The Craft of Toolmaking

Do you carry out tasks with precision and attention detail? If you enjoy building things from instructions, a career as a toolmaker could be what you’re looking for.

A toolmaker is a skilled worker who produces and maintains precision tools used in the production of metal, plastic and other materials of all shapes and sizes. The work of a toolmaker involves interpreting drawings and technical data to machine and assemble with great accuracy jigs, fixtures, moulding tools, dies and punches. Care and attention to detail and high precision are the hallmark of toolmaking.

The use of lathe, milling machine, surface grinders, drilling and spark erosion equipment are the key skills as are the use of precision, marking out and measuring tools. Modern technologies such as wire erosion, computer aided design (CAD) Computer aided manufacture (CAM) and computer numeral control (CNC) machining have become an integral part of the work of the toolmaker.

With this four-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified toolmaker, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Toolmaking.

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Qualifying as a Craftsperson

Apprenticeship is defined as a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre. It is a dual system, a blended combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training.

Apprenticeships consist of four on-the-job phases with an approved employer and three off-the-job phases in an educational organisation.

On successful completion of an apprenticeship an apprentice is awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft and are eligible for consideration for entry into related degree programmes provided by the Institutes of Technology providing he/she also meets other special entry requirements.