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Machine Assemblers use hand tools and bench machines to put together, repair, inspect, and test entire machines or their components. These machines are sometimes called assemblies, and the components are called subassemblies.  

JOB DUTIES      

Machine Assemblers may:  

Read blueprints or written instructions  

Position parts in assembly fixtures (holding or clamping devices with no provision for guiding tools)  

Fasten together assemblies or subassemblies  

Set and verify tensions and clearances of parts  

Ream and tap holes when needed to complete assembly of machines or components  

Do additional machining of parts to fit assembly tolerances or request additional machining of parts, as necessary  

Test the completed product to assure that it functions properly  

The machines, work aids and tools may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES     

Machine Assemblers may specialize according to the type of product produced or the type of assembly done, such as line, bench or floor.  

706.684-014  OFFICE MACHINE ASSEMBLERS put together, adjust, and test typewriters and other office machines and their components.  

706.684-094  SUBASSEMBLERS fasten together and adjust a variety of office machine components such as circuit breakers, brush slides, and control panels. They may also disassemble and inspect components of rebuilt machines for conformance to engineering orders.  

706.684-046  BENCH HANDS assemble motorcycle and bicycle subassemblies such as brake drums, clutch hubs, shifter cams, and other parts.  

706.684-010  AIR-CONDITIONING-COIL ASSEMBLERS put together prepunched aluminum fin plates and copper tubing to form coils for air-conditioning units.  

706.684-038  BEARING-RING ASSEMBLERS put together outer rings, inner rings, bearings, and retainer guards to form the ball bearing.  

706.684-062  INJECTOR ASSEMBLERS smooth, drill, and test parts for diesel engine fuel injectors.  

801.684-022  PROGRESSIVE ASSEMBLERS AND FITTERS put together farm or lawn-and-garden machinery at one station of a progressive assembly line.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS     

Machine Assemblers usually work alone under general supervision. Some Assemblers work as team members. Working conditions depend on the particular Machine Assembler's job. Bench Assemblers usually work while seated in well lighted and well ventilated rooms. They sometimes work with tiny parts and tools and may be subject to eyestrain. Line Assemblers often work under pressure to complete work on items as they move past their work stations on an automatic conveyor. Floor Assemblers who put together industrial machinery may come in contact with oil and grease. They might also be subject to physical strain from the heavy equipment. Some Assemblers stand for long periods. Their work areas may be noisy.  

Machine Assemblers usually work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. They may be required to work overtime during rush periods. They may be subject to layoffs during periods of economic recession.  

Many Machine Assemblers may belong to different unions depending on the industry in which they are employed. Some of the major unions include the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Assemblers belonging to unions must pay union dues. UAW dues are equal to two hours pay per month.  

You Should Prefer:  

• Activities dealing with things and objects  

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature  

• Activities that involve the use of machines, processes, or methods  

You Should Be Able To:  

• Inspect and check completed work to set specifications  

• Repeat activities/tasks according to a routine procedure or sequence  

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:  

If a slot in a machine holds a dowl 3 meters long with a radius of 2 centimeters, what is the area of this slot?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

An observed change in motion, including motion starting from rest, is evidence of a force. This leads to a common definition of force: A force is something capable of changing an object's state of motion.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

You should be able to write a report explaining any malfunctions that may be occurring with the machinery.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

You should be able to look at a machine that is malfunctioning and then decide what measures to take to alleviate the problem.  

Employers seek workers who can do routine work. A high school diploma is helpful but not usually required. Mechanical aptitude on machine shop courses may be preferred by some employers.  

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES     

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or A High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

034 BUSINESS & VENDING MACHINE REPAIR  

Approved vocational education programs in Business and Vending Machine maintenance prepare students to maintain and repair a variety of office machines, calculators, data-processing equipment, duplicating machines, and word processing machines as well as vending machines and related equipment. Instruction is given in diagnosing and testing, and the principles of the mechanics, electricity, and electronics of office machines.  

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:  

BUSINESS MACHINES  

VENDING MACHINES  

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.  

049 MACHINE TOOL OPERATION/SHOP  

Approved vocational education programs in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Shop prepare students to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. Programs may also train individuals in the use of one machine. Instruction is given in calculating dimensions; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gages; machining and heat-treating various metals; and in laying out machine parts.  

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this programs.  

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript    

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program     

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.  

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript    

E-Learning Courses and Programs      

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY     

There are few ways to gain direct experience in this occupation. However, high school machine shop classes do allow students to learn the use of hand tools and bench tools, to read blueprints, and learn shop safety. Secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation/shop and business and vending machine repair may offer co-op opportunities for practical experience.  

            School-to-Work opportunities include:  

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Machine Assembler employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Machine Assembler employer  

community service work with an agency  

The most common method of entering this occupation is to apply directly to employers. Job openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. Assistance in locating a job may be available from school placement offices, or from a Michigan Works! office. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

America's Job Bank (  http://www.ajb.dni.us )  

Classifieds Employment (  http://www.classifieds2000.com )    

           Yahoo! Careers (  http://careers.yahoo.com/ )  

Michigan Department of Career Development  (  http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd )  

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.   

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT     

Earnings of Machine Assemblers vary according to the kind of skill involved in the assembly process, the type of product assembled, the size and location of the plant, and unionization.  Nationally, the median weekly earnings of assemblers were $433 in 2001.  The median weekly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $597 in 2001.    

Estimated hourly earnings of Machine Assemblers in several areas of Michigan were (2001):  

Machine Assemblers who belong to unions usually receive a cost-of-living allowance.  

Depending on the employer, Machine Assemblers may receive paid vacations, life and medical insurance, paid holidays, and a pension plan. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.  

Beginning Machine Assemblers are usually trained on the job. They usually begin as trainees and do semiskilled assembling work. Training may vary from several hours to several weeks. Advancement opportunities are limited in assembly work. Those with experience who can read blueprints and have training in shop mathematics may advance to skilled inspector or supervisor. Others may take courses in evening or technical schools to be promoted to technicians or junior engineers.  

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK     

Nationally, there were about 67,200 Machine Assemblers employed in 2000. Employment of Machine Assemblers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. The industry distribution for Machine Assemblers looked like this:  

Some openings are expected each year as workers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work.  

Opportunities vary with the economic conditions of the particular industry and the size and geographical location of the manufacturer and its adoption of automation. Areas of industrial growth, such as the sunbelt states, are expected to provide the most jobs.  

Approximately 2,675 Machine Assemblers were employed in Michigan. Nearly all worked in the manufacturing industry, assembling durable goods such as office machines, transportation equipment and special industry machinery such as dental equipment.  

Employment of Machine Assemblers in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 70 openings per year is expected with 20 due to growth and 50 due to replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Some openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.  

Limited employment opportunities are expected for the following reasons. Many of the Machine Assembly jobs lost during the 1990's were never regained. At the same time, much of the sub-assembly work is being done overseas. Although technical developments, automation, and mechanization may decrease the need for hand assemblers in some industries, some limited growth may occur in other machine producing sectors.   

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008  

  EMPLOYMENT                    NUMBER         PERCENT          PROJECTED YEARLY  

  REGION                                EMPLOYED    GROWTH           JOB OPENINGS  

  Ann Arbor Area                       40                    10.0                     1  

  Battle Creek Area                    90                     17.0                     4  

  Benton Harbor Area                70                      4.2                      1  

  Central Michigan                      75                     10.7                     2  

  Detroit MSA                            890                   -2.7                     16  

  East Central Michigan               20                      26.3                    1  

  Flint Area                                 40                      12.8                    2  

  Grand Rapids Area                  380                     29.4                   18  

  Jackson Area                           50                      -5.9                     1  

  Kalamazoo Area                      115                     8.8                      3  

  Muskegon Area                       70                       1.4                      1  

  Northeast Lower Peninsula       95                       24.7                    4  

  Northwest Lower Peninsula      70                       16.2                    2  

  Saginaw MSA                         125                     16.0                     4  

  Thumb Area                             45                       16.3                     2  

  Upper Peninsula                        65                      27.0                     3  

  West Central Michigan              50                      27.5                     2  

 MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area  

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

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Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development