How to Become a Mold Assembler

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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A mold assembler is a person who designs, cleans and repairs molds to be used in the production of things like cars or construction machinery. Mold assemblers also put together the blueprint of what will later become a basic mold. Depending on the industry, this can involve design using complex computer systems or it can mean adapting existing molds. Here's how to become a mold assembler

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Take lab classes and hands-on workshops in school or college. Courses like drawing, technology, construction and design are also useful, as they help you develop analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Step2

Consider informal apprenticeships or job-shadowing experiences as a way to get started in this career. Most employers prefer workers with practical experience, so it's important to have that in your resume. Even short internships with local companies or unions are better than no experience at all when you are looking to become a mold assembler.

Step3

Look into the local Foundry Mold Assembly and Shakeout Workers union to find what opportunities are available in your state. The union can be located throughout the Chamber of Commerce in your city (it has no official website) and can be used as a resource to find both educational and employment opportunities.

Step4

Start as an assistant mold assembler if you have no experience or no previous knowledge about the industry. Advancement opportunities abound and it takes an average of only one year to move from laborer to mold assembler. Those with more years of experience eventually become master assembler, a title that denotes they are able to work without supervision. This position is based more on design than in simple repairs.

Step5

Consider becoming a journeyman, a title given to those who complete a 4-year apprenticeship that includes tool and die techniques, mold making and drafting. This type of program emphasizes independent thinking, so that a mold assembler can eventually work on his own by creating and selling original mold designs.

Tips & Warnings

Discipline and communication skills are essential to this profession, as many mold assemblers must either work in groups or under the direction of managers. Being able to understand and follow instructions properly is key to creating the right type of product.
Be aware that mold assemblers may work in missile construction, sewer pipes and car parts, among many other fields.