Tool and die makers must follow safety rules and wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal, earplugs to protect against noise, and gloves and masks to reduce exposure to hazardous lubricants and cleaners. These workers also need stamina, as they often spend much of the day on their feet and may do moderately heavy lifting. Companies employing tool and die makers traditionally operate one shift per day. However, as the cost of new machinery and technology has increased, many employers now have more than one shift. Overtime and weekend work are common, especially during peak production periods.
Good eyesight is essential.
Persons entering this occupation should also be mechanically inclined, able to work independently, and capable of doing work that requires concentration and physical effort. The best way to learn all aspects of tool and die making, according to most employers, is a formal apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction and job experience. These programs are increasingly rare, however. A growing number of tool and die makers receive most of their formal training from community and technical colleges. The Tool ans Die Maker apprenticeship program in the Upper Rio Grande Region is administered by the El Paso Moldmaker, Tool and Die Registered Apprenticeship Training Committee.