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Job Description: Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers put together electrical components and install parts in electronic equipment of all kinds. Assemblers make up the largest single group of electronics plant workers. This category includes occupations such as electronic wirers, skein winders, carbon brush assemblers, armature connectors, and electric sign assemblers. They may put together or modify missile control systems, radio or test equipment, computers, machine-tool numerical controls, radar, or sonar, and prototypes of these products. Most electrical and electronics assemblers are semi-skilled workers.

Duties: Electrical and electronics assemblers may do some or all of the following tasks:

• Assemble products by hand using hand tools
• Follow instructions from tape recordings, procedure manuals, computers, and color slides
• Perform experimental and developmental work
• Operate machines to assemble parts
• Inspect units to detect malfunctions
• Adjust, repair, or replace component parts to ensure conformance to specifications
• Fabricate and form parts, coils, and structures
• Position, align, and adjust workpieces and electrical parts to facilitate wiring and assembly
• Assist or confer with supervisor or engineer to plan and review work activities and to resolve production problems
• Clean parts using cleaning solution, airhose, and cloth

For detailed information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work contexts, job zones, interests, work styles, work values, and related occupations visit the O*Net Online, a division of the National Center for Occupational Information.

Working Conditions: Electrical and electronics assemblers normally work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Some shift rotation may be required in facilities that operate around the clock. Both electronic and electromechanical equipment assemblers sit at tables in rooms that are clean, well-lit, and free from dust. Some electrical and electronics assemblers come in contact with soldering fumes, but ventilation systems and fans normally minimize this problem.

Educational Requirements: Electrical and electronics assemblers are usually required to have a high school education or have obtained a GED. Some employers provide up to 1 month of on-the-job training. For related information and recommended courses to prepare for this occupation, Tennessee high school students may visit the Trade and Industrial Education Standards, Competency Profiles, and Resource Links online.

Outlook: The estimated number of electrical and electronics assemblers in Tennessee is 3,770. It is projected there will be a 7 percent decline in employment in this occupation through the year 2012 with 90 job openings annually. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 23, 2008