Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Career Video

These days, almost any product you buy at a store had its finishing touches put on by an assembler. Assemblers and fabricators construct finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make a wide variety of products in many different settings. Assemblers and fabricators typically specialize. For example, aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles. Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers use bolts, rivets, and soldering equipment to build parts of products like motors, computers, and sensing equipment that require the soft touch and fine motor skills of human hands. Fiberglass laminators and fabricators apply layers of fiberglass on molds to form structures for boats, cars, and other products. They wear respirators and protective clothing for safety. Most assemblers and fabricators work in manufacturing plants where difficult tasks may be automated or aided by power tools. However, assembly work can still involve long periods of standing, sitting, or working on ladders. While some jobs involve exposure to chemicals or fumes, ventilation systems generally minimize harmful effects. Although a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training are enough for most jobs, experience and additional education or training is needed for more advanced assembly work.