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Tool and Die Makers  (NOC 7232)
Cape Breton Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Tool and die makers make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They are employed primarily in manufacturing industries such as automobile, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers.

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Tool and die makers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
  • Prepare templates and sketches, and determine work processes
  • Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
  • Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
  • Set up, operate and maintain a variety of conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape workpiece to prescribed dimensions and finish
  • Verify machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as vernier callipers, micrometers, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
  • Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
  • Test completed tools, dies, jigs or fixtures for proper operation
  • May program CNC machine tools.
Metal patternmakers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape such as metal patterns, core boxes and match plates
  • Lay out, shape and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models or templates
  • May program CNC machine tools.
Metal mould makers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes
  • May program CNC machine tools.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Belgiumtown, Bras d'Or, Bridgeport, Caledonia, Centreville Reserve Mines, Dominion, East Slope, Florence, Gannon Road, Glace Bay, Havenside, Hub, Kaneville, Little Bras d'Or, Louisbourg, McKays Corner, McLeods Crossing, Morien Hill, New Aberdeen, New Victoria, New Waterford, North Sydney, Passchendaele, Reserve Mines, Reserve Rows, River Ryan, Scotchtown, Steeles Hill, Sterling, Sydney Mines, Table Head, Tomkinsville

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Tool and Die Makers in Cape Breton Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Local Employment Requirements

Physical Requirements:
- This occupation typically requires good near vision.
- There is generally only a requirement for limited hearing in this job.
- The occupation can involve some physical activity (standing or walking).
- Strength to handle loads of up to 20 kg may be required.

[Report Publication Date: 2011-05-16 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
1-5 years

Specific Skills:
Machine tools to close tolerances. Verify dimensions of machine parts. Machine, fit and assemble parts.

Additional Skills:
Read blueprint, schemas and drawings.

Essential Skills:
Oral communication, working with others, problem solving, reading text, critical thinking, decision making and numeracy.

[Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

List of Associations

AssociationsLink opens in a new window are organizations that may provide news to its members about networking events, professional development and other common issues for people working in the same industry.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

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[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

[ Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.