Toolmaker
Toolmakers make precision tools and parts that are used in manufacturing and engineering.
Also known as: Craft machinist
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 46 a week
What you'll do
As a toolmaker, you could:
- use 2D and 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing software (CAD/CAM)
- follow engineering plans to mark out tool designs on a 'stock' or casting
- program settings into computer controlled machinery
- produce tools and parts, using lathes, presses, cutting machines and injection moulds
- measure product dimensions with instruments like micrometers
- monitor the quality of machined tools and parts
- carry out basic machine maintenance
Working environment
You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be noisy.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- design skills and knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a toolmaker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could start by doing a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need in this job.
Courses include:
- engineering technology
- engineering operations
- engineering
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an engineering company. These include:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Work
You could start as an engineering operative in a workshop or factory and do further training on the job to move into toolmaking and craft machining.
Foundation apprenticeship
You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Career path and progression
With experience, you could be promoted to shift supervisor of a production section or workshop.
With further training, you could become an engineering technician, machine maintenance engineer or move into quality control.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleCNC machinist
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- Job roleFoundry moulder
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