1. To be a tool and die maker, you usually need a high school education.
2. To gain trade certification as a tool and die maker, you must either complete a four- or five-year tool and die making apprenticeship program or have a combination of over five years' work experience and some high school, college or industry courses in tool and die making.
3. Tool and die making trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia.
4. Qualified tool and die makers may also obtain interprovincial (Red Seal) trade certification, which provides job mobility throughout the country.
5. To be a mould maker, you usually need to finish a four-year apprenticeship or a college program in your area of expertise. Mould making trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario and Quebec.
6. To be a patternmaker, you usually need an apprenticeship or a college program in patternmaking. Patternmaking trade certification is available, but not compulsory, in Ontario.
7. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma, and almost 3 in 10 have a trade/vocational certificate.


