HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path is to finish secondary school and then look for entry-level work in electrical appliance or equipment manufacturing. Many employers prefer basic math, reading, and mechanical or electronics aptitude, and some may provide short on-the-job training in hand tools, assembly methods, and inspection procedures. Students often gain experience through shop classes, co-op, part-time work, or other hands-on work that builds attention to detail. Depending on the employer and the specific job, workers may assemble parts, test products, record results, and check for defects while learning the production line.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Assemble prefabricated parts on an assembly line, or at work benches using screw guns and other hand and power tools
- Assemble small and large household electrical appliances such as coffeemakers, toasters, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, refrigerators and dishwashers
- Assemble small transformers, small electrical motors and transmissions used in appliances or other electrical products
- Assemble circuit breakers, switches or other electrical control equipment and position and fasten components such as springs, toggles or other parts into assembly casings
- Wind coils and armatures for small electric motors and transformers
- Perform minor repairs to products rejected from production assembly line
- Set up assembly line with materials and supplies required for production, and set up and adjust production tools.
- Check products at different stages of production for visual defects and faulty electrical and mechanical connections, or operate automatic or other testing equipment to ensure product quality
- Identify and mark acceptable and defective assemblies and return faulty assemblies to production for repair
- Collect, record and summarize inspection results.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
AccuracyMental measurements/calculationsSpecifications/SchematicsTroubleshooting