Also called: Aircraft Mechanic (Production), Riveter
Puts together the fuselage, wings, and tail of airplanes by drilling, riveting, and fastening.
You work with a team on a section of wing, drilling hundreds of holes and installing fasteners, then pass an inspection before the section moves down the line.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma plus on-the-job training; aerospace assembly certificates help.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, Trade school. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Aerospace Assembly (certificate).
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Drilling and riveting robots handle more fuselage work, cutting some jobs; tight spaces and final assembly still need people.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to aircraft factories and suppliers; many run paid training for drilling and riveting
Classes: Shop class, Geometry, Physical education, Manufacturing CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-2011.
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