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A fabricator is very similar to an assembler, and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Essentially, it works on an assembly line, putting together different types of equipment. The items that are assembled this way can range from televisions to cars, though the methods used to create items varies from factory to factory.
Assemblers often use a blueprint in order to piece items together. While assembly lines are still used throughout the manufacturing industry, many manufacturers have moved away from the standard setup. Today, it is quite common for a fabricator to work as part of an assembly team. An assembly team works differently than an assembly line, since a team works together in order to achieve one specific goal.
Often, teams will rotate the tasks required to complete an item. Fabricators may be in charge of a team, or they may act as one of the team members. Junior employees wishing to gain a promotion within a company may do so by demonstrating team leadership abilities while works as part of an assembly team.
Floor assemblers have slightly different objectives than regular ones. They are expected to work with heavy floor equipment, which often involves various technical tool skills. It is not uncommon for these employees to use soldering irons and power drills in order to assemble large machinery, such as airplanes, jets, and industrial equipment.
Skills required in order to obtain a fabricator position may vary from company to company, though most employers prefer candidates with high school diplomas. Almost all job training takes place during work hours, and may last up to two months. Those people wishing to gain advanced positions within a factory setting should focus upon technical skills that employers may find useful.
Many employers seek candidates that have prior electrical and machine shop experience. In addition, those candidates that have applicable military training are often desired. Aside from technical skills, they must be able to see colors, since many different machine parts are color coded.
The job is typically a physically demanding one. Frequently, assemblers will be asked to work night shifts, and most working hours are spent standing rather than sitting. Those that will enjoy the position are often those who like working in a team or group setting. Advancement within this field can occur if an employee demonstrates advanced personal and technical skills.
@runner101 - I am not sure about the large corporate setting, but the mention of jet parts and industrial equipment in the article made me think that large corporate businesses would be a work setting that a fabricator could be in.
But small companies such as the one I am a part of also have fabricators for the small line of equipment we make. I found when my company was looking for a fabricator that we could have hired a fabricator who was a part of small company to handle our business but I ended up going with a fabricator which was part of a larger company because 1)I saw their advertisement (it was on a billboard) and 2
)this company could also store my product after being fabricated.
The storage was a big issue for us because it we have limited space as a small business but a rather large product.
I am not sure about their company's policy for health benefits.
This sounds like a very hands-on an gratifying job in that I would be able to see the fruits of my labors!
If I am looking for a fabricator position will I typically find these positions in a large corporate setting or a small company type setting?
And with it being such a physically demanding job do these jobs typically come with health benefits?
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