what is an assembler?
As an assembler, you work in manufacturing companies, assisting with assembling goods. You use your skills and knowledge to assemble various components for a finished product. The job requires reading and interpreting blueprints to understand various components and locate the right places to attach the items. You ensure the items fit as directed to create the expected finished products. You also perform repairs and identify or report errors in the assembly line.
Assemblers rely on various basic hand tools and machinery to assemble the components of a product. After assembling the parts, you perform routine inspections to check the accuracy of measurements and ensure the quality of the finished products. Knowledge and expertise in manufacturing processes help you build the machines or equipment components to the proper specifications.
Other duties you are expected to perform include conducting inventory checks to ensure the raw materials are available for manufacturing. You also clean the factory workstations after production and maintain the equipment and tools. You ensure everyone adheres to the health and safety requirements of the manufacturing process.
As an assembler, you collaborate with other employees on the production line to perform your duties. Your teamwork skills help you work well with others and communicate with various professionals.
view vacanciesaverage assembler salary
As an assembler, you receive an average salary of $80,000 annually. The remuneration fluctuates based on various factors, including experience and skills. When you are new to the role, you take home an average salary of $70,000 yearly. With experience, your earnings increase gradually, and you will likely earn more. Assemblers with years of experience enjoy a salary of over $90,000 per year.
what factors affect the salary of an assembler?
The main factors that influence the remuneration of an assembler are educational qualifications and experience. When you build your knowledge in a specific industry, you improve your expertise and can negotiate a higher salary. Your years of experience also influence your earnings due to the transferrable skills you bring to the role.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings as an assembler. For instance, an assembler working in the vehicle or equipment assembly industry is likely to earn more due to the complexity of the duties. In some companies, you accompany the employees to the worksites to assemble heavy equipment. If you work in the mining and resources industry, you need expertise in reading blueprints to assemble mining equipment at the work site.
Want to know what you will earn as an assembler? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of assemblers
The types of assemblers depend on the area of specialisation and the items or products they assemble. The most common types of assemblers include vehicle and aircraft assemblers. As a motor vehicle assembler, you work in manufacturing industries and are in charge of assembling automobiles, light trucks and vans. Your job is to inspect or test parts and assemble the components into finished products. You also ensure proper performance and conformity to quality standards.
As an aircraft assembler, you assemble and install prefabricated parts. For example, you perform aircraft subassemblies like fitting the rotary wing of an aircraft. Your job is to ensure adherence to engineering specifications. On the other hand, a medical assembler puts together healthcare equipment in manufacturing settings. The duties include assembling high-quality machines and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
working as an assembler
Working as an assembler allows you to create machines and products by assembling various parts to meet the product specifications. Check out the detailed tasks, work environments and job outlooks of assemblers in Australia.
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assembler job description
Some of the tasks of assemblers include:
- studying and interpreting assembly instructions: as an assembler, you ensure that the assembled parts meet the company's specifications. Hence, you read the instructions and study the designs before assembling the products. If you are the head of your assembly team, you explain the instructions to the team and ensure that everyone understands their duties.
- reading sketches and blueprints: aside from listening to instructions from your supervisors, you also read the blueprints and sketches for the components. It helps you visualise the products before the assembly process commences. Understanding the schedules helps you interpret the measurements, verify specifications, and identify the correct positions for attaching parts and subassemblies.
- assembling tools and raw materials: as an assembler, you are expected to gather the raw materials required for the assembly process. You determine if all the parts are present and check their measurements. If the company doesn't have the required parts, you ensure the supervisors are aware of the inventory shortage. You also prepare your hand tools and check the equipment before assembling since faulty equipment leads to poor-quality products and disruptions to the assembly process.
- ensuring all parts properly fit: as an assembler, you assemble components using hand tools or equipment, ensuring the parts fit properly and are screwed in for a high-quality finish. In case of problems, you report errors in the product line and troubleshoot malfunctions.
- conducting inventory checks: after assembling, you are likely to use up some of the inventory. Ensure you check the stock and replenish the shelves. Sometimes, you place orders for more supplies.
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work environment
As an assembler, you work in an industrial setting and are likely to handle heavy machinery and equipment. You work in diverse industries, depending on your area of specialisation. For instance, some assemblers work in aerospace, mining, textiles, technology, healthcare, or food and beverage industries. You have a designated spot on the manufacturing line where you stand while performing your duties. Since the role involves using hand tools and heavy machinery, ensure you wear safety gloves and goggles to prevent accidents. The role requires physical stamina since you lift heavy objects and stand for long periods throughout your shift.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include CNC machinists, warehouse workers and electrical engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to mechanical engineers and project managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, factory managers, forklift drivers and industrial designers.
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work schedule
The work schedule of an assembler depends on the contract type and the complexity of their duties. Most factories that operate 24/7 have shift schedules. You alternate between day, night and early morning shifts to ensure that production continues throughout the day. The shift schedules are usually 8 to 12 hours, with minimal overtime.
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job outlook
As an assembler, you have numerous opportunities for career growth since you start at an entry-level position. With experience and additional qualifications, consider roles like forklift operator, machinist or technician. Alternatively, work towards higher level roles, such as team leader, production supervisor or project manager. When you work as an assembler for the same industry long-term, you can become a consultant due to your industry expertise.
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advantages of finding an assembler job through randstad
Finding your assembler job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an assembler is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad, too.
education and skills
To work as an assembler in Australia, pursue vocational education and training (VET) courses like certificates and diplomas. The entry requirement for TAFE courses is the completion of Year 10. Consider pursuing a Certificate II in engineering studies, which takes a year of part-time study or six months full-time.
If you want to join senior roles, you require a bachelor's degree in mechatronics. The course provides comprehensive career training and has an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) entry requirement. You can apply for a bachelor of mechatronics engineering after completing Year 12.
Aside from completing the requisite training, consider gaining industry certifications to showcase your skills and improve your employability. For instance, complete a Professional Certificate of Competency in Mechanical Engineering from the Engineering Institute of Technology. Most of the industry certifications take three months and are done online.
assembler skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an assembler include:
- collaboration and teamwork skills: as an assembler, you work with a team on the production line. Every worker is assigned specific duties, so your collaboration skills help you work well with others. With teamwork, the production line will operate efficiently.
- attention to detail: you rely on your attention to detail to identify errors in the finished products. You make sure all components are screwed in properly and the parts fit as expected. Detail-oriented skills help you review blueprints or instructions to ensure accurate results.
- communication skills: you work with a team and require communication skills to communicate well with others. Communication skills are useful for updating supervisors on the progress of the work and preparing quality reports.
- time management skills: as an assembler, you require time management skills to monitor the production schedule. If one process is delayed, it may affect the entire production line. Time management helps you prioritise tasks and adhere to deadlines.
FAQs about working as an assembler
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an assembler.
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what are the duties of an assembler?
As an assembler, you assemble fabricated metal products, appliances and machinery according to the product specifications. You use various hand tools and machines to accomplish your tasks and build to those specifications. The role requires knowledge in reading blueprints and schematics to assemble the products.
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how much do assemblers make in Australia?
Assemblers make $80,000 per year. However, the remuneration package fluctuates based on experience and your industry. Some employers have a starting salary of $70,000 annually for entry-level assemblers. The most experienced assemblers usually take home over $90,000 annually.
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is assembler a good career?
Working as an assembler is a great career with promising job prospects. However, the industry you work in influences your earnings and career prospects. For instance, working in aircraft and automotive companies improves your career opportunities, and you are likely to earn a higher salary.
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what makes a good assembler?
A good assembler requires technical tools and machines to assemble product parts. Since you work in teams, having collaboration skills improves your career prospects and chances of excelling in the role.
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do you need experience to be an assembler?
While most employers require some experience to work in the role, you can start as an apprentice and build your skills. Gain experience through entry-level positions.
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how do I apply for an assembler vacancy?
Applying for an assembler job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
