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What a toolmaker does
A toolmaker produces and maintains the tooling that other machines and processes rely on — cutting tools, press dies, moulds, jigs and fixtures. The role works to fine tolerances, turning drawings into accurate, durable tooling.
It is a highly skilled, precision role that combines machining, fitting and problem-solving. Day to day it involves reading drawings, operating machine tools, hand-fitting, measuring to tight tolerances and proving and adjusting tooling until it performs.
Core responsibilities
- Interpreting engineering drawings and tooling specifications.
- Machining, grinding and hand-fitting tool components.
- Building, assembling and proving dies, moulds, jigs and fixtures.
- Measuring to fine tolerances with precision instruments.
- Repairing, refurbishing and maintaining existing tooling.
- Recording work and supporting production trials.
- Following workshop and machine-safety procedures.
Skills and qualities
- Excellent precision and patience with fine tolerances.
- Strong drawing literacy and spatial reasoning.
- Competence across machining, grinding and hand-fitting.
- Comfort with precision measuring instruments.
- Methodical problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Relevant trade qualifications or apprenticeship background where required.
- Strong workshop-safety awareness.
Typical employers and settings
- Tool, die and mould-making businesses.
- Precision-engineering and machining workshops.
- Automotive, aerospace and component manufacturers.
- Plastics, pressing and forming producers.
- In-house tool rooms within manufacturing sites.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly or through staffing and recruitment agencies.
- Screening looks at toolmaking experience, drawing literacy and right to work.
- Interviews are practical and may include a machining or measuring exercise.
- Relevant qualifications or apprenticeship background are confirmed where required.
- Onboarding covers the tool room, machines, tolerances and safety rules.
Documents involved
- A job description listing the tooling, machines and tolerances involved.
- Proof of relevant trade qualifications or apprenticeship where applicable.
- An employment contract or agency assignment terms.
- Right-to-work and identity checks as required in the jurisdiction.
- A training and safety-induction record.
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