Assembly Line Worker Career Description
The assembly line worker is an operator performing only a particular task or a number of predetermined tasks in the assembly process.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Assembly lines are found in various factories where the products being manufactured consist of a number of components assembled to form a complete unit. On such an assembly line each individual person is responsible for only a certain task or tasks.
In certain instances they work with their hands only, but various tools and equipment may be utilized, depending on the task they have to perform. For example: one person drills the holes for the screws in the item and the next one screws the screw into the hole.
The whole assembly process is planned before an assembly line is built, to ensure the correct assembling of a unit, and to minimize time, material and wastage. In most assembly plants an assembly line worker may be responsible for attaching or affixing pre-manufactured components and parts taken from stock, whilst other may operate a spot welding machine on a repetitive basis. Assembly line workers can also assemble small parts to form subassemblies and assemble these subassemblies to build a complete unit such as a vehicle.
Assembly line workers mostly stand in a certain position alongside the assembly line to do their tasks whilst the product moves along a conveyor system to the next persons who will, in turn, perform their tasks.
As most of the work is done while standing, this job can be exhausting, but workers are rotated for variance in their work. Assemblers commonly use screwdrivers, pliers, soldering irons and special tools to position and hold parts during assembly.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
As the work is of a repetitive nature, the assembler should have the ability to continue doing the same task for long periods without getting bored or making mistakes.
Hand dexterity is important, as small parts have to be assembled. This also requires good eye-hand co-ordination. Persons with controlled epilepsy and orthopaedic impairments should also be able to do the work.
Where can I work?
Prospects for assembly line workers are good. Employment opportunities exist in most metal and engineering factories, as well as the motor industry.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
No self-employment opportunities exist in this field.
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