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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 $10.07 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 Workforce Services Offices of the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Electronics Industries Alliance(EIA)
2500 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201-3834
(703) 907-7500
http://www.eia.org
Electronics Technicians Association
602 North Jackson Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
(765) 653-8262
http://eta-sda.com/
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.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
California Occupational Guides
California Employment Development Department
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