www.studentscholarships.org
Tool and Die Makers
What they do?
Tool and die makers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. May program CNC machine tools.
Metal patternmakers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape such as metal patterns, core boxes and match plates
B. Lay out, shape and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models or templates
C. May program CNC machine tools.
Metal mould makers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes
B. May program CNC machine tools.
C. Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
D. Prepare templates and sketches, and determine work processes
E. Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
F. Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
G. Set up, operate and maintain a variety of conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape workpiece to prescribed dimensions and finish
H. Verify machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as vernier callipers, micrometers, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
I. Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
J. Test completed tools, dies, jigs or fixtures for proper operation
Where they find work?
1. Machinery manufacturing - 35.0%
2. Fabricated metal product manufacturing - 20.0%
3. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing - 16.0%
4. Primary metal manufacturing - 5.0%
5. Motor vehicle manufacturing - 4.0%
6. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing - 3.0%
What education do I need?
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.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Physics
3. Drafting
4. Industry Arts (Metalworking)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Tool and Die Makers is $21.77/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
4% of Tool and Die Makers are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Tool and Die Makers is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($21.77) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be above average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (26%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Precision work
2. Mechanics
3. 3-D visualization
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
1% of Tool and Die Makers are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 17,400 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, a decrease of 8% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
