Unions representing Tool and Die Makers also have information concerning apprenticeships and related matters. For a list of current job listing, browse Caljobs or America's Job Bank . Click Right facing arrow to replay the Video, Speaker Icon to control Sound. Requires QuickTime 4 Education and Training Tool and Die Makers must undergo extensive training in order to perform the complex tasks necessary in the trade. Training in the four-year apprenticeship program is spent mostly in the shop and on the job.
Apprentices learn to operate hand and power tools, and other mechanical equipment.
They also study heat treating and other metal working processes. In addition to shop work, apprentices receive on an average of 144 hours per year of classroom instruction in mathematics, mechanical drawing, tool designing, tool programming, and blueprint reading. Vocational education programs are available through many community colleges. At the present time, about 50 colleges offer programs leading to a certificate or degree in machines shop. Some community colleges offer tool design technology courses.