Assembler (Light Industry)

Assemblers work in factories, often on assembly lines, putting parts together to form completed products such as toys, hairdryers, watches or lamps. Larger products may include furniture, refrigerators, dishwashers or cars, often requiring assemblers to work with a conveyor system. Some work with electronics, attaching microchips and wires or inserting components into electronic circuit boards. Assemblers also work in the food and pharmaceutical industry where they may measure out ingredients, put products into containers, wrap and label products or pack finished items.

Normally assemblers work between 37 and 40 hours a week. Many employers operate a shift system to cover days, evenings, nights and weekends. Overtime and part-time work may be available.

Assemblers usually work in factories. Working conditions can vary according to the organisation and the type of products being made, but they usually spend most of their working day sitting or standing. They normally wear protective clothing.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to £20,000 a year.

Light industry assemblers should:

• be good with their hands
• have practical skills
• be able to understand and follow instructions and diagrams
• have computer skills, if working with computerised equipment
• have good eyesight and normal colour vision for some jobs (in electronic assembly work components may be colour coded).

Around 400,000 assemblers are employed by manufacturing companies throughout the UK. In some places of work they may not be employed directly but through an agency at an agreed daily rate.

It is possible to become an assembler without formal educational qualifications, but employers may prefer some key skills qualifications or GCSEs. Useful subjects include English, maths and practical subjects, such as engineering and technology. As well as attending an interview, candidates may be asked to sit a practical test to check that they are good with their hands and have the ability to assemble parts quickly and accurately

The Diplomas in engineering and manufacturing and product design may be relevant for this type of work. Apprenticeships may be available and apprentices usually attend college on day or block release. They may work towards NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in electrical assembly or installation.

Experienced assemblers may be promoted to chargehand, team leader or supervisor posts. There may also be opportunities to move into other areas of work, including distribution and quality control.

Further details