Solderer

As a solderer, you will usually work on a production line, using small handheld tools to assemble circuit boards which are used in electronic equipment, such as a TV or washing machine.

Also known as:

Electronics assembler
Electronics assembler
PCB assembler
PCB solderer

Work activities

As a solderer, you will usually work on a production line, using small handheld tools to assemble circuit boards which are used in electronic equipment, such as a TV or washing machine. Today, in electrical manufacturing, the most common type of circuit boards are called Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). These are special because they are made from glass reinforced plastic, and they have fixed copper tracks instead of wires. You will fix components in position by drilling holes through the board, locating the components and then soldering them in place. Your other duties, as a solderer, could include:

Grinding, cutting and buffing components to be fitted to an assembly board.
Repairing damaged circuit boards.
Using a microscope to work on very small, tiny electronic components.
Carefully following technical drawings and plans.
Maintaining a computerised stock control, to make sure you have all the parts you need to assemble your circuit board.
Using resins and glues to assemble parts.
Testing finished circuit boards.

Personal qualities and skills

As a solderer, you’ll need:

Nimble fingers for handling small parts and hand tools.
To work quickly, neatly and accurately.
To be able to concentrate and have good hand to eye co-ordination skills.

You may need to train people how to perform certain tasks.

You will need to be able to work as part of a team.

It is important that you observe health and safety rules to avoid accidents

Pay and opportunities

According to job site Reed, the average salary for a solderer in the UK is currently £22,000. Trainees and newly qualified solderers are likely to earn significantly less than this.

Solderers usually work a full-time week, Monday to Friday. Shift work and early morning starts may be required. Part-time work and overtime may be available.

Employers include large manufacturers of finished products with an electrical or electronics component, and companies that supply electronics and electrical parts and assemblies to them.

What’s happening in this work area?

Job numbers in this work area are falling rapidly as more processes are automated or taken over by 3D printing machines. Manufacturers often find it cheaper to import circuit boards that have already been assembled abroad.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services.

Entry routes and training

As a school leaver, without GCSEs, you could get straight into this career. You will train on-the-job and might be able to work towards gaining a relevant work-based qualification. You will learn the skills and get the experience you need to become a skilled solderer. You may be able to train for this role through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.

Qualifications

There are no formal entry requirements for this career. However, many employers or training providers might ask for at least four GCSEs, including English, maths and a science, technology or engineering subject.

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, you will need maths and English GCSEs, although you may be able to undertake these on your course.

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.

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