72101

Tool and die makers

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 721 › 7210

Definition

Tool and die makers make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They are employed primarily in manufacturing industries such as automobile, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Tool and die makers
Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
Prepare templates and sketches, and determine work processes
Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
Set up, operate and maintain a variety of conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape workpiece to prescribed dimensions and finish
Verify machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as verniers, callipers, micrometers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
Test completed tools, dies, jigs or fixtures for proper operation
May program CNC machine tools.
Metal mould makers and patternmakers
Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape such as metal patterns, core boxes and match plates
Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes
Lay out, shape and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models or templates
May program CNC machine tools.

Example job titles

•die finisher
•die maker
•jig maker
•metal mould maker
•metal patternmaker
•metal patternmaker apprentice
•mould maker - plastics processing
•mould maker apprentice

Overview

Tool and die makers (NOC 72101) play a vital role in Canada's manufacturing sector by crafting, repairing, and modifying custom-made tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges. Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, this occupation is classified under TEER 2, which requires specific vocational training or apprenticeship. Typical duties include reading blueprints, setting up and operating conventional or computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, and hand-fitting parts to precise tolerances.

To work in Canada as a tool and die maker, candidates typically require completion of secondary school along with a four- to five-year apprenticeship program, or a combination of over five years of industry experience coupled with relevant trade courses. Trade certification is available but voluntary in most provinces, and obtaining a Red Seal endorsement highly benefits employment prospects. For immigration, NOC 72101 is eligible for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for skilled trades.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.