They generally are not adversely impacted by changing product designs and technologies outside of their own industry, since new products usually require new tools and dies. Recent improvement in the machines that Tool and Die Makers use, however, may boost the productivity of each worker, thus slowing the growth rate in the industry. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. Tool and Die Makers usually enjoy considerable job security. Since they are highly skilled and represent an investment of years of training at considerable expense, employers are reluctant to lay them off, even in times of economic adversity.
Wages also vary from firm to firm.
The standard workweek is Monday through Friday. Fringe benefits vary by firm, but generally include health care, retirement, and sick leave benefits, as well as paid holidays and vacations. 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.