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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the future career prospects for an aircraft fitter or assembler, particularly in light of automation and robotics in the industry. Participants explore concerns about job security, the potential for automation, and strategies for career advancement within the field.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses concern about job security due to the rise of automation in aircraft assembly, referencing a fully automated assembly line by Airbus.
  • Some participants suggest that jobs in aircraft fitting will continue to exist for a long time, but acknowledge that robots will gradually take over more tasks.
  • One participant proposes three strategies to avoid unemployment: excel in the current job, use the position as a stepping stone to a better role (like a robot technician), or transition to a field with better job prospects.
  • The OP mentions a belief that full automation of aircraft lines may not occur within the next 20-30 years, citing the variety of aircraft types as a factor.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changes in the industry, noting that many engineers at Airbus focus on designing machines for aircraft production rather than the aircraft themselves.
  • The OP is encouraged to seek additional qualifications through training and courses, and to explore continuing education opportunities offered by employers like Airbus or Lockheed Martin.
  • One participant notes that even if robots take over production, they are unlikely to replace the maintenance and repair of in-service aircraft.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that while automation is a concern, there are still opportunities in the field of aircraft fitting. However, there is no consensus on the timeline for full automation or the extent to which it will impact job availability.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the future of automation in aircraft assembly, with some emphasizing the need for continuous skill development and adaptability. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the pace of technological change and its implications for job security.

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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