Jobs in Demand: Assemblers and Fabricators
November 23, 2020
With over 320,000 jobs, Manufacturing is Minnesota’s 2nd largest-employing industry sector. One of the top-employing occupations in this industry happens to be assemblers and fabricators. In fact, according to DEED’s Occupational Employment Statistics data, there are over 31,700 assemblers and fabricators employed in the state. Such workers are employed in a wide variety of areas, including everything from transportation equipment manufacturing to computer and electronic product manufacturing to medical equipment and supplies manufacturing.
Simply put, assemblers and fabricators assemble finished products and the parts that go into them. More specific tasks may include reading and interpreting schematics and blueprints, positioning or aligning components and parts either manually or with hoists, using hand tools and machines to assemble parts, conducting quality control checks, and cleaning and maintaining work areas, tools, and other equipment.
Based off the specific industry they work in, assemblers and fabricators may assist in the production of automobiles, computers, electronic devices, household appliances, toys, and more. Working on countless products and in a wide variety of manufacturing settings, the skills and experience required of assemblers and fabricators can vary. Typically, however, employers require a high school diploma or equivalent as a base and then implement on-the-job training. Some employers may require specialized training or an associate degree for more advanced positions.