Occupation
Tool and die maker
Tool and die makers build and repair the cutting tools, dies, moulds, jigs, and fixtures that other machines use to make parts. The tolerances are finer than most production work and the parts are usually one-offs, so a great deal of the job is fitting, hand-finishing, and problem-solving. They also diagnose why a tool is producing bad parts and put it right.
Also known as: Toolmaker · Die maker · Jig and fixture maker · Mould maker
Occupation content
Part of Manufacturing, production and quality
What the work involves
- Interpret tool drawings and models and plan a manufacturing sequence for each component
- Machine components on conventional and CNC equipment, then grind and hand-fit to size
- Assemble, try out, and adjust dies, moulds, jigs, or fixtures until parts run correctly
- Diagnose worn, cracked, or mis-set tooling taken out of production and carry out repairs
- Inspect finished tooling with precision measuring and surface-finish equipment
- Keep tooling records, revision notes, and maintenance history up to date
How people commonly enter
- An apprenticeship in tool and die making, toolmaking, or precision engineering
- A college diploma in precision machining followed by employer tooling-room training
- Progression from CNC machining into the tool room with structured mentoring
- Voluntary trade certification taken after documented workplace experience
Typical training: Apprenticeship
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Pathways: Apprenticeship route
Typical work context
Lab or workshop · Quiet focus · Team based · Predictable routine · Physically active
Related interests
Realistic (hands-on) · Investigative (analytical) · Conventional (organizing)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Manufacturing, production and quality.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: tool and die maker · United States
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- UK National Careers Service — Toolmaker · United Kingdom
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- Red Seal Program — Designated Red Seal trades · Canada
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Manufacturing, production and quality in Canada, not a figure for Tool and die maker. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Manufacturing, production and quality family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Manufacturing, production and quality: education pathways
Some roles in Manufacturing, production and quality may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Manufacturing, production and quality: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)