What does a Pattern Maker (443A) do?

Pattern Makers make wood, plastic, metal, plaster of paris, or polystyrene models to produce castings. Mould Makers then use use them to form a cavity in the sand, into which molten metal is poured to form a casting. Patternmaking is divided into two branches: wood patternmaking and metal patternmaking.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Reading and interpreting blueprints; planning and making a layout for a pattern from a mechanical drawing of the finished article
  • Calculating shrinkage and allowances for machining; converting these dimensions to exact tolerances
  • Working by hand or with hand and power tools; operating woodworking and other machines
  • Making metal patterns from a casting made by a wood master pattern
  • Machining castings, then filing, scraping, and polishing them to meet exact dimensions
  • Finishing the pattern by sanding and coating with lacquer to a fine smooth finish
  • Working on a variety of tasks that require creativity and great precision
  • Acquiring and applying knowledge of wood, machining processes, and machine design

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

  • Secondary school diploma; math, chemistry, physics, and shop courses are assets
  • Completion of an 8,000-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training
  • Exam to obtain journeyperson certificate

What's Your Future as a Pattern Maker (443A)?

  • Full-time, indoor work; may be standing or sitting at a bench
  • Often work with engineers and drafters
  • Industries for employment include aircraft and auto manufacturers, shipbuilding, and
    machine and parts manufacturers

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skills and expertise. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $23.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Pattern Maker (443A)

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Do you enjoy working on a variety of tasks requiring creativity and ingenuity?
Do you have a good eye for detail, and the ability to spot flaws?
Do you like working with numbers, and are you precise and accurate at it?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Do you enjoy learning about new technology and materials?
Would you enjoy interacting with site supervisors, customers, suppliers, co-workers and other tradespeople to get the job done?
Do you have excellent time-management? Are you an organized person?


If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Pattern Maker may be for you!

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

  • Mould Maker
  • Tool and Die Maker
  • Machinist
  • Tool Designer
  • Engineer

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