Browse Factory jobs

As a factory hand you could expect to put together products and sub-assemblies that go into the production of electrical and electronic equipment, metal products, jewellery and joinery products. Factory hands work in workshops and factories, usually under close supervision. They may be required to stand for long periods of time while performing repetitive work and for this reason factory supervisors will often rotate their staff through different areas of the production line so that they are not doing the same task for too long. This rotation also ensures that staff are multi skilled across all aspects of production operations.
There are different types of factory hands; as a machinery assembler you would join metal and electrical parts together to assemble machines; as an electronic goods assembler you could expect to assemble light switches, switchboards, car audio systems and heaters, while as a computer assembly technician you would build computers from components including disk drives, cables, switches and circuit boards.

Responsibilities & Skills

Factory hands are responsible for locating, positioning and securing component parts on workbenches and punching or drilling holes in parts and assembled products. They need to assemble and secure components in a sequence by screwing, nailing, riveting, pinning, gluing, soldering or spot welding components. They may also be required to fit hardware items like hinges and remove any raised edges using grinding wheels or files. Factory hands are required to work under instruction from supervisors.

• Good hand-eye coordination


• Safety conscious with the ability to follow instructions


• Patient and careful


• Ability to carry out repetitive tasks

Required Qualifications

• Certificate II in Process Manufacturing
• Certificate II in Process Plant Operations
• Certificate III in Electrical Machine Repair

Useful Links

• Australian Industry Group
• Careers in Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Skills Australia