Toolmakers
Job description
These individuals create, maintain, and repair custom tools. They work in factories and manufacturing and machine shops.
Environment
- Controlled ambient temperature
- Equipment, machinery, tools
- Odours
- Hazardous workplaces
- Noise
- Falling objects
Main tasks
- Read and interpret drawings of tools, dies, prototypes, and models.
- Measure, place, and mark metal blocks or workpieces.
- Produce samples to ensure the quality of the parts.
- Plan the assembly sequence of the parts that make up the tooling.
- Make adjustments to workpieces and tools using various machine tools.
- Assemble tools.
- Produce verification and test reports.
- Target and set aside items that do not conform to standards.
- Supervise staff, as required.
- Specialize, as required, in one of the following types of manufacturing:
- Tool cutting
- Production templates
- Inspection gauges
Advancement and mobility
- Experience leads to senior or supervisory positions.
Training and requirements
Formation
Most training programs are offered in French only.
Secondary
Sometimes required
- Experience on conventional and numerically controlled machine tools is often required.
WAP
This occupation is targeted by Workplace Apprenticeship Programs
Main skills and characteristics
Skills
- Data collection
- Information processing
- Operations and control
- Quality control analysis
- Critical thought
- Monitoring operations
- Active listening
- Judgment and decision-making
- Equipment selection
Abilities
- Near vision
- Visualization
- Awareness of issues
- Verbal skills
- Classification
- Written comprehension
- Oral comprehension
- Digital dexterity
- Information organization
- Control accuracy
- Manual dexterity
- Deductive reasoning
- Hand-arm stability
- Selective attention
- Inductive reasoning
- Speech recognition
Knowledge and attributes
- Capacity to work under pressure
- Critical thinking
- Autonomy
- Capacity to work in a team
- Rigour
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of computer science, digital and electronics
- Sense of observation
- Knowledge of design
- Knowledge of mechanics
Interests
- Create, design
- Make, build, install
- Make technical plans and drawings
- Conduct tests and trials, control processes
Personality profiles (RIASEC)
- Realistic
- People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
- Investigative
- People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
- Social
- People with this profile prefer to be in contact with others, in particular to entertain, help or teach them.
Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)
Tool and die makers (CNP 72101)
Skill type
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Last update: January 29, 2026
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