Tool/Tooling Maker
ACA, Unrestricted Certified Trade
Description:
A Tool/Tooling Maker designs, modifies and repairs specialized equipment, cutting tools, gauges, jigs, fixtures, prototypes and mechanical devices used for testing parts. They produce components for the building of machines and tooling that produce various industrial and consumer products.
They must read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications, compute dimensions and tolerances, set up machine tools and operate a variety of machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, bore, grind, and shape pieces.
Then they must test completed tools for proper operation. Tool/Tooling Makers generally work for motor vehicle parts manufacturers, machine shops, machinery and equipment manufacturers, aircraft and parts manufacturers and hardware manufacturers.
Related trades include General Machinist, Construction Millwright/Industrial Mechanic, and Tool and Die Maker.
Education, Training, Experience and Skills Required:
- Grade 12 education or ministry-approved equivalent
- Completion of a four year apprenticeship program
- Recommended high school courses include: English, advanced mathematics, advanced science, manufacturing technology, design technology
- To be successful, you should have good communication, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills. You should enjoy working with your hands and with numbers. You should be able to recognize differences in size, shape and form and be able to visualize how things fit together. You should also enjoy keeping up and learning about new technologies.
How to get Trade Certification:
- Complete a four year apprenticeship program
- Pass the Certificate of Qualification exam to receive both a Certificate of Apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification with journeyperson status
- There is NO Interprovincial (Red Seal) Trade Certification available
Salary Expectations:
Range from $15 to $24 per hour