Toolmaker

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

• Level 1 Certificate in Engineering Technologies
• Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations
• Level 2 Diploma in Engineering

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• search for courses
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You can complete an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship or an engineering technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can start as an engineering operative in a workshop or factory and do further training on the job to specialise in toolmaking.

Further information

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

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of maths
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• working with 2D and 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing software (CAD/CAM)
• marking out tool designs on a 'stock' or casting following engineering plans
• cutting and shaping tools with lathes, presses and cutting machines
• entering settings into computer controlled machines
• checking dimensions with measuring instruments like micrometers
• carrying out basic machine maintenance

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.