What does a Mould Maker (431A) do?

Mould Makers design, make, and repair moulds/models used in industry to mass-produce plastic or metal components and products. Mould makers may use hand-moulding techniques for small quantities of items, but will often use computer and industrial technology to produce large numbers of identical items. They may also specialize in any small casting, medium size casting, or large size casting.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Reading and interpreting blueprints, diagrams, charts, or tables
  • Safely operating hand and power tools
  • Setting up and operating engine lathes and milling, grinding, drilling, sawing, and boring machines to close tolerances
  • Selecting mechanical measuring; checking and laying out tools/devices; performing operations
  • Selecting work piece materials, cutting tools, and abrasives for metal removal
  • Mixing, smoothing, tempering, strengthening, and repairing sand
  • Acquiring and applying knowledge of metallurgy

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

  • Secondary school diploma; chemistry, physics, math, and computer tech or industrial crafts credits
  • Completion of an 8,000-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training
  • Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification

What's Your Future as a Mould Maker (431A)?

  • Full-time, sometimes in shifts; usually indoors in foundries or production shops
  • Some overtime may be necessary to meet production deadlines
  • Employers include steel foundries, grey iron foundries, malleable iron foundries, and brass foundries (bronze and aluminum)

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $22.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Mould Maker (431A)

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Do you have good manual dexterity, an eye for dimension and detail, and enjoy working with your hands/power tools?
Do you have good analytical and problem-solving skills?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Do you have the ability to find flaws and differences?
Do you have excellent reading and writing skills?
Are you a continual learner? Do you enjoy learning new technology?
Do you have excellent time-management skills? Are you an organized person?


If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Mould Maker (431A) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

  • Tool and Die Maker
  • Machinist
  • Metallurgist
  • Blacksmith
  • Foundry Worker

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