Assembler (Electronics)

Electronics assemblers work as part of a team making electronic components and equipment.

The Work

You could be:

• assembling and fixing microchips on circuit boards for equipment such as computers, televisions and washing machines


• inserting electronic components into a range of products such as hair dryers and food blenders


• working on an assembly line, adding or fixing particular parts to an article as it moves down the line


• using hand tools and soldering equipment


• using other equipment such as magnifiers and tweezers for detailed work


• checking machinery to make sure that it is working properly


• examining or testing finished articles
• packing goods for despatch.

Conditions

• Electronics factories are usually bright, very clean and free of dust to avoid damaging the electronic parts. You may work in sterile conditions.


• You will wear overalls, and maybe also hair covering, gloves, safety glasses and antistatic arm or ankle bands.


• You will either sit or stand, usually repeating the same tasks for long periods.


• You may get regular breaks to avoid eye strain from working with small parts.


• You might have to work shifts including weekends and nights.


• Overtime and part time work may both be available.

Getting In

• You do not always need formal qualifications, but some employers prefer a few Standard grades.


• You will need to be good at working with your hands. You may have to take a practical test to show this.


• You will need good eyesight and normal colour vision to be able to see the colour codes of different components and wires.


• If you have allergies you may be at risk from certain materials that can irritate skin.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• good at working with your hands
• patient to cope with repetitive work.

• follow instructions closely


• handle small components


• work quickly and accurately under pressure
• concentrate on detailed items.

Training

• You will normally train on-the-job through an employer’s training scheme.


• You may be able to work towards relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) such as Performing Engineering Operations at Levels 1 and 2.

Getting On

• With suitable experience you may be promoted to a supervisor’s post.


• You may be able to move into other jobs such as quality control.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

SEMTA is the Sector Skills Council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies. The website includes a section on Careers and Qualifications, which identifies progression routes in the industry.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.