51-4111.00Apprenticeship

Tool & Die Makers

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Career Cluster:Construction
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Manufacturing
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationDassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
  • Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
  • Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
  • Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
  • Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
  • Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
  • Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
  • Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
  • File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
  • Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.
  • Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
  • Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
  • Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.
  • Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.
  • Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.
  • Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.
  • Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.
  • Troubleshoot malfunctions in manufacturing equipment.

Skills

Operation and Control
56%
Operations Monitoring
56%
Quality Control Analysis
56%
Time Management
53%
Equipment Selection
53%
Monitoring
53%
Critical Thinking
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Troubleshooting
50%
Active Learning
50%
Active Listening
50%
Complex Problem Solving
50%
Equipment Maintenance
50%
Coordination
47%
Repairing
47%
Reading Comprehension
47%
Speaking
47%
Operations Analysis
47%
Mathematics
44%
Systems Analysis
44%
Technology Design
44%
Social Perceptiveness
38%
Systems Evaluation
35%
Writing
31%
Instructing
28%
Learning Strategies
28%
Persuasion
22%
Management of Personnel Resources
22%
Negotiation
22%
Science
19%
Service Orientation
19%
Programming
16%
Management of Material Resources
16%
Installation
16%
Management of Financial Resources
10%

Knowledge

Mechanical
87%
Mathematics
63%
Production and Processing
62%
Design
60%
English Language
51%
Engineering and Technology
48%
Education and Training
45%
Computers and Electronics
41%
Customer and Personal Service
36%
Administration and Management
34%
Administrative
30%
Public Safety and Security
28%
Physics
28%
Personnel and Human Resources
14%
Economics and Accounting
14%
Transportation
14%
Chemistry
12%
Telecommunications
11%
Building and Construction
10%
Communications and Media
9%
Law and Government
7%
Psychology
6%
Sales and Marketing
6%
Sociology and Anthropology
4%
Foreign Language
4%
Geography
4%
Medicine and Dentistry
3%
Biology
3%
Therapy and Counseling
3%
Philosophy and Theology
1%
History and Archeology
0%
Fine Arts
0%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Visualization
69%
Near Vision
69%
Problem Sensitivity
66%
Finger Dexterity
60%
Control Precision
60%
Manual Dexterity
60%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
56%
Category Flexibility
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Selective Attention
56%
Oral Expression
53%
Deductive Reasoning
53%
Oral Comprehension
53%
Multilimb Coordination
53%
Written Comprehension
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Mathematical Reasoning
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Far Vision
47%
Reaction Time
47%
Fluency of Ideas
47%
Written Expression
47%
Depth Perception
44%
Originality
44%
Trunk Strength
41%
Rate Control
41%
Flexibility of Closure
38%
Visual Color Discrimination
35%
Response Orientation
35%
Auditory Attention
31%
Static Strength
31%
Time Sharing
31%
Number Facility
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
28%
Extent Flexibility
28%
Stamina
28%
Dynamic Strength
28%
Wrist-Finger Speed
28%
Speed of Closure
28%
Memorization
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Spatial Orientation
22%
Speed of Limb Movement
22%
Glare Sensitivity
19%
Gross Body Equilibrium
19%
Sound Localization
16%
Night Vision
16%
Peripheral Vision
16%
Explosive Strength
13%
Dynamic Flexibility
13%

Work Activities

Getting Information
87%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
78%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
70%
Controlling Machines and Processes
69%
Thinking Creatively
69%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
69%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
68%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
67%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
66%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
64%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
64%
Handling and Moving Objects
63%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
62%
Working with Computers
62%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
61%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
57%
Training and Teaching Others
56%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
53%
Processing Information
51%
Performing General Physical Activities
48%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
48%
Documenting/Recording Information
46%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
44%
Analyzing Data or Information
44%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
42%
Scheduling Work and Activities
41%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
41%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
41%
Coaching and Developing Others
40%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
38%
Developing and Building Teams
37%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
34%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
32%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
30%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
25%
Performing Administrative Activities
23%
Assisting and Caring for Others
23%
Selling or Influencing Others
20%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
19%
Staffing Organizational Units
9%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
0%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

100%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

95%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

94%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

92%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

86%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

83%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

83%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

82%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

80%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

78%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

78%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

75%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

75%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

73%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

72%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

71%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

69%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

61%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

56%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

56%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

56%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

55%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

54%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

53%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

50%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

49%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

48%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

47%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

46%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

43%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

42%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

39%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

38%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

37%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

33%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

33%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

29%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

28%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

27%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

26%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

25%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

22%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

21%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

20%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

20%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

18%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

13%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

10%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

8%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

4%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

4%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

3%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

2%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

1%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

1%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

1%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Education

Post-secondary certificate

41%

High school diploma or equivalent

40%

Less than high school diploma

10%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

100

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

59

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

32

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

10

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

0

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Dependability
87%
Cautiousness
74%
Achievement Orientation
58%
Perseverance
55%
Innovation
43%
Intellectual Curiosity
39%
Integrity
38%
Stress Tolerance
33%
Self-Confidence
30%
Self-Control
28%
Initiative
25%
Adaptability
23%
Cooperation
12%
Sincerity
3%

Work Values

Support
67%
Working Conditions
47%
Independence
45%
Relationships
39%
Achievement
33%
Recognition
22%

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