ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLERS (Includes Precision Assemblers) California Occupational Guide Number 47 Interest Area 6 1998
TRENDS
Cameras, televisions, compact disc players, computers and telephones have become such an integral part of our lives, it is hard to name any consumer product that does not have electronic parts. Home appliances, automobiles, computers, and military weapons systems all rely upon electronic parts produced by ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLERS.
To lower increasing operating costs and competition, many electronics companies have recently established facilities overseas where assembled units are being made by lower paid workers.
Other companies have chosen instead to install automated or computerized production equipment -- machinery is now in use that automatically assembles, solders, and tests certain types of electronic units.
As a result of these developments, the number of jobs for electronics assemblers is expected to grow slowly between now and the year 2005.
THE JOB
Electronics Assemblers put together the small internal components that control electrical currents and make the products work. They follow drawings, diagrams, samples, or written or verbal instructions, and mount the components, such as transistors, diodes, resistors, and integrated circuits onto printed circuit boards, panels or chassis. Then they solder, micro weld, rivet, bolt, or press-fit the components into place, connecting and soldering lead wires between the individual components to the printed circuit board or panel.
Assemblers use light hand or power tools, such as wire strippers and crimpers, soldering and micro welding tools, and small wrenches. In some specialized work, assembly work may involve the use of equipment equipped with microscopes or video monitors which allow observation of the assembly process.
Some assemblers do specialized work, such as winding coils or assembling printed circuit boards, microwave tubes, or electronic cables and harnesses. Others are primarily involved with fitting the wired chassis and other subunits into housings to make up the finished product. They use power and hand tools such as electric drills, wrenches, and screwdrivers to construct the control panel or console housing, according to production drawings. Then they fit the chassis and subunits into place and install knobs, switches, and other hardware.
Most Electronics Assemblers work on a production line, where the work is often very repetitive. In some companies, assemblers may perform only one task, such as mounting components into place or soldering connecting wires. In others, they may do several steps or put together the entire product from start to finish. Some companies have automated assembly lines; in these firms, assemblers may spend much of their time tending and monitoring machines which automatically do many or all of the steps of production.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most electronics manufacturing firms have modern, air-conditioned plants which offer a pleasant work environment.
The equipment being assembled is very delicate and sensitive to outside influences; therefore, some assemblers work in "clean rooms,'' in which the temperature, humidity, and dust content of the air are carefully controlled. All workers in clean rooms wear masks, gloves and smocks, or coveralls, commonly referred to as "bunny suits.''
Depending on their job duties, Electronics Assemblers may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time. As the work is frequently performed using a microscope, eye strain may occur.
Many workers belong to unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Workers; and the Allied Industrial Workers of America.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
These figures represent the broad occupational group Electrical and Electronics Assemblers:
Estimated number of workers in 1993 23,260 Estimated number of workers in 2005 23,780 Projected Growth 1993-2005 2% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 6,520
Precision Electrical Equipment Assemblers: Estimated number of workers in 1993 24,230 Estimated number of workers in 2005 25,240 Projected Growth 1993-2005 4% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 6,490
(These figures do not include self-employment)
Because the cost of automation equipment is very high, there will be opportunities for assembly workers where non-automated processes remainl efficient and cost effective, and where the type of product does not lend itself to computerized production. Trainees with little or no background in electronics will face some competition for those jobs vacated by workers who have either left the work force or have moved to other types of employment.
Although there has been some industry expansion to Northern California, California's electronics industry is primarily centered in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange counties.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The 1996 Occupational Employment Statistics survey reported the median wage for Electronics Assemblers at $10.05 per hour in California. Precision Assemblers in California are reported to earn from minimum wage to 12.50 per hour for newly trained workers, with experienced Precision Assemblers reported to earn from $6.00 - 20.00/hr.
The standard workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Some companies also employ workers on swing and night shifts. Night shift workers can usually expect to receive up to an additional ten percent in pay as a shift premium, or they receive eight hours of pay for fewer hours of work.
Fringe benefits usually include all major holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and health and life insurance plans. Protective clothing is usually supplied by the employer, and some companies also provide prescription safety glasses for their employees, if necessary.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most employers prefer candidates for electronics assembler positions to be high school graduates. Employers also stress the importance of being able to follow detailed written and oral instructions. Courses in blueprint reading, the use of tools, mathematics, English, mechanical drawing, and science are useful for this occupation.
Although Assembler is an entry-level position in the electronics industry, most employers prefer applicants who have had some prior experience, preferably in production work. However, it is more important for applicants to have the ability to do precision work on a repetitive basis at relatively high speed. Therefore, these workers should possess good vision, excellent eye-to-hand coordination, and manual dexterity.
Other personal qualifications that are helpful are patience, ability to work with others, and attention to detail.
Many of California's community colleges offer electronic technology courses, which include subjects such as soldering techniques, circuit construction, and reading schematics.
ADVANCEMENT
Electronics assemblers who show the ability and skill may advance to electronics tester or quality control inspector positions. Those who continue their formal education in electronics technology may advance to the job of electronics technician. Some employers report they have installed formal training programs to enable production workers to advance to the technician level. Outstanding employees may also be promoted to lead-level and supervisory- level positions.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants should contact employers directly and should respond to want ads in local newspapers. Electronics Assembler positions may also be listed with the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Electronics Industries Alliance(EIA) 2500 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201-3834 tel ( 703) 907-7500 www.eia.org
Electronics Technicians Association 602 North Jackson Street Greencastle, IN 46135 tel (765) 653-8262
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electronic-Component Processor No. 495
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Electronics Assembler (electronics) 726.684-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electrical Equipment Assemblers, Precision 931140 Electrical and Electronics Assemblers 939050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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