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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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72101.02 – Metal mould makers and patternmakers

Metal mould makers and patternmakers make, modify and repair custom-made moulds and foundry patterns, using various metals, alloys and plastics used for the mass production of industrial and consumer plastic and metal products.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Metal mould maker
  • Metal patternmaker
  • Mould maker apprentice

Core competencies

  • Quality Control Testing to ensure functionality of moulds or patterns, verifying dimensional accuracy and material quality, to meet production standards
  • Operation and Control to operate machines, such as grinders, drill presses and lathes, to make precise metal castings
  • Spatial Visualization to interpret two-dimensional mould and pattern designs and blueprints and translate them into three-dimensional objects
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness to steadily carve, cut and shape materials like metals, alloys and plastics to create intricate molds and patterns
  • Attention to Detail to ensure molds and patterns are manufactured to the required standards by meticulously following design specifications and dimensions
  • Knowledge in Technical Design to understand technical design, to be able to interpret basic specifications and make minor adjustments to molds and patterns based on standard guidelines

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape such as metal patterns, core boxes and match plates
  • Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes
  • Lay out, shape and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models or templates
  • May program CNC machine tools.

Additional information

  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Foundry workers (94101)
  • Machining tool operators (94106)
  • Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (72100)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

72 – Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers

Sub-major group

721 – Technical industrial trades

Minor group

7210 – Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades

Unit group

72101 – Tool and die makers

Occupational profile

72101.02 – Metal mould makers and patternmakers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.