To become an electronics assembler, an individual should earn a college certificate and gain hands-on training experiences in the industry. People who are interested in the electronics assembly field also should have strong hand-eye coordination and possess good manual dexterity. These skills are important because electronics assemblers link tiny electronic components to big machines to get these devices to work properly.
At the college level, an aspiring electronics assembler should complete a certificate program available at a vocational school. This type of program typically takes about a year to finish and requires program applicants to have a high school diploma or an equivalent certification. Applicants must submit related transcripts or score reports. Colleges prefer students who have completed high school courses such as algebra, trigonometry and physical science.
After getting into his or her chosen college, a person who wants to become an electronics assembler should take courses in the areas of digital circuit techniques and analog circuit techniques. When studying digital circuit techniques, students go over the components of a printed circuit board and the numbering systems of integrated circuits. Pupils additionally review soldering methods, electricity concepts and notation principles in engineering.
An individual who wants to become an electronics assembler should also complete studies on how to use various analog electronics devices. These devices include operational amplifiers and diodes, which are semiconductor devices. College electronic assembly training programs offer workshop or laboratory opportunities that further enable individuals to master troubleshooting plans as well as use data sheets and layout diagrams in their assembly line jobs.
One important step necessary to become an electronics assembler is to gain hands-on experience in the industry. People who want to land entry-level positions in this field can seek internship opportunities at local companies that allow them to cut and route wires as well as connect tiny items that give power to various apparatuses. Internships teach students how to use specific tools of the trade, pay strong attention to detail and work effectively in a team setting.
Going to college to become an electronics assembler is not a requirement to enter this field, because many electronics assemblers learn the trade through on-the-job training. Completing a college training program, however, can make aspiring electronics assembly line workers more attractive to prospective employers. In fact, students at some schools can apply their credits from a completed electronics assembly certificate program toward a two-year associate's degree in electronics technology or electrical engineering technology. Companies view college-educated electronics assemblers as easier-to-train employees.