Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

Electronics/electrical assemblers work on a wide range of equipment. For example, they may insert microchips into a printed circuit board that will form part of a television set or the control program element of a washing machine. They may wind coils for electrical motors or transformers or insert them with other components into kitchen blenders, hair dryers or windscreen wipers.  
 
Electronics/electrical assemblers usually work in factories. There are two main types of work: mass production or batch production.  
 
In mass production, assemblers usually work on an assembly line, working at the same speed as everyone else in the line.  
 
In batch production, assemblers usually work at a bench. A supervisor gives the assembler a number of components and special instructions, which may include a parts list and a diagram or technical drawing. Assemblers then work to finish the batch within a target time. They may stand up to work on larger products or components.  
 
Depending on the type of equipment being assembled, this work can either be quite simple and repetitive or more complex and time-consuming.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Read and interpret schematic drawings, diagrams, blueprints, specifications, work orders, or reports to determine materials requirements or assembly instructions.
• Assemble electrical or electronic systems or support structures and install components, units, subassemblies, wiring, or assembly casings, using rivets, bolts, soldering or micro-welding equipment.
• Adjust, repair, or replace electrical or electronic components to correct defects and to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Position, align, or adjust workpieces or electrical parts to facilitate wiring or assembly.
• Explain assembly procedures or techniques to other workers.
• Clean parts, using cleaning solutions, air hoses, and cloths.
• Drill or tap holes in specified equipment locations to mount control units or to provide openings for elements, wiring, or instruments.
• Fabricate or form parts, coils, or structures according to specifications, using drills, calipers, cutters, or saws.
• Confer with supervisors or engineers to plan or review work activities or to resolve production problems.
• Inspect or test wiring installations, assemblies, or circuits for resistance factors or for operation, and record results.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

There are many pathways into Electronics Assembly and technical work in manufacturing. To enter this occupation, you may need experience or evidence of an interest in electronics/computers. 

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: manufacturing, engineering, cleanroom operations.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: computers, IT maintenance and support, engineering, electronics.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering, ICT Fastrack into IT Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: electronic, mechanical engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business and management, manufacturing, ICT, manufacturing advice.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €55k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / CPL / Indeed

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Assemblers (electrical and electronic products); Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods); Routine inspectors and testers; Weighers, graders and sorters; Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters; Sewing machinists; Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment has been growing in this occupation since 2020, with employment exceeding preCOVID-19 levels, by almost 4,000 persons. However, the high volume of recent job hires far exceeded any employment growth suggesting that job churn is a factor for these roles.

In addition, there is a large number of jobseekers registered with DSP who were previously employed in roles classified as assemblers/lineworkers and other routine process workers. With 37% holding thirdlevel qualifications, over-qualification may be occurring.

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