These days almost any product you buy at a store had its finishing touches put on by an assembler. Assemblers and fabricators construct finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make a wide variety of products, in many different settings. Assemblers and fabricators typically specialize. For example: Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles. Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers use bolts, rivets and soldering equipment to build parts of products like motors, computers, and sensing equipment that require the soft touch and fine motor skills of human hands. Fiberglass laminators and fabricators apply layers of fiberglass on molds to form structures for boats, cars, and other products. They wear respirators and protective clothing for safety. Most assemblers and fabricators work in manufacturing plants, where difficult tasks may be automated or aided by power tools. However, assembly work can still involve long periods of standing, sitting, or working on ladders. While some jobs involve exposure to chemicals or fumes… ventilation systems generally minimize harmful effects. Although a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training are enough for most jobs, experience and additional education or training is needed for more advanced assembly work.
What they do:
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
On the job, you would:
Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
product and service development
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Business
customer service
Basic Skills
reading work related information
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Integrity
Dependability
Independence
Initiative
You might use software like this on the job:
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.