Toolmaker and Tool and Die Maintenance Technician (Level 3 Standard)

Toolmakers and Tool & Die Maintenance Technicians are predominantly involved in the highly skilled, complex and specialist detailed work of manufacturing and maintaining the engineering tooling used to produce components, products and assemblies. These products, assemblies and systems affect all of our daily lives, whether it be for travel such as (cars, planes, boats and rail) energy, defence, food, clothing, packaging and health including medical equipment, devices and implants such as joint replacements. This requires the application of a broad range of activities including the interpretation of Engineering drawings and technical instructions and the use of hand, machine and automated computer-controlled machine tools and measuring equipment.

Technicians must comply with applicable legislation and organisational safety requirements and be expected to work both individually and as part of a manufacturing team, working with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying ways to improve the business

They will be expected to test and adjust the systems they have built or maintained ensuring tooling, jigs, fixtures and assemblies meet the required specification. This requires the application of a broad range of skills, knowledge and occupational behaviours across a range of engineering disciplines.

Specific Specialist Knowledge:

• understand mathematical techniques, formula and calculations in a Toolmaking environment
• understand the structure, properties and characteristics of common materials used for the manufacture and repair of tooling, Moulds, Dies and jigs and fixtures
• understand the safe operation, correct selection and the application of a range of hand tools used for toolmaking and die maintenance, including grinders, drills, stones etc.
• understand the safe operation and operating principles of a range of complex and often state of the art workshop machinery (such as CNC lathes, milling, grinding and erosion machining centres, drilling and welding equipment)
• understand how to set up and operate the machinery/equipment efficiently and effectively
• understand the principles of how the relevant tools, dies, jigs and fixtures being manufactured/maintained function, the operating sequences, the purpose of individual components/systems and how they interact
• Understand the application of pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical and electronic systems as applied to various moulding, injection, pressing and similar associated

Specific Specialist Skills:

• read and interpret relevant data and documentation used to produce and/or maintain tool and die components, assemblies and systems
• apply methods and techniques to produce, assemble, disassemble repair and/or maintain tools, dies, jigs and fixtures as applicable to the employer requirements
• manufacture components (such as tooling, dies, jigs and fixtures)
• undertake testing to confirm correct operation, and of the effectiveness of repairs and maintenance activities carried out.
• undertake equipment/asset care and/or Preventative Planned Maintenance processes and procedures
• carry out complex fault diagnosis and repair activities covering the following technologies as applicable to the tool, die, jig and fixture environment:
• maintain mechanical equipment
• maintain fluid & pneumatic power equipment
• maintain electrical & electronic equipment
• maintain process control equipment
• contribute to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices, processes and/or procedures

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have a minimum of 3-5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in sectors like automotive, aerospace, defence, and medical manufacturing while attending college weekly on a day release basis. They produce and maintain tools such as jigs, fixtures, moulds, and dies, gaining hands-on experience with manual and CNC machines, technical drawings, and high-tolerance components.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers engineering principles, tooling design and maintenance, CAD/CAM systems, metrology, materials and heat treatment, and health and safety. Apprentices also learn to interpret complex specifications, troubleshoot tooling issues, and ensure quality in high-volume or specialist production environments.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in press tooling, plastic injection moulds, die-casting tools, or multi-stage tooling depending on their area of interest and the employer needs. Employers may support additional training in automated systems, precision grinding, or non-destructive testing.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 42 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles like toolmaker, die maintenance technician, or precision machinist, with progression into engineering technician status, advanced manufacturing roles, or degree-level apprenticeships.

For a comprehensive understanding of this Toolmaker and Tool and Die Maintenance Technician programme and what it entails, please click here.

This Toolmaker and Tool and Die Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on a day release basis each week, with the delivery model being discussed according to the employer requirements. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 42 months to complete, with the potential to progress on to the Higher Apprenticeship on completion.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk