HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common path is to finish secondary school with courses in math, science, shop, or electronics, then look for entry-level work in an electronics assembly or manufacturing setting. Some employers may provide on-the-job training in soldering, reading assembly drawings, using hand tools, and following quality checks. Others may prefer related postsecondary study or short training in electronics, depending on the product and workplace. Early experience with careful handwork, machines, microscopes, and cleanroom procedures can be helpful. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and the type of assembly or testing work.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Solder and manually assemble various electronic components such as resistors, diodes, transistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, switches, wires and other electronic parts to designated locations on printed circuit boards
- Assemble microcircuits requiring fine hand assembly, the use of microscopes and adherence to cleanroom procedures
- Install, mount, fasten, align and adjust parts, components, wiring and harnesses to subassemblies and assemblies using hand and small power tools
- Operate automatic and semi-automatic machines to position, solder and clean prescribed components on printed circuit boards
- May replace defective components and repair and overhaul older devices.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
AccuracyAssembly DrawingsMental measurements/calculations