Electronics Assembler (EEV0010)

Course Description

The Electronics Assembler course (EEV0010) is the first Occupational Completion Point (OCP A) in Florida's Electronic Technology career-technical program ladder, offered under the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Vocational taxonomy. This 250-contact-hour course provides entry-level training in the assembly of electronic components, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and wire/cable assemblies to industry standards. Students gain hands-on competency with soldering, component identification, blueprint reading, quality inspection, and workplace safety practices that prepare them for immediate employment as electronics assemblers in manufacturing, defense, aerospace, and related industries. The course includes preparation for industry-recognized IPC certifications and aligns with the Florida core electronics competencies as identified by the electronics industry.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate safe work practices and adhere to OSHA and laboratory safety standards in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Identify and correctly handle electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, ICs) including proper ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions.
• Perform through-hole soldering and desoldering of electronic components on printed circuit boards to IPC J-STD-001 workmanship standards.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and assembly blueprints to guide component placement and assembly sequences.
• Assemble electronic subassemblies and finished units using industry-standard hand tools and bench equipment.
• Perform visual inspection of solder joints and assembled boards using IPC-A-610 accept/reject criteria.
• Fabricate and assemble basic cable and wire harnesses including crimping, stripping, and connector termination.
• Demonstrate quality assurance practices including documentation, traceability, and defect reporting.
• Apply employability skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional workplace behavior.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on institutional resources and program emphasis:

• Perform surface-mount technology (SMT) component placement and reflow soldering processes.
• Use digital multimeters and basic test equipment to verify continuity and basic electrical parameters of assembled units.
• Demonstrate familiarity with fiber optic cable assembly and connector termination techniques.
• Apply basic circuit theory concepts (voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law) to support assembly and inspection tasks.
• Use automated assembly equipment such as pick-and-place or wave solder machines under supervision.
• Demonstrate awareness of environmental and lead-free soldering requirements (RoHS compliance).

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Workplace Safety & ESD Control — OSHA regulations, personal protective equipment (PPE), ESD-protected workstations, safe handling of chemicals and materials used in electronic assembly.
• Electronic Component Identification — Passive and active components, component markings, polarity, tolerances, and proper storage/handling procedures.
• Hand Tools & Bench Equipment — Proper use of soldering irons, wire strippers, crimping tools, pliers, torque drivers, and anti-static mats.
• Blueprint Reading & Technical Documentation — Reading assembly drawings, parts lists, schematics, and work instructions common in electronics manufacturing.
• Through-Hole Soldering (THT) — Soldering fundamentals, solder alloys, flux types, iron temperature control, joint formation, and IPC J-STD-001 standards for through-hole interconnections.
• PCB Assembly — Component placement, orientation, lead forming, board handling, and mounting per manufacturer and IPC specifications.
• Wire & Cable Assembly — Wire stripping, terminal crimping, connector assembly, IDC terminations, and wire bundle securing techniques per IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards.
• Inspection & Quality Control — Visual inspection techniques, use of magnification tools, IPC-A-610 accept/reject criteria for solder joints, component placement, and assembly cleanliness.
• Employability & Professional Skills — Workplace communication, teamwork, critical thinking, time management, and ethical behavior in a manufacturing environment.

Optional Topics

• Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) — SMT component types (SOICs, QFPs, BGAs), solder paste application, reflow soldering, and SMT inspection criteria per IPC-A-610.
• Basic Electrical Theory — Voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits, and capacitance/inductance fundamentals as applied to assembly tasks.
• Basic Test & Measurement — Use of digital multimeters, continuity testers, and oscilloscopes for post-assembly verification.
• Fiber Optic Assembly — Fiber optic cable types, connector installation, splicing techniques, and system installation basics.
• Lead-Free & RoHS Soldering — Lead-free solder alloys, higher-temperature processing considerations, and regulatory compliance (RoHS/WEEE directives).
• Introduction to PCB Design & Fabrication — Basic printed circuit board construction, layer types, and fabrication terminology to support assembly comprehension.

Resources & Tools

• IPC J-STD-001 — Requirements for Soldered Electrical & Electronic Assemblies (primary industry standard reference)
• IPC-A-610 — Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies (inspection standard and visual reference)
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 — Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies
• Soldering stations — Temperature-controlled irons, hot-air rework stations, and lead-free compatible equipment
• ESD-protected workbenches — Anti-static mats, wrist straps, grounding systems
• Hand tools — Wire strippers, crimping tools, screwdrivers, pliers, torque drivers
• Digital multimeters and basic test equipment for continuity and functional verification
• Magnification tools — Stereo microscopes or magnifying lamps for solder joint inspection
• PCB training boards — Practice and production boards for THT and SMT assembly exercises
• Technical manuals and assembly drawings — Industry-standard documentation used for hands-on lab exercises

Career Pathways

Graduates of EEV0010 are prepared for entry-level employment in electronics manufacturing and related industries. Completing this OCP A certificate also provides a foundation for advancement through the full Electronic Technology program ladder:

• Electronics Assembler — Entry-level assembly positions in manufacturing, defense, aerospace, and consumer electronics
• Electronics Tester (EEV0100, OCP B) — Continuation toward testing and verification of electronic assemblies
• Electronics Equipment Repairer (EEV0500, OCP C) — Diagnosis and repair of electronic equipment
• Electronics Technician (EEV0616, OCP D) — Full technician-level competency across the electronic technology program
• Electronics Engineering Technology A.S. Degree — Coursework may articulate into an Associate in Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology at participating Florida colleges

Industries actively hiring electronics assembler graduates include aerospace, defense contracting, medical device manufacturing, telecommunications, and industrial automation. Starting wages for program completers typically begin at $20 or more per hour depending on experience and certifications earned.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course provides preparation for the following industry-recognized certifications:

• IPC J-STD-001 — Certified IPC Specialist (CIS): The primary soldering certification covering materials, methods, and verification criteria for high-quality soldered interconnections. Florida colleges including Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) have IPC-certified instructors authorized to administer the certification examination upon course completion.
• IPC-A-610 — Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies: Inspection certification demonstrating knowledge of accept/reject criteria for electronic assemblies. Typically pursued after completing IPC J-STD-001.
• ETA International — Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa): The full Electronic Technology program (OCPs A–D) at institutions such as Fort Myers Technical College prepares students for Electronics Technician Association (ETA) certifications.
• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT): Manufacturing Skills Standards Council credential available at select Florida institutions upon completion of related coursework.

Note: IPC certifications require renewal every two years. Students should confirm current exam availability and fees with their institution's program advisor.