Career as tool and die makers is a booming career in the manufacturing sector. The tool and die makers are highly skilled and they play a significant role in the manufacturing industries in the production of tools, die and other parts of machines that are used to produce many final products. The tool and die makers carry out both tool and die making, although these are two different processes. The nature of tool and die making is changing day-by-day. Thus, the tool and die makers should be a fast learner and get easily acquainted with new machineries.
Tasks:-
The tool and die makers face a lot of competition in the initial phase of the career as tool and die makers. There are many tasks that need to be carried out by the tool and die makers:-
The main job of the tool and die makers is to produce and repair tools, dies and other holding devices that enables the machineries to produce variety of products
The tool makers craft the precision tools and machineries that are used to cuts, trim, shape, to form the finished metal products
The tool and die makers develop, design, and produce new tool and dies
They also repair and inspect the damaged tools, gauges, dies, jigs and fixtures
Qualification:-
The candidates who have mechanical aptitude can make a career as tool and die makers. However, there are certain qualification requirements that most of the employers need. They are as follows:
Most of the training programs of 4-5 years are sufficient for the tool and die makers to get acquainted with their jobs
A high school diploma or GED in tool and die making is also accepted
Most of the employers provide on-job training, and give practical knowledge of tool and die making
Knowledge of mathematics, electronics, computers and especially the CAD/CAM technology will be advantageous to fetch job in a reputed organization
Other necessary skills:-
The career as tool and die makers is a highly tricky career, as the tool and die makers need to perform two different processes. Therefore, there are many skills that the tool and die makers need to possess. They are as follows:
Excellent interpersonal skills
Good organizational and time management skills
Exceptional written skills
Outstanding observation, fast learner and detail-oriented
Superb analytical and logical skills
Place of work:-
The career as tool and die makers is a thriving career, where the tool and die makers work mainly with different machineries. The tool and die makers generally work in the tool rooms, which are enclosed and quiet, away from any kind of noise and disturbance. The tool and die makers normally work for 40 hours a week. However, working for longer hours and on weekends is common for these workers.
Job Opportunities:-
The candidates who wish to make a career as tool and die makers can expect good job opportunities in most of the manufacturing industries. The industries that need tool and die makers in large numbers are as follows:
Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
Forging and stamping
Other metal parts producing industries
Machinery shops
Screw, nut and bolt manufacturing
Other metal part manufacturers
Remuneration:-
Career as tool and die makers is a rewarding career, as the tool and die makers are well paid. The salary may differ based on the type of industries, education, location and experience. The industries that are the best paying industries are listed below:
Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
Plastic products manufacturers
Machinery shops
Forging and stamping
The salary for the apprentices is comparatively less. However, the salary goes on increasing with years of experience and after acquiring promotions. The benefits that are offered by reputed organizations include paid holidays, sick leaves, health facilities, and retirement plans.
Job Progress:-
Career as tool and die makers provide many chances of promotion. The entry-level tool and die makers are provided several months training. After the training, the tool and die makers can work independently. The tool and die makers after gaining several years of experience can be promoted as supervisors, trainers or managers. Some of them may handle administrative work. The tool and die makers who have additional degree in engineering can become engineers or head tool designers.
Employment forecast:-
Career as tool and die makers is a challenging career, where the tool and die makers need to be highly skilled to face the competition. The introduction of latest technology and increasing competition with foreign manufacturers has hampered the tool and die making process tremendously. In future, the computer aided tools will take up the jobs of the tool and die makers. However, those tool and die makers who are highly skilled and talented will get job easily even if the employment growth is supposed to decline in the future.
