Automotive assemblers construct and assemble motor vehicle and components to form automobile sections and finished motor vehicles. They are employed in motor vehicle manufacturing plants.
The range of jobs conducted by automotive assemblers is as varied as the number of vehicles on the road today. Much of the assembly work involves putting components together using various fastening devices. As an automotive assembler, you refer to "track-sheets" which specify the components and sections that must be attached or fitted. Hand and air-powered tools are used to bolt, clip, screw, weld, rivet and solder components and parts together. These tools are also required for installing sections such as engines, transmissions, doors, instrument panels, and similar parts. With some of the heavier components, hoists may be required to assist in positioning.
You work at stations or "cells" along the production line where teams of workers complete a predetermined amount of assembly before moving the automobile to the next station. Some functions on the assembly line are performed by robots and automated equipment. However, you are still required to operate and tend to the supply needs of the machines.
Once sections and components have been fitted, you connect cables, wires, and tubing to complete the installation. Doors, hoods and trunk lids are fitted onto the vehicle and the product is sent to inspection.
You must be flexible in terms of the hours you are willing to work since manufacturers operate on a shift basis. The company will probably set quotas for you to ensure the assembly line retains a high level of output. Pay for this work is based on an hourly wage.
With enough experience as an automotive assembler, you may become a group leader responsible for dealing with management. If you are successful as a group leader in this field, you may move into a job as a supervisor, inspector or tester. You may also focus on a more specialized career as an electrician or tool and die maker.
Manufacturers encourage education for their employees and, in most cases, they will subsidize the tuition costs of courses taken outside of company time.
Your training for this work will familiarize you with various assembly-line tasks. In some cases, you may work on mock assembly-lines, learning about the equipment and how parts are assembled. This approach helps the employer assess which jobs you do best. Once you begin, you are teamed with people who are able to help you if you need it.
Training is an ongoing element of this industry and with manufacturers releasing new products each year, employees may be required to learn new assembly specifications regularly. Extensive safety training is also a vital part of this industry.
You will do well in this job if you enjoy performing repetitive jobs while still paying attention to detail. The work can be physically demanding and working in plant conditions can be hot. You should be versatile since line workers are expected to be familiar with several different parts of the assembly line. Furthermore, as new models of automobiles emerge, you may have to learn entirely new assembly procedures.
Generally, companies are looking for educated and capable individuals to work on their assembly lines. More assembly operations are now stressing a team-oriented approach and communication among workers is increasingly important. Naturally, you must also be both quality and safety conscious.