TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY
Tools used with judgment
CNC and manual machine tools, surface and cylindrical grinders, EDM and wire EDM equipment, precision gauges and coordinate measuring machines, bench fitting, spotting and polishing tools.
THE CORE OF THE WORK
Inspect. Diagnose. Repair. Improve.
A Mould Maker:
Not every Mould Maker performs every task. The mix changes with the employer, sector, workplace, equipment and level of responsibility.
- Reads and interprets complex engineering drawings and work-process documentation
- Designs, builds, and repairs moulds and models used to mass produce plastic or metal components or products
- Builds precision mould components using conventional and numerically controlled metal-cutting machines and equipment including saws, drills, grinders, lathes, mills, and EDMs
- Performs work-in-process measuring or checking using specialized and precision tools and equipment
WORKING CONDITIONS
Understand the environment
heavy steel components and rigging; sharp tools, chips and moving machinery; fine tolerances and expensive materials; oils, coolants and grinding dust; deadline pressure during tryout and production repair.
SAFETY FIRST
Learn the hazards before the task
Training, supervision, safe procedures, appropriate PPE and stopping when conditions are uncertain are essential. Requirements vary by workplace and assignment.
STRENGTHS THAT GROW
Skill develops through practice.
precisionmechanical reasoningpatiencetroubleshootingdrawing interpretation
ADVANCED SPECIALIZATIONS
One trade can lead to very different work.
These are advanced work directions within or adjacent to Mould Maker, not promises of separate credentials or pay. Requirements vary by employer, equipment, experience and any additional training or authorization.
Injection moulds
Build and fit cores, cavities, slides, lifters and ejection systems.
Compression and blow mould tooling
Produce tooling for different plastics processes, pressures and part geometries.
High-precision medical moulds
Control dimensions, finish, documentation and repeatability for regulated products.
Multi-cavity production tooling
Match cavities and systems so many parts form consistently in each cycle.
Tryout and troubleshooting
Diagnose flash, short shots, sticking, cooling and alignment problems at the press.
Repair and preventive maintenance
Restore damaged or worn tooling and prevent unplanned production stops.
Toolroom leadership
Advance into estimating, project management, supervision or shop ownership.
EVIDENCE BASE
Sources & verification
Regulated, numerical and time-sensitive claims link to the authority used. Accessed and reviewed August 25, 2026.
Skilled Trades Ontario — Mould Maker ↗Official scope, duties, training and certificationGovernment of Canada Job Bank — Ontario wages ↗Ontario low, median and high employee wage benchmarkSkilled Trades Ontario — Start an apprenticeship ↗Eligibility, sponsors and registrationOntario — OYAP ↗High-school apprenticeship pathway
Why might this career fit me?