what is an assembler?
As an assembler, you work in manufacturing companies, assisting with the manufacturing of goods. You use your skills and knowledge to assemble various components to create a finished product. The job requires reading and interpreting blueprints to understand various components and locate the right places to attach the items. You ensure the items fit as directed to create the expected finished products. You also perform repairs and identify or report errors in the assembly line.
Assemblers rely on various basic hand tools and machinery to assemble the components of a product. After assembling the parts, you perform routine inspections to check the accuracy of measurements and ensure the quality of the finished products. Knowledge and expertise in manufacturing processes help you build the machines or equipment components to the proper specifications.
Other duties you are expected to perform include conducting inventory checks to ensure the raw materials are available for manufacturing. You also clean the factory workstations after production and maintain the equipment and tools. You ensure everyone adheres to the health and safety requirements of the manufacturing process.
As an assembler, you collaborate with other employees on the production line to perform your duties. Your teamwork skills help you work well with others and communicate with various professionals.
Would working as an assembler suit your interpersonal skills and manual dexterity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an assembler role.
assembler jobsaverage assembler salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of an assembler is $34,125 per year. The average hourly rate is around $17.50. In an entry-level position, you earn a starting salary of $29,803 annually. The amount increases gradually with experience and qualifications. The most experienced assemblers take home salaries of over $42,900 yearly.
how to increase your salary as an assembler
Assemblers usually work in shifts in factory environments. When you work late-night or early-morning shifts, you earn higher hourly rates than assemblers working regular day shifts. When you work during regular work hours, your hourly rates are lower than overtime hours. Other factors that affect your earnings include full-time and part-time work schedules.
When you are new in the role, you earn an entry-level salary since you are an apprentice with minimal experience. As you gain expertise, your earnings also increase gradually. The industry and area of specialization also play a role in your earnings. For instance, motor vehicle and aircraft assemblers earn higher salaries than those in the metalwork and fabrication industries. The location and demand for the role in various locations also influence your earnings.
types of assemblers
The types of assemblers depend on the area of specialization and the items. Some of the types of assemblers include:
- motor vehicle assemblers: as a motor vehicle assembler, you work in manufacturing industries and are in charge of assembling automobiles, light trucks and vans. Your job is to inspect or test parts and assemble the components into finished products. You also ensure proper performance and conformity to quality standards.
- aircraft assemblers: as an aircraft assembler, you assemble and install prefabricated parts. For example, you perform aircraft subassemblies like fitting the rotary wing of aircraft. Your job is to ensure adherence to engineering specifications.
- medical equipment assembler: as a medical assembler, you put together healthcare equipment in manufacturing settings. Your duties include assembling high-quality machines and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
working as an assembler
Assemblers combine components and various equipment parts to create high-quality finished products. Here are the duties, tasks and job expectations of an assembler.
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what does an assembler do?
Some of the tasks of an assembler include:
- studying and interpreting assembly instructions: as an assembler, you ensure that the assembled parts meet the company's specifications. Hence, you read the instructions and study the designs before assembling the products. If you are the head of your assembly team, you explain the instructions to the team and ensure that everyone understands their duties.
- reading sketches and blueprints: aside from listening to instructions from your supervisors, you also read the blueprints and sketches for the components. It helps you visualize the products before the assembly process commences. Understanding the schedules helps you interpret the measurements, verify specifications, and identify the correct positions for attaching parts and subassemblies.
- assembling tools and raw materials: as an assembler, you are expected to gather the raw materials required for the assembly process. You determine if all the parts are present and check their measurements. If the company doesn't have the required parts, ensure the supervisors are aware of the inventory shortage. You also prepare your hand tools and check the equipment before assembling since faulty equipment leads to poor-quality products and causes disruptions to the assembly process.
- ensuring all parts properly fit: as an assembler, you assemble components using hand tools or equipment, ensuring the parts fit properly and are screwed in for a high-quality finish. In case of problems, you report errors in the product line and troubleshoot malfunctions.
- conducting inventory checks: after assembling, you are likely to use up some of the inventory. Ensure you check the stock and replenish the shelves. Sometimes, you place orders for more supplies.
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work environment of an assembler
As an assembler, you work in an industrial setting and are likely to handle heavy machinery and equipment. You work in diverse industries, depending on your area of specialization. For instance, some assemblers work in aerospace, textiles, technology, healthcare, or food and beverage industries. You have a designated spot on the manufacturing line where you stand while performing your duties. Since the role involves using hand tools and heavy machinery, ensure you wear safety gloves and goggles to prevent accidents. The role requires physical stamina since you lift heavy objects and stand for long periods throughout your shift.
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who are your colleagues?
As an assembler, you work in a range of industries, including the construction and manufacturing sectors. That means you interact with various professionals. You might work alongside production supervisors, welders and millwrights. You also interact with project managers, mechanical engineers, and factory managers. Other specialists you work with include machine operators and CNC machinists.
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assembler work schedule
The work schedule of an assembler depends on the contract type and the complexity of their duties. Most factories that operate 24/7 have shift schedules. You alternate between day, night and early-morning shifts to ensure that production continues throughout the day.
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career opportunities as an assembler
As an assembler, you have numerous opportunities for career growth since you start at an entry-level position. With experience and additional qualifications, consider roles like forklift operator, machinist or technician. Alternatively, work towards higher level roles, such as team leader, production supervisor or project manager.
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advantages of finding a job as an assembler through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
assembler skills and education
The requirements to become an assembler in Canada include the following:
- on-the-job training: you can start your career as an assembler after completing your secondary school education. Most employers provide on-the-job training to prepare you for the tasks ahead. Some companies may require courses in working in industrial settings to ensure you understand the health and safety standards. To work in some specialized areas, you may be required to earn additional certifications.
- work experience: minimal experience is needed to start working as an assembler, but you'll improve your skills while working on the job. Entry-level experience helps you progress in your role and move to a higher position.
competencies and characteristics of assemblers
Some of the qualities of an assembler include:
- collaboration and teamwork skills: as an assembler, you work with a team on the production line. Every worker is assigned specific duties, so your collaboration skills help you work well with others. Without teamwork, the production line will not operate efficiently.
- attention to detail: as an assembler, you rely on your attention to detail to identify errors in the finished products. You make sure all components are screwed in properly and the parts fit as expected. Your detail-oriented skills help you review blueprints or instructions to ensure accurate results.
- communication skills: as an assembler, you work with a team and require communication skills to communicate well with others. Communication skills are useful for updating supervisors on the progress of the work and preparing quality reports.
- time management skills: as an assembler, you require time management skills to monitor the production schedule. If one assembler is delayed, it may affect the entire production line. Time management helps you prioritize tasks and adhere to deadlines.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an assembler.
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what are the responsibilities of an assembler?
As an assembler, you assemble the components of various products. You read blueprints or schematics and follow the instructions to determine the components to assemble. It is also your job to identify defects in the materials and ensure that the assembled parts meet the quality standards. You complete quality checks and forms to show that the products are properly assembled.
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how much does an assembler job pay?
Assemblers take home a salary of $34,125 annually or an hourly pay of roughly $17.50. When you are new in the role, you start with a salary of 29,803 per year. As your experience improves, your earnings increase to over $42,900 yearly.
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is being an assembler a good career?
Working as an assembler is a promising career choice with great potential for growth. You have multiple areas of specialization and can work on major projects, such as assembling aircraft or motor vehicles.
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what are the qualifications of an assembler?
The skills required to work as an assembler are gained through on-the-job training. When you complete your secondary school education, join an apprenticeship and learn the required skills to become an assembler.
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what skills do you need as an assembler?
As an assembler, you need physical strength and stamina to perform the manual duties required. Your dexterity and hand-eye coordination helps you perform your duties, including grasping, manipulating and assembling parts. It is also important to have good teamwork skills since you work with a group of people.
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how do I find a job as an assembler?
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