Aircraft fitter/assembly -- Thoughts about future career path please

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the future career prospects for aircraft fitters and assemblers in light of increasing automation in the industry. Participants express concerns about job security due to robotic automation but also highlight the continued demand for skilled labor in aircraft assembly. Key strategies for career advancement include excelling in current roles, pursuing further qualifications, and considering transitions into related fields such as robotics. Companies like Airbus and Lockheed Martin offer continuing education opportunities that can enhance job performance and career growth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aircraft assembly processes, including drilling, reaming, and riveting.
  • Familiarity with reading and interpreting technical drawings.
  • Knowledge of automation trends in manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace sector.
  • Awareness of continuing education and professional development opportunities in engineering fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research continuing education programs offered by Airbus and Lockheed Martin.
  • Explore career paths in robotics and automation technology.
  • Investigate training courses for advanced aircraft maintenance and repair skills.
  • Learn about industry trends in aerospace automation and their impact on job roles.
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace technicians, aircraft assemblers, and individuals considering a career in aircraft manufacturing or maintenance. This discussion is also beneficial for those interested in the implications of automation in skilled labor roles.

Hybri25
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Hey guys, I have a job offer as an aircraft fitter(assembler? technican?). My job duties will be: drilling, reaming, riveting, installing hi-locks, reading and interpreting drawings, assembling aircraft parts and other.

Can you tell me is there a future in this job?. I'm afraid that robots will replace me at work because of this -> https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/pre...-a320-structure-assembly-line-in-hamburg.html full automated :(. But I still find job offers in this profession and I don't know what to do now.. is there a future or no? I'm really like this job but I'm worried the robots will replaced me.

I found a job offer https://www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/job/-/-/694/13680703?codes=1-INDEED I do the same in my work, so maybe there is a future in this job, I don't know. What's your opinion? sorry for my english grammar.
 
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I think jobs like that will exist for a very long time, but yes robots will gradually take over more and more of that work. I see three options for avoiding unemployment:

1. Be really good at your job.
2. Use the job as a springboard to a better one in that field (robot technician?)
3. Go into a field with better job prospects.

The first two are always recommended, robots or no robots.
 
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Thank you for reply Russ!, One guy told me there is no chance to full automated aircraft lines in 20-30 years..
I like this job and I care about it. Airbus has automated the production of one type of aircraft but there are many types of aircrafts, so I wonder if there is a reason for concern.1) I want to learn English and Germany.
2) I want to get more qualifications by trainings and courses
3) I want to be good at my job.
 
Welcome to the PF. :smile:
Hybri25 said:
Can you tell me is there a future in this job?. I'm afraid that robots will replace me at work
russ_watters said:
2. Use the job as a springboard to a better one in that field (robot technician?)
Hybri25 said:
2) I want to get more qualifications by trainings and courses
I think these are key points. Does Airbus or Lockheed offer continuing education classes or opportunities? Many companies (especially larger ones) will help pay for continuing education classes that you take that can improve your job performance or help you grow into better positions at their company.

You can search prospective employers' websites in their employment sections using search terms like Continuing Education and Tuition Reimbursement to see what they offer. Here is a page that I got to at Lockheed Martin's website, for example:

https://sustainability.lockheedmartin.com/sustainability/employee-wellbeing.html
 
  1. I would not count on any job whatsoever to last the 40-45 working years of a career.
  2. I would be continually learning new things to adapt to a changing world.
  3. Airbus has an army of engineers. They are not all or even most designing airplanes. They are designing machines that make airplanes.
 
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OP: Acquire as wide a range of skills and experience as you can. Even assuming that robots take over the production of new aircraft in factories, they are unlikely to take over the maintenance and repair of in-service aircraft.
 

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