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Assembly Line Workers put together manufactured products such as automobiles, appliances, electronic products,   and machines, as well as related parts. They may be responsible for doing one task or a variety of operations.

Nature of the Occupation  

Assembly Line Workers may:

·        Position parts in their proper places   

·        Put parts together with bolts, clips, screws, solder, cement, or other fasteners by hand or by using portable power tools  

·        Use machines such as arbor presses or riveters for making forced fittings or fastening operations on the assembly line   

·        Lubricate moving parts   

·        Put together sub-assemblies to make single units   

• Connect electrical wiring

  Occupational Specialties

There are 3 basic types of Assemblers:

LINE ASSEMBLERS work on items that automatically move past their stations on conveyors. They generally perform 1 or 2 steps in the assembly operation.

BENCH ASSEMBLERS perform precise assembly work, putting together sub-assemblies or whole products, such as calculators, radios, rifles, or automobile steering columns.

FLOOR ASSEMBLERS put together large machinery or heavy equipment on shop floors. Examples of the type of equipment assembled include school buses, cranes, and tanks. Assembly Line Workers may specialize in these areas:

806.684-010 AUTOMOBILE ASSEMBLERS perform a variety of tasks in putting together automobiles, trucks, or automobile and truck parts. They may be assigned to different work stations on the assembly line depending upon production needs.

729.687-010 ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES ASSEMBLERS put together mechanical parts of electrical equipment, such as light sockets, switches, terminal boards, and plugging devices.

726.684-018 ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLERS put together electronic equipment and components such as computers, electronic test equipment, cellular telephones, amplifiers, televisions, radios, modems and circuit boards. They use many different types of hand and power tools, test equipment, and follow blueprints, schematic drawings, and wiring diagrams.

763.684-038 FURNITURE ASSEMBLERS put together wooden parts or assemblies to make sections, frames, or complete articles of furniture.

638.361-010 MACHINE ASSEMBLERS put together machines and equipment such as stokers, blowers, and compression pumps according to customers' individual needs.

827.684-010 LINE APPLIANCE ASSEMBLERS put together major household or commercial appliances such as ranges, ovens, washing machines, dryers, and water heaters.

826.361-010 INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT ASSEMBLERS & WIRERS install electrical wiring and assemble components in control cabinets, electrical equipment, and industrial equipment.

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

  Working Conditions and Requirements

Assemblers usually work with others on assembly lines under general supervision. Some Assemblers work alone while others work in teams.

Working conditions depend on the particular job. Electronic Assemblers may work at a bench in a room that is clean, well lighted, and free of dust. They usually work with small products and parts and may be subject to eye strain. Floor Assemblers who assemble heavy equipment often work in areas where there is a lot of grease and oil and are subject to physical strain, much of the work is repetitive. In addition, workers on assembly lines may be under pressure to complete a task within a certain amount of time.

Assemblers generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week, depending on the employer. They may work day, evening, or night shifts. Assemblers may be expected to work overtime during rush periods. They may be laid off during periods of economic recession.

Assemblers belong to many different unions depending on the industry. Some of the major unions include the International Union, United Automobile (UAW), Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America, and The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Assemblers belonging to unions must pay union dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Doing routine work dealing with things and objects

• Using machines and special processes in your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform the same task repeatedly

• Picture 3-dimensional objects from drawings or diagrams

• See differences in the size and shape of lines or objects

• Follow instructions and work accurately

• Make decisions based on standards that can be checked

• Work under pressure

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

• A job is timed for 60 cycles and has an average of 1.2 minutes per piece. The performance rating is 95% and allowances are 10%. Based on an eight hour day, determine the standard time per job.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

• Work specifications and alterations.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

• Prepare a time sheet for the week.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

• Organizational skills and be detail oriented in assembling manufactured products.

In the electronics industry, Assemblers may have to pass a test for color blindness since they must work with color-coded materials.

  Education and Preparation Opportunities

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration script:

SCHOOL SUBJECTS

AUTOMOTIVE , BUILDING TRADES , CAREERS , COMMUNICATIONS , MATH, METALS , TECHNICAL DRAWING , TECHNOLOGY , WOODS

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

029 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Approved Career and Technical Education programs in Manufacturing Technology prepare students for one or more occupations in manufacturing. The cluster of courses provides for occupational competence for many job titles in manufacturing. Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

013 MANUFACTURING PAINTER

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program.

POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration script. 

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration script. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

 Opportunities for Experience and Methods of Entry

Summer or part time work in factories that employ Assemblers may provide opportunities for experience. Secondary Career and Technical Education programs in manufacturing technology may also provide experience opportunities.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

• informal apprenticeships

• mentorships

• job shadowing experiences

• touring a local Assembly Line Worker employer

• internships

• volunteer work with a Assembly Line Worker employer

• community service work with an agency

The most common method of becoming an Assembly Line Worker is to apply directly to employers. Contact local unions and local offices of Michigan Works! for assistance. Newspaper want ads may list openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Assembler Jobs.com

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! HotJobs

Monster Jobs

Simply Hired

Indeed | one search

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

  Earnings and Advancement

Earnings of Assemblers depend on the skill required, the employer, the industry, and union affiliation. Some Assemblers are paid incentive or piecework rates. Depending on the amount of work that piecework Assemblers do, they may earn more than Assemblers who are paid hourly rates.

Nationally, the median weekly earnings of Assemblers were $491 or $12.28 per hour in 2005. The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $651 or $16.28 per hour in 2005.

Nationally and in Michigan , hourly earnings of Assemblers working in the auto industry ranged from $18.83 to $26.24 in late 2005. In addition, these workers receive a cost-of-living allowance.  Hourly pay ranges in some areas of Michigan were (2005):

Most unionized Assemblers also receive a cost-of-living allowance which depends on increases in the consumer price index.

Depending on the employer, Assemblers may receive paid vacations and holidays; accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; sick leave; and retirement plans. Some companies may provide supplemental unemployment benefits, dental insurance, uniforms, tools, vision care plans, and other benefits. Employers and employees may jointly contribute to union trust funds used to pay for certain fringe benefits.

Beginning Assembly Line Workers are usually trained on the job. Advancement opportunities are limited. A few Assemblers become inspectors or supervisors through experience, seniority, and/or additional training. Some Assemblers also advance to more skilled assembly jobs. Assembly Line Workers who take courses at technical or night schools may eventually advance to jobs as technicians or skilled trades workers.

  Employment and Outlook

About 1,238,700 Assemblers were employed nationwide in 2004. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Some openings are expected each year as workers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. About 1.9% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Assemblers looked like this:

The automobile and electronics industries have been adversely affected by an increase of foreign imports and by U.S. firms assembling products overseas. Many small household appliances, such as microwaves and freezers, are also being imported, resulting in the loss of a number of assembly jobs.

There are about 64,250 Assemblers employed in Michigan . They worked for companies that manufacture automobiles, trucks, and related equipment; appliances; electronic equipment; tractors; furniture; photographic equipment; machinery; and other manufactured products.

Almost all Assemblers worked within the manufacturing industry.

The employment of Assemblers is expected to decline through the year 2012. An average of 1,660 openings per year is expected due to the replacement of assemblers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Technological developments, automation, and mechanization may decrease the need for hand Assemblers in some industries, while other assembly jobs may open up because of new machinery used in assembly operations.

Michigan 's Employment Outlook to 2012

Sources of Additional Information

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below: