Toolmaker

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to shift supervisor of a production section or workshop.

With further training, you could become an engineering technician, machine maintenance engineer or move into quality control.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• design skills and knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Design and Technology - Toolmakers work with lathes, presses, cutting machines, and injection moulds to produce precision tools and parts. Understanding materials, manufacturing processes, and how to read and interpret technical drawings is central to their daily work.
• Mathematics - Toolmakers constantly measure and calculate dimensions to extremely tight tolerances, using instruments like micrometers. They also need to work with technical drawings, angles, and geometric shapes when marking out tool designs on stock or castings.
• Engineering - Toolmakers apply engineering principles every day when producing precision components and maintaining machinery. Understanding engineering science and technology – including how different machines operate and how forces affect materials – is fundamental to the role.
• Physics - Toolmakers need to understand how materials behave under stress, heat, and pressure when being cut, shaped, or moulded. Knowledge of forces, properties of materials, and thermodynamics helps them choose the right techniques and settings for each job.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Toolmakers program settings into computer-controlled (CNC) machinery and use CAD/CAM software to design and manufacture tools. Understanding how to write and adjust machine programs requires logical thinking and some knowledge of how software communicates with hardware.
• Chemistry - Toolmakers work with a range of metals and alloys, and understanding their chemical properties – such as how they respond to heat treatment or resist corrosion – helps when selecting the right material for a specific tool or part.
• Electronics - Toolmakers operate and carry out basic maintenance on computer-controlled machinery that relies on electronic sensors and control systems. Understanding how these electronic components work helps when troubleshooting issues on the shop floor.