"The most rewarding aspect of working as a tool and die maker is the unlimited
potential of the manufacturing/problem-solving skills you will acquire," says
Brian Weber, a certified tool and die maker.
"These skills will give you a heads-up on the competition in many fields
in the future, not only tool and die making." Weber spent many years supervising
the manufacturing of tooling for the automotive industry. He's now the V.P.
of operations for Greenbug Energy Inc.
Tool and die makers have to do precise work in conditions that are often
demanding. A lot of other people rely on the work of tool and die makers.
"The most challenging aspect of the work is the constant looming deadline,"
says Weber. "And believe me, there is a completion date for all tools -- they
simply have to be done before the deadline date.
"You can't hold up production for a major auto manufacturer and expect
to stay in business. If you are not building new tooling, the urgent need
to repair damaged tooling is equally important."
Ken Ellis worked as a tool and die maker for about 15 years. "I took machine
shop in high school and loved making things out of metal," he says. "When
I graduated I took a job as an apprentice tool and die maker."
During his time as a tool and die maker Ellis had the opportunity to program
CNC (computer numerical control) machines, supervise tool room employees,
and work as a senior process engineering technician. He then took his current
job as a technology professor.
"Every time I completed building a die or mold I was amazed at what I had
accomplished," says Ellis. "If I later saw the parts the die or mold
made, it was a bonus. I loved building things and still do."
Christine Zimmerman is a professor of machining. She's also a journeyman
mold maker.
"I didn't take shop classes in high school so I went to community college
first to gain some skills," says Zimmerman. "I signed up as an apprentice
and completed an 8,000-hour apprenticeship. I then wrote an exam and earned
a 'Certificate of Qualification' or my journeyman's papers."
In addition to her teaching role, Zimmerman is the coordinator of the
machining and welding programs at her college.
"Students are attracted (to the machining program) because they like the
challenge, enjoy learning new skills continuously, value career advancement
and good wages, and they like the idea of being in a skilled trade," says
Zimmerman.
Tool and die makers are members of a team. This makes the ability to communicate
an essential tool in the tool and die maker's toolbox. "Communication skills
are very important in today's collaborative work environment," says Zimmerman.
"Talking to team members, reading or writing documents or emails, interpreting
prints or CAD (computer-aided design) drawings and reviewing manuals are just
a few of the tasks which require good communication skills."
Zimmerman offers the following advice for a young person considering a
career as a tool and die maker:
"There are some great opportunities in advanced manufacturing and I know
people who have advanced quickly through hard work and determination," she
says. "Be open to change, excited by technology and willing to explore."