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* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California) OR JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide) |
THE JOB
Electronic products all have components which control or change the
electric currents within the circuits. For example, a simple modern
radio has hundreds of electronic components mounted on one or more
circuit boards. They include integrated circuit modules, transistors,
diodes, resistors, capacitors, transformers, cables, relays, and
switches.
ELECTRONIC-COMPONENT PROCESSORS prepare the materials, operate the
equipment and machinery which manufacture the electronic components, and
do any necessary finish work. Some of the machines bake the material,
such as ceramic, at very high temperatures; others shape materials, such
as epoxy, ceramic, or aluminum, to form the housings for the components;
still others cover the surface of the components with coating materials,
such as epoxy or silicon. Electronic-Component Processors may measure
and mix a variety of different electronics processing materials. They
may clean and position internal parts such as lead wires and crystal
chips, or use stamping or etching equipment to imprint the company's
name and other identifying data on the finished components. Some
processors make adjustments to the controls of the machinery, and/or
test and inspect the components to be certain they meet all
specifications and are not defective. Electronic-Component Processors
also sort and count the finished components and keep production records.
There are as many different duties involved in electronic-component
processing as there are components and methods of manufacture. Some
workers perform a single task, while others perform several tasks.
Often workers are switched from task to task as needed.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most electronics manufacturing plants are modern, well lighted, air-
conditioned, and offer a pleasant work environment. Sometimes the work
is performed in "clean rooms" in which the temperature, humidity, and
dust content of the air are carefully controlled.
The work is usually highly repetitive, fast paced, and often involves
extremely small components or parts. Electronic-Component Processors
sometime must use magnifiers or microscopes to perform their duties; eye
strain may occur. Depending on their job duties,
Electronic-Component Processors may be required to sit or stand for
extended periods of time. Since they may work with chemical cleaning
agents, processors cannot be sensitive to these substances.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of
Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 6,930
Estimated number of workers in 2005 7,380
Projected Growth 1993-2005 7%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,030
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to
turnover.)
The number of Electronic Component Processors jobs will grow more slowly
than that of the average occupation. There are many component
manufacturing companies in California, mostly based in Orange, Los
Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Clara counties. When compared to the
opportunities for workers in other occupations in the electronics
manufacturing industry, the number of jobs available for Electronic-
Component Processors is small. Experienced processors with good skills,
who are willing to adapt to different procedures, may be able to find
employment because of employee turnover. Trainees with little or no
background in electronics will find opportunities limited.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The median wage for the broad work group, Electronic Semiconductor
Processors, is $13.47 an hour.
The standard work week is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Some
companies employ processors on swing and night shifts, as well as on day
shift. Processors employed on one of the night shifts can usually
expect to receive up to an additional ten percent in pay as shift
premium. When overtime is required, it is paid at time and one-half.
Fringe benefits usually include all major holidays, paid vacation and
sick leave, and health and life insurance plans. Some employers also
offer profit sharing, stock-option plans, and bonus programs.
Protective clothing and equipment are usually supplied by the employer.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Electronic-Component Processors must possess good vision, eye-to-hand
coordination, and manual dexterity. Most employers prefer high school
graduates. Employers also stress the importance of being able to follow
detailed written and oral instructions. Prior experience as an
electronics assembler is often helpful, as knowledge of color codes,
wire sizes, and soldering are often required skills for processors.
Many of California's community colleges offer courses which provide good
training for this and other electronics related occupations.
ADVANCEMENT
Electronic-component processors who show the ability and skill may
advance to Electronics Tester or Quality Control Inspector positions.
Those who continue their formal education may advance to the job of
Electronics Technician. Some employers sponsor formal training programs
to enable production workers to advance to the technician level.
Outstanding employees may also be promoted to lead-level and
supervisory-level positions.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants should contact employers directly and respond to want ads in
local newspapers and trade journals. Electronic Component Processor
positions may also be listed with the Workforce Services Offices of the
California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Electronics Industries Association
2500 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201-3834
(703) 907-7500
http://www.eia.org/cg/
American Electronics Association
601 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
North Building, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 682-9110
http://web1.aeanet.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electronics Assemblers No. 47
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991)
Ceramic Capacitor Processor 590.684-010
Electronic-Component Processor 590.684-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Electronic Semiconductor Processors 929020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
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