Tool/Tooling Makers make repairs to specialized equipment, cutting tools, gauges, jigs, fixtures, prototypes, and mechanical devices used for testing parts. They also produce components to build machines and tooling used to create various industrial and consumer products.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications
- Computing dimensions and tolerances and setting up machine tools
- Operating a variety of machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, bore, grind, and shape the piece being worked on to specific dimensions
- Ensuring parts conform to specifications; testing completed tools for proper operation
- Being knowledgeable about complex mathematics, metallurgy, engineering drawings, and layout technology
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Secondary school diploma with senior math and science credits
- Completion of a 7,280-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job training and three 8-week in-school sessions
- Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification
What's Your Future as a Tool/Tooling Maker (630T)?
- Often progress to supervisory positions; some are self-employed and do contract work for companies
- Employers include vehicle parts manufacturers, machine shops, machinery and equipment manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers, and hardware manufacturers
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $14.00-$28.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Tool/Tooling Maker (630T)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you enjoy working with your hands? | ||
| Are you comfortable working with numbers and performing calculations? | ||
| Do you enjoy working with a variety of tools and machinery? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Can you spot differences in size, shape and form? | ||
| Would you enjoy interacting with site supervisors, customers, suppliers, co-workers and other tradespeople to get the job done? | ||
| Do you like learning about new technology? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Tool/Tooling Maker (630T) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Machinist
- Construction Millwright/Industrial Mechanic
- Tool and Die Maker
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