Stocking positions to assemblers and quality control inspectors are all examples of assembly line jobs. Assembly line workers are responsible for nearly all types of mass-produced products today. They are often associated with the automobile industry. It is not uncommon for several extra assembly line workers to be hired for any given work shift to cover for workers who are sick or who do not show up for work. These assembly line jobs are usually given to workers who are good at picking up new skills so that the line does not suffer from the loss of an assigned worker.
The supply or stocking category includes some of the most difficult and exhausting assembly line jobs. These workers are responsible for ensuring that workers on the assembly line have enough parts and components to complete their tasks. Workers on these assembly line jobs typically move from one end of the line to the other, filling bins and parts racks with material to keep the line running smoothly. During the course of a shift, it is not uncommon for a stock worker to travel the length of the factory several times.
The assembler is at the heart of all assembly line jobs, and he or she is the one who actually builds the products that the company sells. These assembly line jobs can become very boring and tiresome as the shift draws to a close, as they are tasked with installing a component on the object traveling down the assembly line — often several thousand times per shift. A relief person will frequently fill in for the assembler to allow for a restroom break or simply a few minutes to clear one’s mind and refocus on the task at hand. One of the most important positions on the assembly line is that of the relief person, who assists regular workers in regaining focus at their assigned work stations.
Inspectors are the company’s eyes and ears, ensuring that the components are properly assembled. These assembly line workers can tell if a single worker isn’t up to speed or doesn’t have the necessary assembly skills to produce a high-quality product. The inspector will frequently work alongside an assembly worker to determine which part of the job is the most difficult, and will occasionally recommend that a struggling worker be moved to a different location on the line. The foreman is in charge of all assembly line jobs, making decisions about worker placement, time off, and vacation allocation.