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.
Since the work involves intricate manipulation of tools and instruments, tool and die makers need superior mechanical aptitudes, the ability to understand and analyze the workings of machinery, knowledge of shop mathematics, and the capacity to visualize mechanical and physical relationships between objects. They must constantly refine their techniques to keep pace with changing designs, materials, and technologies. The more skilled and knowledgeable they become, the more valuable they are to their company, and the higher the salary they can earn. Some specialized tasks are quite complicated and may take several years to learn. There are many advancement opportunities for skilled Tool and Die Makers.