Career Overlap Occupation record
RecordJob

Where a tunnel boring machine operator can go next

5 destinations recorded, ranked by how much of the target role a tunnel boring machine operator already meets. The closer to the top of Table 1, the less there is to learn.

Tunnel boring machine operators work on large pieces of tunnelling equipment commonly known as TBMs. They regulate the operation of the machine, adjusting the torque of the rotating cutting wheel and screw conveyor to maximise stability of the tunnel before tunnel rings are installed. Tunnel boring machine operators then put the reinforced concrete rings in place using remote controls.

Also known as tunneller, tunnelling equipment operator, TBM operator, tunnelling machine operator, tunnelling equipment operative.

Plant and machine operators and assemblers 26 skills on file 5 career moves 0 above 60% overlap Closest: scraper operator, 49%

Fig. 2 · Career map 5 nearest · ESCO v1.2.1
scraper operator 49% covered road roller operator 49% covered grader operator 49% covered bulldozer operator 45% covered excavator operator 44% covered tunnel boring machine ope… You are here
  • 70% and above · short step
  • 50 to 70% · real move
  • Below 50% · substantial retraining
The 5 nearest destinations from tunnel boring machine operator, each one a link to that move’s record. Distance from the centre is how much retraining the move takes; the figure on each is how much of that role a tunnel boring machine operator already covers. All 5 are listed in the tables below.
Table 1

Table 1 · Within reach

Table 2

Table 2 · A bigger jump

Possible, but expect real retraining rather than a sideways step.

Table 3

Table 3 · What the job itself asks for

A tunnel boring machine operator needs 14 required skills and areas of knowledge. These 10 are the ones fewest other jobs share, so they say the most about the work.

Required skill Area
  • drive tunnel boring machine working with machinery and specialised equipment
  • operate theodolite working with machinery and specialised equipment
  • switch tunnel boring machine modes working with machinery and specialised equipment
  • tunnel boring machine console engineering, manufacturing and construction
  • install tunnel segments constructing
  • tend boring machine working with machinery and specialised equipment
  • prevent damage to utility infrastructure management skills
  • mechanical systems engineering, manufacturing and construction
  • react to events in time-critical environments communication, collaboration and creativity
  • transport construction supplies handling and moving
Table 4

Table 4 · Jobs that lead here

The reverse view: occupations whose skills already cover much of what a tunnel boring machine operator does. The figure is how much of this job each one brings.

Index

Look up another occupation

Tunnel boring machine operator is filed under Plant and machine operators and assemblers, ISCO major group 8. The full index lists all ten groups.

Note

How these figures were compiled

Overlap is how much of the target role is already part of a tunnel boring machine operator’s work. It is directional: the figure for the reverse move differs. Every entry above opens the full comparison for that move: what carries over, what is missing, and where to start. The full method.