Tool and Die Maker
A Tool and Die Maker designs, creates, repairs and tests prototypes and production tools such as dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges and specialty tools using various metals, alloys and plastics. Specifically, a Tool and Die Maker:
- reads and interprets complex engineering drawings, tooling drawings and work-process documentation
- designs, builds, changes and repairs dies, forms, cutting tools, gauges, jigs and fixtures for the manufacturing sector
- builds precision dies, tools and prototypes using conventional and numerically controlled metal-cutting and forming machines and equipment including saws, drills, grinders, lathes, mills, die presses and electrical discharge machines
- performs work-in-process measuring and checking using specialized and precision tools and equipment
Red Seal trade
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
An apprenticeship training program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. Generally, the time-frame to become competent in the trade of Tool and Die Maker is 8,000 hours (approximately four years) consisting of 7,280 hours of on-the job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
An apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker, or trainer. The skills or competencies to be developed are set out by the trade’s Apprenticeship Training Standard and are recognized by the industry as being essential to the practice of the trade.
As these essential skills are developed, the apprentice’s sponsor or trainer signs the relevant sections of the training standard to indicate that the apprentice has met the individual training objectives by demonstrating the skills required of a skilled worker, or journeyperson, in the trade.
IN-SCHOOL TRAINING
A Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship includes three levels of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in:
- applied trade safety practices
- applied trade calculations, charts, and tables
- engineering drawings/computer-aided design (CAD) data and layout processes
- metallurgy (science of metals) of jig and fixture components
- metrology (science of measuring and checking)
- benchworking techniques
- metal cutting saw technology
- turning, milling, grinding, ram/sink electric discharge machines, and machining centre computerized numerically controlled (CNC) technologies
- jig and fixture building
- tooling (jig and fixture) technology and assembly techniques
- stamping technology
- mechanical assembly technology for tooling or die making
- tooling or die-building technology and processes
Depending on the training delivery agency, in-school training may be available in one of the following ways:
- block release (full-time, for a set number of weeks)
- day release (one day per week from September to June)
- part-time (night-school programs)
- alternative delivery (online, correspondence, etc.)
Tool and Die Maker is a trade named under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.
This trade has an apprenticeship program that is administered by Skilled Trades Ontario. Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
This trade has a certifying exam. When the certifying exam is passed, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a Certificate of Qualification in this trade. Because this trade is non-compulsory, this certificate does not have to be renewed, and the information of individuals practicing this trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.
In Ontario, the trade is part of the Interprovincial Red Seal Program—the national standard for the trade across Canada- under the title Tool and Die Maker: www.red-seal.ca.