One of the exciting careers to do is becoming an assembler. Assemblers for assembly jobs are in high demand, and their duties revolve around putting parts together following instructions. They also verify the quantities and quality of the completed assembled item and manage parts inventory.
Some roles assemblers perform are following instructions to assemble different parts, maintaining and servicing the equipment, and communicating to supervisors about defective parts. The assemblers handling assembly jobs also ensure a clean working environment and ensure all tasks are completed on time.
- How Much Do Assemblers Earn?
Assemblers’ salary depends on their level of education, work experience, time of hours they work in a day, and the employer. Most assemblers get about $13 per hour, while others could get as much as $24.
- Assembler Requirements
The requirements to be an assembler depend on the employer and job level. For example, workers at the entry-level have fewer skill and education requirements than those in high positions.
- Education
You can get an entry-level general labour job in an assembling firm with a high school diploma. However, some employers prefer getting assemblers with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Also, if you want to advance in your career later, you must have higher education qualifications, like post-secondary education.
If you don’t have a degree and want to get an assembler position, start by attending a technical school. Learning the skills gives you a certificate and license, which are essential requirements. In addition, you can learn heavy equipment and transport, production, and welding skills. However, other employers want an assembler with qualifications in soldering and some years of experience.
- Training
Although you have certificates in assembling, an employer could take you through training to ensure you gain the essential skills needed in the company. This training happens in all companies and is not restricted to general labor job firms. Company training is free and takes about a month or some weeks. As an assembler, you should be able to lift approximately 75 pounds, and working out can also help you get there.
- Certification
Most assembly jobs require the employees to have certification to prove they are qualified. The certificates also help their employees to advance their careers. Most employers will ask for academic credentials, i.e., diploma and high school certificates. You also require other certificates like;
d. Fundamentals Of Metal Fabrication Certificate
All entry-level operators require the Fundamentals of metal fabrication certificate. It is administered by Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International (FMA) and covers sheet metal fabrication concepts. To get this certificate, you will do an exam on metal fabrication safety, blueprint reading, and metallurgy for metal fabrication.
e. Laser Welding Technology Certificate
Assembling employees interested in laser welding must do an FMA-certified course that teaches the fundamentals and application of this welding. You will learn classroom instructions, do a practical hand-on and tackle a final exam. Tutors also offer live demonstrations and show good examples to help the learners know how to get the best results.
- Skills Needed
Education is not the only requirement for becoming a skilled assembler. Other skills you must possess are;
- Communication skills- you must be able to eloquently communicate with your supervisor and workmates on the job’s flow. Workers should also know how to communicate in writing.
- Mechanical skills- assemblers use programmable motion-control devices and robots in the factory. All these machines can only run if controlled by a person with the right skills. You should also be able to use gauges and rivet tools.
- Technical skills- assembling requires understanding blueprints and technical manuals for the machine to work perfectly.
- How To Get an Assembly Job
If you want to start an assembling career, ensure you first get the right education in a recognized university or college. After, you will get all the required certificates essential to employers.
You can then start looking for different assembly jobs to get experience. For example, if a company requires the assembler to have a one-year experience, this will be advantageous to you. Once you know how to work in the assembly industry, you can get the relevant certificates.
