Product Assembler Kaiwaihanga Taputapu

Product assemblers put together parts of metal products, machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, telecommunications equipment, joinery products and other goods.

Product assemblers may do some or all of the following:

  • follow assembly instructions
  • place parts into position and check they're in the correct place
  • punch or drill holes in the parts to be assembled
  • bolt, screw, clip or weld parts together
  • check the product for faults and modify if necessary
  • pack the finished product
  • service and operate computer-controlled systems that perform assembly tasks
  • order materials.

Physical Requirements

Product assemblers need to have normal colour vision and the ability to concentrate for long periods. They need to be reasonably strong as they might have to lift heavy loads.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for product assemblers includes:

  • electrical or electronics work
  • mechanical engineering work
  • work with hand tools such as soldering equipment
  • work with metals, glass and machines
  • welding.

Personal Qualities

Product assemblers need to be:

  • safety-conscious
  • efficient and practical
  • accurate, with an eye for detail
  • able to follow instructions
  • good at problem solving
  • skilled at communicating and listening
  • good at basic maths.

Skills

Product assemblers need to have:

  • practical skills for working with machines, tools and materials such as aluminium or wood
  • the ability to interpret technical drawings
  • knowledge of safety rules and procedures.

Conditions

Product assemblers:

  • often do shift work, which may include nights and weekends
  • work in workshops and factories, where conditions may be noisy and dirty
  • may spend long periods sitting or standing.

Subject Recommendations

A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include English, construction and mechanical technologies, digital technologies and maths.

For Year 11 to 13 learners, trades academies and the STAR and Gateway programmes are good ways to gain relevant experience and skills.

Product Assemblers can earn around $47K-$50K per year.

Pay for product assemblers varies depending on skills and experience.

  • New product assemblers usually start on the minimum wage or a little more.
  • Product assemblers with more than three years' experience can earn up to $50,000.

Source: Kelly Services, 'Salary Guide 2018', 2018.

Product assemblers may move into management or supervisory roles.

Product assemblers may specialise in:

  • aluminium and wood joinery
  • carbon and plastics assembly
  • electrical and electronics assembly
  • machinery assembly
  • metal or wooden goods.

Years Of Training

There are no specific entry requirements to become a product assembler as skills are gained on the job.

Product assemblers may complete the New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing (Level 2 to Level 5) while working.

Product Assembler