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Toolmaker
Toolmakers make the precision tools that are used in manufacturing to create products and parts.
Average salary (a year)
£15000
Starter
£33000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
44.0 to 46.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
search for courses|/find-a-course
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
Apprenticeship
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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You can start as an engineering operative in a workshop or factory and do further training on the job to specialise in toolmaking.
More Information
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
Skills and knowledge
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
On a typical day you could
work with 2D and 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing software (CAD/CAM), mark out tool designs on a 'stock' or casting following engineering plans, cut and shape tools with lathes, presses and cutting machines, enter settings into computer controlled machines, check dimensions with measuring instruments like micrometers, carry out basic machine maintenance
Working environment
You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Your working environment may be noisy.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
You could become a workshop supervisor, train to carry out machine maintenance or move into quality control.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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