Chapter 66 Training and Practice
Chapter 66 Training and Practice
"This is our air fryer production line. It's all automated equipment imported from Europe, and it's very efficient," Mr. Zhang explained, pointing to a production line. "As you can see, this production line can produce fifty air fryers per hour, which is more than ten times more efficient than traditional manual assembly."
Chen Xiulian and Li Azhen curiously stepped forward, watching in amazement as the small robotic arms on the production line moved nimbly, precisely installing components onto the products. They had previously worked in a textile factory, doing manual labor, repeating monotonous tasks every day – tiring and inefficient. Seeing such an advanced automated production line was truly eye-opening.
Master Zhang led them to the temperature control component screening area, where various precision instruments were displayed. "We produce air fryers, and the temperature control probes have very high quality requirements for the components. Each component must undergo strict screening, and unqualified products must never enter the next process," Master Zhang said, demonstrating how to use the screening instruments. "Everyone must remember that quality is the lifeblood of the company, and we must ensure that quality control is top-notch."
Next, they went to the soldering area, where several skilled technicians were performing soldering operations. Holding soldering guns, they precisely soldered components onto the circuit boards, creating smooth, even solder joints without any flaws. Master Zhang explained, "Soldering is a crucial step in electronic assembly. Weak solder joints can affect product performance and even cause malfunctions. Over the next few days, I will teach you soldering techniques, so please practice diligently."
Watching the technicians' skillful work, Li Azhen felt a little apprehensive: "Master Zhang, this welding looks so difficult. Can we learn it?"
Master Zhang smiled and said, "Don't worry, as long as you study hard and practice diligently, you will definitely learn it. When I first started learning, I often ruined components while soldering. But with more practice, you will naturally become proficient. Our factory has a dedicated practice area with plenty of components and circuit boards provided for everyone, so you can practice with peace of mind."
Chen Xiulian secretly encouraged herself. She had been quick and nimble since childhood and was meticulous in her work. She believed that as long as she worked hard, she would definitely be able to master the welding technique.
After touring the factory, the new employees returned to the training room to learn about safety procedures. Master Zhang used a PowerPoint presentation to explain in detail the safety precautions for the factory: "There are many precision devices and electrical appliances in the factory. Everyone must pay attention to electrical safety and is not allowed to illegally connect or extend electrical wires. When welding, wear protective glasses and gloves to prevent burns. In case of an emergency, press the emergency stop button next to you immediately and report to your team leader."
In the afternoon, Chen Xiulian and Li Azhen arrived at the practice area and began practicing welding techniques. Master Zhang gave each of them a set of welding tools and circuit boards and components for practice, and then patiently taught them how to operate them step by step.
"When soldering, the temperature of the soldering gun must be well controlled. It cannot be too high or too low. If it is too high, it will burn the components, and if it is too low, the solder will not be strong." Master Zhang explained while demonstrating. "The amount of solder wire should be appropriate. Too much will result in a cold solder joint, and too little will result in an incomplete solder joint."
Holding the soldering torch, Chen Xiulian carefully approached the components, following the method taught by Master Zhang. At first, her hands trembled, and she couldn't control the solder wire well—either too much or too little, resulting in either cold solder joints or crooked ones. But she didn't give up, practicing again and again. Her fingers were burned by the soldering torch several times, but she simply blew on them and continued practicing.
Li Azhen was in a similar situation; she was even more nervous than Chen Xiulian, and she ruined the soldering of components several times, her eyes welling up with tears. Seeing this, Chen Xiulian comforted her, "Azhen, don't worry, we'll practice slowly. Master Zhang said everyone's like this at first; you'll get better with practice."
"Xiulian, my hands are shaking so badly, I can't control them at all. Can I stop working here?" Li Azhen asked anxiously.
"Ah Zhen, you're just too nervous. Take a few deep breaths and try again."
Encouraged by Chen Xiulian, Li Azhen regained her courage and continued practicing. Master Zhang was pleased to see their hard work and would often come over to guide them and correct their posture and methods.
Before they knew it, the day's training was over. The bell rang, and Chen Xiulian and Li Azhen rubbed their sore wrists. Although they were exhausted and covered in sweat, they wore satisfied smiles. Looking at the circuit boards they had practiced on, the solder joints weren't perfect yet, but they had improved significantly since the beginning.
"Xiulian, I ruined so many components today. I'm really afraid Master Zhang will scold me," Li Azhen said with some concern.
Chen Xiulian smiled and said, "It's okay. Master Zhang said it's normal to break components when you first start practicing soldering. As long as we try harder next time, it'll be fine. Look, we've already learned the basic soldering methods today, that's progress!"
The two walked out of the factory side by side. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the roads in the park, casting long shadows on them. They followed the group to the canteen, picked up their trays from the tables at the entrance, and lined up to go to one of the windows. Inside, they saw bowls of stir-fried dishes, including meat, vegetables, fish, and eggs. Although the dishes were similar to those at noon, they could choose any three dishes. However, there was one drawback: each person was required to have one large meat dish, one small meat dish, and one vegetable dish.
After eating and drinking their fill, they returned to their dormitory, washed up, and lay down on their beds to rest. Although they were physically exhausted, their hearts were filled with hope.
"Xiulian, do you think we can pass the probation period?" Li Azhen asked, her tone tinged with apprehension. She never wanted to go back to that tiring and dead-end workshop, where the wages were low and the working hours were long. Unlike here, where she lived in such a nice house, worked only eight hours a day, and ate well, it was like a dream. She really didn't want to go back to that cramped attic.
Chen Xiulian said firmly, "We definitely can! As long as we study hard and practice diligently, we will definitely pass the probation period and become full-time employees. Then, we can earn more money and give our families a better life."
Li Azhen nodded, her eyes filled with determination. She believed that they would definitely realize their dreams at Zhonghua Factory.
As night deepened, the lights in the industrial park gradually came on. The dormitory building was quiet, save for the occasional cough. Chen Xiulian and Li Azhen lay in bed, thinking about what they had seen and heard at the factory during the day, and dreaming of their bright future, before drifting off to sleep. Sweet smiles graced their lips; they could already see themselves passing their probationary period, becoming full-time employees, earning generous salaries, and touring Hong Kong with their families.
Inside the factory at that moment, some production lines had already begun trial production, and the roar of the machines was particularly clear in the night.
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