Toolmaker
What is the work like?
Toolmakers, also known as tool fitters, make tools used by engineering craftspeople, for example jigs, dies and moulds. They work mainly with metals, alloys and composite materials, known as 'stocks' or castings.
As a toolmaker your duties would include:
- marking out the tool design on the 'stock' or casting following engineering drawings
- cutting and shaping the part using a combination of lathes, presses, grinders and cutting machines
- checking the item's dimensions with precision measuring instruments like micrometers and gauges
- carrying out basic machine maintenance.
You could specialise as a machinist, a toolmaker fitter or tool repairer.
A high proportion of machine tools used in industry are now computer numerically controlled (CNC). This means a computer program runs the machine, so you could be responsible for setting and operating the machine before the job starts. For information about CNC jobs see the profile for CNC Machinist.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. Employers may want to see some GCSEs (A-C) or equivalent qualifications, such as maths, English, science, engineering or design and technology.
The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
Alternatively, you may could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for this type of work. Relevant courses include:
- BTEC First Certificate in Engineering
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (Mechanical)
- City & Guilds Certificate in Engineering.
Contact SEMTA for more general information about engineering careers. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers information and a course database for colleges in that area.
What further training and development can I do?
You would usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. This would cover company products, procedures, and health and safety. You could also take a number of work-based qualifications, such as:
- NVQ Performing Engineering Operations
- NVQ Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering
- NVQ Engineering Toolmaking
- Diploma in Toolmaking, Presswork and Extrusion
- Advanced Diploma in Engineering and Technology (Mechanical).
These awards contain units covering turning, milling, grinding and drilling. You may also be given training on CNC machines.
Where can I go for more information?
Interpoint20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £15,500 to £17,500 a year.
- With experience, this rises to between £18,000 and £24,000.
- Senior toolmakers can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work around 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. In a large company, you may have to work shifts, including nights. Overtime and weekend work may be available.
You would be based in a factory or workshop. On most jobs, you would wear ear and eye protectors, and safety shoes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to read engineering drawings
- good practical and technical skills
- an understanding of the properties of materials
- the ability to work to a high degree of accuracy
- the ability to picture how a finished product will look
- good maths skills
- basic IT skills
- the ability to work without supervision
- good powers of concentration.
What opportunities are there?
The number of specialist toolmakers is in decline due to the growth of computer-controlled machining and precision casting methods. Your prospects would therefore be improved if you have some CNC machine skills, as many companies now look to employ and train multi-skilled operatives.
With experience, you could progress to a workshop supervisor or machine maintenance role. With further training you could become an engineering technician.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
SCENTA
The Engineer
JustEngineers.net
Jobcentre Plus
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