Assembler: Light industry

Light industry assemblers often work in the electrical, electronic and information technology industries. They fit parts to an item as part of the production process.

Also known as

• Factory assembly worker

Work activities

Assemblers fit parts together to form completed products, such as furniture, radios, cars or washing machines. They usually work on a conveyor system in a factory, where they add a part, or parts, to the item as it goes past them. Assemblers might use tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and tweezers. Assembly of some electronic circuitry can involve the use of soldering irons.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• Good practical skills.
• To be able to work quickly and accurately.
• Good close eyesight.
• The ability to work well alone and in a team.

Your colour vision could be tested if the tasks involve electrical wiring. You might be sitting down or standing in the same position for long periods of time.

Pay and opportunities

Light industry assemblers earn in the range of £17,000, rising to £24,000 with experience.

Assemblers usually work 37-42 hours, Monday to Friday. Shift work and early morning starts may be required. Part-time work and overtime may be available. Temporary, casual and seasonal work is often available.

Employers throughout the UK are manufacturers (mainly in the electrical and electronics industry) and companies that supply parts and assemblies to them. Opportunities for assemblers occur in factories in towns and cities throughout the UK.

What’s happening in this area?

Employment has been in falling for many years within this industry, as most assembly processes are fully automated and as firms increasingly buy in assembled units from overseas. Women currently fill just over one in 5 of all jobs in this industry and so are under-represented. Falls in employment levels are expected to continue for skilled trades and process, plant and machine operatives.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You don’t always need qualifications to get into this career. You may wish to apply to one of the following apprenticeships:

• Lean manufacturing operative (level 2 / intermediate)
• Process industry manufacturing technician (level 3 / advanced)

Training is usually provided by the employer and may only be a few hours carried out on-the-job. However, if the task is more complicated, a short course may be provided.

Generally, training covers the identification and use of components, and how to follow instructions and diagrams. Training can also cover product testing, basic quality control and special wiring or soldering techniques.

Progression could be to supervisory positions.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills developed through practical or technical work using your hands are useful for people wanting to become assemblers.

Related careers

• Car valet
• Computer assembly technician
• Order picker
• Packer - light goods
• Recycling operative
• Shelf filler
• Solderer