What Does a Mould Maker Do?

Mould Makers design, make and repair moulds and models used in industry to mass-produce plastic or metal components and products. Mould Makers may use hand-molding techniques for small quantities of items but will often use computer and industrial technology to produce large numbers of identical items. Mould Makers may also specialize in one of the following areas: as small casting, medium size casting, or larger size casting molders.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • setting up and operating engine lathes and milling, grinding, drilling, sawing and boring machines to close tolerances
  • reading and interpreting blueprints and other product-related diagrams, charts or tables
  • selecting mechanical measuring, checking and layout tools and devices, and performing measuring, checking and layout operations
  • selecting work piece materials, cutting tools and abrasives for metal removal
  • operating hand and power tools
  • mixing, smoothing, tempering, strengthening and repairing sand
  • acquiring and using knowledge of metallurgy
  • performing job duties with care and precision

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Mould Maker you must complete your secondary school diploma (Grade 12) ,with senior credits in science, chemistry, physics, math, and some computer technology and industrial crafts courses, before entering an apprenticeship of 8,000 hours or approximately 4 years of training (a combination of on-the-job and in-school courses). You must also successfully complete the required examinations and hours of employment in order to be awarded a Journeyperson certificate.

What’s Your Future as a Mould Maker?

Mould Makers generally work full time, sometimes in shift work, in foundries or production shops. Overtime may be necessary from time to time to meet production deadlines. The types of foundries you may find employment with include:

  • steel foundries
  • grey iron foundries
  • malleable iron foundries
  • brass foundries (including bronze and aluminum)

Wage Rate

  • apprentices  start at a wage rate less than that of a journeyperson
  • this rate increases gradually as you gain competency and skill
  • Fully qualified Mould Makers can earn anywhere from $15.00/hr to $25.00/hr, often with employee benefits and opportunities for overtime

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as Mould Maker for You?

Are you able to bend, stretch, reach or stand for long periods of time?

Yes      No

Do you have a good eye for detail, and the ability to spot flaws?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with numbers and are you accurate at it?

Yes      No

Would you mind working indoors, sometimes with metal heated to extremely high temperatures?

Yes      No

Can you read and understand written directions and follow them carefully?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy keeping up with and learning about new technology?

Yes      No

Are you able to work independently or with others to meet tight deadlines?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, Mould Making may be for you!

You may want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as: 

  • Tool and Die maker
  • Machinist
  • Metallurgist
  • Blacksmith
  • Foundry worker