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Tool and Die Maker |
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Tool and die makers use precision metal-working machines and hand tools to build and repair special tools, metal moulds and patterns used in manufacturing.
Tool and die makers build, repair and modify custom-made prototypes or special tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, dies, moulds, press tools, and various types of small mechanical devices. Jigs and fixtures are devices that hold work pieces while they are bored, stamped, milled or drilled. Dies are metal forms used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. Metal moulds are used for moulding plastics.
For a typical project such as making a mould for the mass production of a plastic part, tool and die makers:
Tool and die makers usually work indoors in “tool rooms” or machine shops that are kept relatively clean. They generally work a 40-hour week with some overtime required to meet production schedules. Shift work may be required.
There may be some risk of injury involved in working with power tools and from hazards such as bits of flying metal.
The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy precision work, making decisions and job security.
To be successful in the trade, tool and die makers need:
Tool and die makers are employed in industries that manufacture metal working machinery, tools and dies, automobiles, aircraft, electrical machinery, fabricated metal products and plastics. Most tool and die makers are employed in central Canada. Employment prospects for tool and die makers are relatively stable but may change with economic conditions.
Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $20 to $30 an hour plus benefits.
Experienced tool and die makers may advance to supervisory positions. A few become tool designers and/or open their own tool and die shops.
To work as a Tool and Die Maker in Alberta, a person must:
Tool and Die Makers learn their skills by registering with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in apprenticeship training. Upon successful completion, they are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.
A tool and die maker who holds a valid trade certificate from Alberta or from another Canadian province or territory may apply to write the Interprovincial Exam and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. The Red Seal is recognized throughout most of Canada.
A tool and die maker who holds a valid recognized credential that does not have a Red Seal may apply for:
Tool and die makers who:
may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.
Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Qualification Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a valid recognized credential are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
As of May 1, 2009, the Executive Director shall not register contracts of apprenticeship in this trade. Under the Tool and Die Maker Transition Regulation (89/2009) a person who immediately prior to May 1, 2009 was a registered apprentice in this trade, shall continue as an apprentice in that apprenticeship program until the contract of apprenticeship ends under the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Administration Regulation (AR 257/2000) or this Regulation is repealed, whichever occurs first. The designation of Tool and Die Maker as an optional certification trade is rescinded effective April 1, 2011.
To qualify for a Red Seal, a person must:
- an Alberta trade certificate or completion of apprenticeship certificate, OR
- a journeyperson or completion of apprenticeship certificate issued by another Canadian province or territory
To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:
A person who holds a valid recognized credential, as described above, does not require an Alberta Equivalency document to work in the trade in Alberta. However, some employers may require Alberta documentation as proof that the holder is allowed to work in the trade or that the holder's credential is recognized.
To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on a recognized credential, a person must:
To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:
Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.
This application fee covers the review of the application, the assessment and confirmation of the applicant's work experience hours/months, the administration of the applicant’s demonstration of competency, and one attempt at the Qualification Certificate theory examination. The Qualification Certificate practical examination requires a separate fee as identified on the application noted above.
