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
• putting electronic components into products such as hairdryers and food blenders
• working on an assembly line on a specific part of an item
• using hand tools and soldering equipment
• testing finished articles to make sure they meet quality standards
• packing goods for dispatch
• reporting problems and faults to a supervisor.

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.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2024 the National Minimum Wage is £6.40 an hour for workers under 18, £8.60 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £11.44 an hour.

The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £6.40 an hour (1 April 2024).

With experience salaries range from £13.00 to £15.00 per hour. You can get additional earnings by working overtime.

Conditions

• Electronics factories are usually bright, very clean and free of dust to avoid damaging the electronic parts. You may work in sterile conditions.
• It could be noisy due to machinery.
• You will wear overalls, and maybe also a 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.

Useful Subjects

• Applications of Mathematics
• Engineering Science
• Mathematics
• Practical Craft Skills
• Practical Electronics
• Practical Metalworking
• SfW Engineering Skills

Getting In

• You do not always need formal qualifications, but some employers prefer a few subjects at National 4 or 5.
• You will need to be good at working with your hands. You may have to take a practical test to show this.
• Certain colour vision conditions may affect entry to careers in this branch of engineering.
• If you have allergies you may be at risk from certain materials that can irritate skin.

Jobs are advertised through Find a job website and other recruitment websites.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

1546

1.2 %

RISE

2029

1564

  United Kingdom

2024

24254

1.7 %

RISE

2029

24669

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• good at working with your hands
• willing to learn new skills and procedures
• aware of strict health and safety rules.

You need to be able to:

• cope with repetitive work
• follow instructions closely
• understand diagrams
• handle small components
• work quickly and accurately under pressure
• concentrate on detailed items
• work well in a team and alone.

Training

• You will normally train on the job through an employer’s training scheme.
• You may be able to work towards relevant SVQs such as Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Levels 4 and 5.

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.

More Information

Enginuity (formerly SEMTA) is the Sector Skills Council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies. The website includes a careers section showing progression routes in the industry.

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