Toolmakers make and repair tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other precision parts and equipment to fine tolerances for machine tools and other production machinery.

Skill Level

3

Specialisations

• Die Caster
• Die Sinker
• Jigmaker (Metal)
• Plastic Mould Maker
• Press-tool Maker

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Toolmaker is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Must have successfully completed an AQF Qualification either a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Tradeor formal training that is comparable
• Must possess skills that are current to Australian industry standards demonstrated by 12 months full time employment or equivalent part-time in the occupation in the previous three years
• If you have obtained a qualification internationally or an Australian qualification that was not through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full time or equivalent post-qualification experience
• If you have obtained an Australian qualification issued through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full-time or equivalent post-qualification experience OR 6 years full-time or equivalent experience which can be either pre- or post-qualification

Make and repair tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other precision parts and equipment to fine tolerances for machine tools and other production machinery, and construct full-size engineering, visual and experimental models and models for the manufacture of prototype developmental products.

Tasks

• Studying drawings and specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances of articles to be manufactured and models to be constructed
• Measuring and marking out metal stock and castings using various gauges
• Shaping metal and wood stock using machine tools
• Checking accuracy of manufactured articles and finished patterns to fine tolerances, using precision measuring instruments
• Testing and modifying manufactured articles
• Applying protective finishes to patterns and painting pattern sections to indicate method of assembly
• Assembling pattern sections and shaping work pieces to specified finish
• Pouring and spreading materials into moulds and over models of patterns, and building laminations of fibreglass cloth and plastic resin to fabricate patterns
• Repairing broken and damaged patterns and correcting patterns to compensate for defects in casting
• Constructing templates for layout and inspection

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Occupations in this Group

• 323411 Engineering Patternmaker
• 323412 Toolmaker