleges Temporary (Temp) agencies
Additional sources:
-- Federal, State, city, county, and school district human
resources/personnel offices.
-- Personnel office/department of both large and small companies.
-- Network with friends, relatives and other contacts.
-- Classified ads in newspapers.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Data Entry Keyers No. 16 Stenographers No. 25 Secretaries No. 128 Legal Secretaries No. 172 Medical Secretaries No. 177
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Clerk Typist 203.362-010 Typist 203.582-066 Transcribing-Machine Operator 203.582-058 Word Processing Machine Operator 203.382-030
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Typists 553080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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