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Toolmaker

Alternative titles for this job include Craft machinist

Toolmakers make precision tools and parts that are used in manufacturing and engineering.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 46

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You could start by doing a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need in this job. 

Courses include:

  • engineering technology
  • engineering operations
  • engineering

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an engineering company. These include:

  • Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an engineering operative in a workshop or factory and do further training on the job to move into toolmaking and craft machining.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in engineering from Tomorrow's Engineers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a toolmaker, you could:

  • use 2D and 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing software (CAD/CAM)
  • follow engineering plans to mark out tool designs on a 'stock' or casting
  • program settings into computer controlled machinery
  • produce tools and parts, using lathes, presses, cutting machines and injection moulds
  • measure product dimensions with instruments like micrometers
  • monitor the quality of machined tools and parts
  • carry out basic machine maintenance

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Accelerated Apprentice (Submariner) - Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.

  • Wage: £33,000 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Engineering Technician Accelerated Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £34,000 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Certificate in Engineering Operations (Knowledge)

  • Provider: SHEFFIELD COLLEGE, THE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: SHEFFIELD

Engineering Operations - Level 2

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Blackpool
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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