Tool and Die Maker

Tool and Die Maker

Apprenticeship

AT A GLANCE

Tool and die makers fabricate tools jigs, fixtures, dies, and equipment that, like pieces of a puzzle, require a perfect fit, for use in industrial and manufacturing production. They build, repair, and modify custom-made prototypes or special tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, dies, moulds, press tools, and various types of small mechanical devices.

Jigs and fixtures: are devices that hold work pieces while they are bored, stamped, milled, or drilled.

Dies: are metal forms used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. Dies can be combination, draw, compound, flexible, embossing, coining or progressive. Metal moulds are used for moulding plastics. 

As a tool and die maker, you can expect to do some or all of the following tasks: 

When a mould is required for the mass production of a plastic part, the tool and die maker will:

Note: This occupation is closely connected to the machinist trade and incorporates many of the same skills. However, tool and die makers usually specialize in producing jigs, fixtures, dies, and moulds plus they spend more time fitting and assembling precision components than machinists.

RELATED CAREERS

Note: Additional training and/or certification may be required.
INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC
(MILLWRIGHT)
MACHINIST

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environments for construction careers can be located outdoors or indoors or both. Work hours may vary as well. Some positions are seasonal while others are all year round, but part-time. Other positions are project-based and may require you to work full-time until the project is complete. And, of course there are careers that have full-time hours all year round.

Below is a list of workplaces where you might find opportunities to gain apprenticeship hours and/or experience:

Other conditions: shift work

Source: Apprenticeship Manitoba Handbook and Manitoba Prospects

MINI SKILLS ASSESSMENT

If you answer YES to the questions below, then a career as a Tool and Die Maker might be right for you!

ESSENTIAL SKILLS PROFILES

The Government of Canada Job Bank has identified Nine Literacy and Essential Skills (Reading, Writing, Document Use, Numeracy, Computer Use, Thinking, Oral Communication, Working with Others, and Continuous Learning).

Below you will find links to the Essential Skills Profiles for this occupation and/or related ones:

WAGES

Below you will find the annual salaries for apprentices and Journey Persons for Tool and Die Makers:

Minimum for Apprentices

Skills Booklet 2016, Skills Canada/Manitoba

 

$23,920

Average for Journey Persons

Skills Booklet 2016, Skills Canada/Manitoba

$45,465 – $55,650

For more information on apprenticeship wages, click here

TRAINING

Note: To receive the most up-to-date information about satisfying apprenticeship level requirements, contact Apprenticeship Manitoba or visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/

Tool and Die Maker

Program Length (Minimum Years)

4 years

Level Requirements

Required Hours for each level (L)

L1: 1, 800 hours L2: 1, 800 hours L3: 1, 800 hours L4: 1, 800 hours 

Technical Training/Year (weeks in class)

Y1: 9 weeks Y2: 8 weeks Y3: 8 weeks Y4: 9 weeks 

Additional Licensing

No

Trades Qualification Requirements (minimum experience required)

Minimum years of experience required

(within last 10 years)

6 years

 

Minimum hours experience required

10,800 hours

 

Practical Exam required

Yes

 

Compulsory Apprenticeship/Certificate of Qualifications required to work

No

 

Red Seal Trade available

Yes