Toolmaking Apprenticeship

Campus Locations

Phase 4 and Phase 6 of the Carpentry & Joinery apprenticeship are facilitated at the following ATU campus locations:

ATU Sligo

Course Content

A Toolmaker is a skilled worker who produces and maintains precision tools used in the production of metal, plastic and other materials of all shapes and sizes. The work of a toolmaker involves interpreting drawings and technical data to machine and assemble jigs, fixtures, moulding tools, dies and punches. Care and attention to detail and high precision are the hallmark of toolmaking.

Toolmakers work to high specifications and quality requirements to produce machine tools used in manufacturing. Manufacturing industries use the tools to make a diverse range of parts and products. Toolmakers also make moulds to form shapes, jigs to guide cutters or hold a part in place, and dies, which are shaped blocks that are used to cut, stamp or press materials. Toolmakers require many skills including:

• Accuracy with measurements and calculations
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings to plan the production of a given part or product in accordance with manufacturers specifications
• Operating a range of milling and boring machinery, lathes and CNC equipment in the manufacture of parts and products based on the drawings specified
• Assembling of manufactured parts ensuring correct and accurate assembly of finished components
• Use of a range of hand and power tools
• Testing finished product and assessing for accuracy in accordance with specified drawings
• Implementing all relevant health and safety legislation in their work practices
• Use of manufacturing machinery and measuring equipment

Why choose a Toolmaking Apprenticeship?

Please include a heading and one sentence of text for each below:

1. Gain an Internationally Recognised Qualification: An apprenticeship in Toolmaking in Ireland is internationally recognised and can be your passport to guaranteed work across the world.
2. Career Progression: There are wonderful opportunities for those interested in progressing their career following completion of their apprenticeship. For more information on opportunities for progression here at ATU, please visit www.atu.ie
3. QQI Qualification: On successful completion you will be a fully qualified Toolmaking craftsperson with a QQI level 6 advanced craft certificate qualification

Careers

Areas that a Toolmaker could end up specialising in might include:

Toolmakers are precision maintenance technicians that work on highly accurate tools which are used in the manufacture of plastic and metal parts usually in the press, moulding and extrusion industries. Often Toolmakers go on to become precision Engineers, Design Engineers, Mechanical and Maintenance Engineers.

Who should apply?

 Choosing an apprenticeship in any trade is a very individual decision. However, attending university can often be quite expensive, with many students opting to undertake part-time jobs to cover their cost of living. In this regard, apprenticeships can be an excellent option as working is part of their educational pursuits.

Adding to this, an apprenticeship could also be appealing to someone who struggled in academia. Some people learn more while doing the task at hand, meaning this could be a better way to further their education.

Contact

Padraig McGarry
Head of Department, Engineering Technology, ATU Sligo
Tel: + 353 (0)71 93 05483