Occupation Description

Toolmakers are specialist mechanical engineering tradespersons.

Toolmakers make and repair moulds, dies, jigs, fixtures, press tools and other special equipment, to produce parts for industrial machinery and most other manufactured articles. They may make precision machinery for machine tools and other manufacturing machinery.

Toolmakers may…

Toolmakers can specialise as die casters, die sinkers, jigmakers (metal), plastic mould makers and press toolmakers.

Mechanical engineering tradespersons may…

Personal Requirements

You should

Environment

Toolmakers are usually employed by engineering workshops, and manufacturing firms . Most toolmakers usually work in workshops or production areas that can be noisy, and - or hot and - or dusty. They may spend most of their day standing and often need to bend, crouch or climb. Toolmakers must be aware of safety regulations and wear protective equipment (for example, ear muffs, eye and other body protection to minimise the risk of injury in the workplace).

Training

You can sometimes work as a mechanical engineering tool making worker without undertaking any formal training or qualifications however some employers will prefer that you do. To work as a CNC operator or an equipment maintainer or repairer you will usually require a Certificate II in Engineering.

With experience, and possibly some further training, mechanical engineering workers may become a toolmaker (mechanical engineering tradesperson). This will usually require a Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade).

With further study and experience, competent mechanical engineering tradespeople can upgrade their qualifications to the work as technician, supervisor or draftsperson ( Certificate IV in Engineering). Further steps include occupations such as CNC robotic cell designer, mechatronics technician, systems, mechatronics or CAM (computer aided machine) designer (Diploma of Engineering (Advanced Trade), and engineering associate or para-professional (Advanced Diploma of Engineering). It is always possible that you can end up in a number of senior management positions.

Certificate II in Engineering
Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade)
Certificate IV in Engineering
Diploma of Engineering (Advanced Trade)
Advanced Diploma of Engineering

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.