Here is an attempt to list a few of the skill sections we might want as we document some of the skills that may be needed to build open source tools (this will be a very partial list I am sure - and I am sure that the categories will need to be worked out more carefully) Ideally we can match these up with on-line tutorials already out there and with local vocational programs etc.
Computer Skills
How to use this site How to use design software opensource programming documentation and use of repositories etc.
Electrical Skills Safety Use of a multimeter circuit board soldering soldering larger wires waterproofing joints general 12v wiring large wire crimping/joining single and three phase motor, starter and switch wiring
Working with Hydraulics/plumbing Safety types of threads and adapters (elbows, street elbows, bushings, nipples, etc. taping joints plumbing a valve plumbing a quick connect replacing a high pressure flexible hydraulic line replacing or steel hydraulic line making types of flairs and compression fittings replacing filters adding gauges or meters
Working with Pneumatics/plumbing Safety Making up new air hoses plumbing a regulator plumbing a new valve adding a quick connect adding gauges or meters plumbing pressure relief valves and pressure switches
Working with Bearings/power transfer assemblies Safety Clutch assembly and disassembly types of bearings (pillow block, face mounted etc.) Belt drives and tensioners chain drives and tensioners gear boxes Oil bathed bearings vs greased etc.
Metal working
Sheet metal work (steel, stainless steel and aluminum)
Structural Welding (tubes, flat stock, channel etc)
methods (stick, mig, tig etc)
Blacksmithing
using fasteners (pop rivets, rivets, sheet metal screws, etc.)
Using a mill
using a lath
rough farm carpentry/construction building a stud wall building a roof truss setting a post on a footer pouring concrete footers pouring concrete slab
heavy materials handling shop lifting & rigging layout and jigs
working with Fluid transfer/pump technology/lubrication safety Fluid transfer pumps or methods
Internal Combustion technology
rebuild procedures, and general functional descriptions and order of procedures