Program Overview

The Tool and Die Maker (430A) apprenticeship program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. You'll learn to design, create, repair and test prototypes and production tools such as dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges and specialty tools using various metals, alloys and plastics.

Program Details

Program Code
TDM2S
Credential:
Ontario College Certificate

Your Learning Experience

The modern manufacturing process is hardworking and sophisticated and as such, the modern machinist needs an up-to-date toolkit to be respected and qualified. The Tool and Die Maker (430A) apprenticeship program allows you to combine training with earning power, where you’ll mix workplace-based training under the direction of experienced workers with short stints in the classroom or in an online training environment.

 

As a tool and die maker, you'll read and interpret complex engineering drawings; design, build and repair dies, forms, cutting tools, gauges, jigs and fixtures; build precision dies, tools and prototypes; and use conventional and numerically controlled metal-cutting and forming machines and equipment.

 

If you like to work with your hands, and like to see what you’ve created at the end of a long day, this program is for you. You’ll graduate a skilled craftsperson who can modify and repair custom, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs and fixtures, with pride and confidence in your work and your toolkit.

 

This apprenticeship program typically takes four years to complete and consists of 7,280 hours of on-the-job training/work experience and 720 hours of in-school training by skilled, licensed journeypersons.

 

Your in-school training will cover:

  • applied trade safety practices
  • applied trade calculations, charts and tables
  • engineering drawings/computer-aided design data and layout processes
  • metallurgy (science of metals) of jig and fixture components
  • metrology (science of measuring and checking)

Your on-the-job training will teach you how to:

  • protect yourself and others
  • plan and prepare for machining job
  • perform work-in-process dimensional or surface verification
  • perform benchwork
  • perform sawing

Admissions

This is an apprenticeship program. You cannot apply to this program through ontariocolleges.ca. Applicants need a sponsor/employer. Your sponsor/employer must register you with:

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Apprenticeship/Client Services
72-1200 Commissioners Road East 
London, Ontario, N5Z 4R3 
519-675-7788
MLITSD is responsible for scheduling your in-school training at Fanshawe College.

 

Learn More

 

Career Information

Graduates of Fanshawe’s Tool and Die Maker program can pursue creative and rewarding careers supporting a variety of industries, including mining, automotive, aircraft, manufacturing, research institutions as:

  • tool and die makers
  • mould makers
  • pattern makers
  • industrial mechanics
  • machinists
  • tool/tooling maker
  • machine tool builder
  • general machinist

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? 

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Tool and Die Maker (Block and Day Release) [Apprenticeship] program:

Pattern Maker
Translate blueprints and design models into factory patterns used to mass-produce products such as shoes, clothing, furniture or plasticware. 

Tool and Die Maker

Create, repair and modify custom-made tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges which require precise dimensions, using various metals, alloys and plastics.

Learning Outcomes

 

Academic School

Program Coordinator:

Jeff Walker

Open House Graphic

Specially-trained Fanshawe staff and students will tour you around the campus viewing key student spaces to provide you with a better understanding of the full student experience.

Register for Open House

International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.

Courses

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
SFTY-1052Applied Trade Safety Practices1
This course is designed to cover the rules and regulations an apprentice must be aware of when working in an industrial machine shop in Ontario. Portions of the legislation in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) will be reviewed.
MACH-1159Metallurgy1
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to describe metal characteristics and properties, metal manufacturing processes, and systems of classification and identification
MACH-1156Benchworking Techniques1
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to apply benchworking techniques and to operate tools and equipment to fit and assemble components
MACH-1158Metal Cutting Saw Technology1
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to operate metal cutting saws to cut and shape workpieces.
MACH-1157Drilling Technology1
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to operate drill presses/machines to drill, counterbore, countersink, spotface, deburr, ream and tap work pieces
MACH-1161Turning Technology2
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to operate a lathe to parallel turn and face; centre drill, parallel turn to a shoulder; turn external tapers or angles; cut chamfers and external crew threads and drill and ream.
MACH-1162Vertical Milling Technology2
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to operate vertical milling machines to mill surfaces, shapes, and forms, counter bore/spot face holes; and drill holes
MACH-1163Surface Grinding Technology1
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to operate surface grinding machines to surface grind horizontal, vertical, and angular flat and parallel surfaces.
MACH-1160Metrology-Measuring & Checking2
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to operate, and interpret readings of direct/indirect linear measuring instruments
MATH-1190Applied Trade Calculations3
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to apply mathematical principles to trade-specific applications
DRAF-1061Engineering Drawings3
This course is designed to enable the apprentice to interpret engineered documentation and to perform sketching procedures
View all courses

Contact/Questions