*This is a Washington State average for this occupation. Wage rates vary by employer, industry, experience and location. Source: Washington State Employment Security Department 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.
Tool & Die Maker Apprenticeship
5-YEAR | 10,000 HOURS
What is a Tool & Die Maker?
Tool and Die Makers work with computer-controlled machinery and mechanical equipment to cut, shape and finish tools, instruments and metal parts to precision levels.
Tool and Die Makers:
- Read blueprints, sketches, specifications, or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) files for making tools and dies
- Compute and verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of workpieces
- Set up, operate, and disassemble conventional, manual, and computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine tools
- File, grind and adjust parts so they fit together properly
- Test completed tools and dies to ensure they meet specifications
- Smooth and polish the surfaces of tools and dies
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Tool & Die Maker?
Tool & Die Maker is an advanced apprenticeship occupation that reinforces manual and CNC machining skills along with computer sided design.
Upon completion of a Tool & Die Maker apprenticeship, you will receive a nationally-recognized journey-level credential and can move onto more advanced occupations such as operations manager, maintenance manager, or CNC programmer.
As a Tool & Die Maker, you will enjoy a long-term career with a good salary, job advancement opportunities, and the chance to work with your hands and cutting-edge technology.
Step to Becoming an Apprentice
Identify an employer AJAC partners with and apply for an open position.
Talk with your supervisor to receive company approval for participation.
AJAC will visit your employer to sign our Apprenticeship Agreement.
Once you are registered, AJAC will enroll you in our apprenticeship classes.
Each month, submit your on-the-job training hours through our Apprentice Tracking System.
Upon completion, you will receive AJAC's certificate of completion and a journey-level card in your respective occupation.
6 Steps to Becoming an Apprentice
1
Get Hired by a Participating Employer AJAC Partners With
2
Receive Participation Approval from Your Employer
3
Sign an Apprenticeship Agreement with AJAC
4
Enroll in AJAC’s Apprenticeship Classes Each Quarter
5
Log and Submit Your OJT Hours Monthly
6
Receive a Nationally-Recognized Journey-Level Certification from L&I
How Much Can I Earn?
$
30.97
*
Where Will I Work?
AJAC has partnered with 300+ advanced manufacturers to provide supervised, structured, paid on-the-job training.
AJAC apprentices can only work for companies that agree to hire them and place them into the program.
Each company has their own methodology for who they select as an apprentice.
Where Are Classes Held?
Classes are held one night a week, typically on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
AJAC’s apprenticeships classes are structured for both online learning or in-person learning. Depending on the specific class you are taking, you may be required to complete it online or in-person.
In-person classes are held either a local community/technical college, high school, or skills center.
Apprenticeship Classes
Tool & Die Maker apprentices take 15 college-level classes. Each class consists of 50 hours of lecture and/or practical application. Upon completion of each class, apprentices will receive 5 college credits.
As a registered apprentice, you automatically receive 50% reduced tuition. Over half of AJAC’s partnering employers elect to pay for their apprentice’s tuition, making the entire apprenticeship free-of-cost.
Currently, each class costs $380 out-of-pocket.
Precision Machining 1
Fundamental manual machining skills and knowledge to include topics such as job plans, drawings, tolerances, engineering specifications and use of manual tools.
Precision Machining 2
Intro to precision machining with a focus on basic, manual machining techniques including speeds and feeds, milling machine/drill press and lathes.
Technical Drawings
Learn to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics, as well as practice basic drafting. Drawings studied in this class will come both from the text and from industry, and will include machining, fabrication, assemblies, and fluid power systems (only for Automation/Maintenance program).
Shop Algebra
Apprentices will develop a working knowledge and practical application of algebraic processes as they relate to manufacturing. They will identify and understand the applications of formulas to shop problems, learn to manipulate formulas, simplify expressions and solve linear equations. Discussions will include adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions, ratio, proportion and percentages. Number lines and Cartesian coordinates will also be covered.
Applied Geometry & Trigonometry
This course focuses on the fundamentals and applications of geometry and trigonometry. Topics include perimeters, areas, volume, trigonometric ratios and function, right angles and non-right angles. Apprentices will discuss relationships of lines, planes, angles, congruent and similar triangles, polygons and circles while performing geometric and trigonometric functions as they relate to manufacturing and aerospace. Other topics include special triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem.
CNC Operation and Setup
G&M programing, reading G&M code, XYZ coordinates, establishing tool length offsets (TLO), calculating changed data capture (CDC) and cutter radius compensation (CRC).
GD&T and Precision Fits
Apprentices will study the theory and application of the use of standard tolerances and GD&T concentrating on geometric dimensioning and its relation to engineering drawings.
CNC Programming Mill
Apprentices will hand write simple commands and basic programs for mills using G & M codes. They will learn basic Mastercam and use of verification software.
CNC Programming Lathe
Apprentices will hand write simple commands and basic programs for lathes using G & M codes. They will learn basic Mastercam and use of verification software.
Materials, Processes and References
Comprehensive understanding of outside processes and the properties of materials that are governed by industry standards.
Inspection
Measuring and inspection of size, position, form, surface finish and orientation.
Advanced Machining Technologies
Exploration of new, emerging and advancing technologies, including properties and machining of composites. Apprentices will learn more in depth about Lean manufacturing, machine preparation, advanced machining technologies such as EDM, Water Jet and Laser Stereolithography.
Jigs and Fixtures
Design jigs, fixtures, and gauges for a variety of manufacturing applications.
Die Design
Apprentices will learn to design dies for power presses that pierce, blank, punch, and form materials. They will learn about important design considerations for die components, which include die blocks, gauges, punches, punch plates, strippers, stops, fasteners, and die sets. Apprentices will gain practical, hands-on design experience by completing a design project.
Mold Making and Design
Exploration of the materials, processes, and mold design principles for injection molding, compression molding, transfer molding, and die casting.
On-the-Job Training Competencies
The table below is a schedule of tasks and hours designed as a guide. The 10,000 hours will be completed over the course of the apprenticeship. The apprentice shall be instructed and trained in all operations and methods customarily used on the various machines. Each company will adhere to the schedule as closely as facilities will permit in order to provide the apprentice with well-rounded experience and practice on all relevant equipment and processes in the shop.
| OJT Competency | Approx. OJT Hours |
|---|---|
| Bench Work | 1,400 |
| Milling Machine | 1,600 |
| Engine Lathe | 1,000 |
| Grinder (Surface Tool) | 1,000 |
| Heat Treating | 400 |
| Electric Discharge Mach. OPR. (EDM) | 800 |
| Tool Layout and Design | 1,000 |
| CNC Programming & Operations | 1,200 |
| Jig Bore and Grinding | 200 |
| Drilling Machines | 400 |
| Shop Maintenance and Review | 800 |
| Tool Steel Welding | 200 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 10,000 |
Launch Your Career Today!
Submit your information using the link below. After we receive your information, an AJAC representative will contact you for next steps. Please note, this is not an official application to become an apprentice. After a partnering employers agrees to enroll you in the program, you will officially apply and enroll at that time.