The Average Apprenticeship to Become a Journeyman Mold Maker

Apprentice mold makers must learn to work with different shop machinery.

Mold makers are highly skilled members of the tool and die making profession. They create molds used for casting metal, plaster and clay objects using fiberglass, rubber, plaster, patterns, flasks and casting machines. They then remove the hardened molds and seal joints. They can learn their trade through apprenticeships.

High School

Apprenticeship requirements for mold makers vary by state, but apprentices typically must be at least 18 and programs generally require a high school diploma or equivalent. Those interested in the profession can take subjects that increase skill with hands such as art; provide understanding of metals and other materials such as technology, building trades and vocational education; provide knowledge of written instructions and diagrams such as communications and technical drawing; and give a foundation in physical science and math, such as with physics, trigonometry and geometry. More advanced programs demand an associate degree in machining technology, or at least two years' experience in a mold-making or machine shop environment.

Basics

Apprenticeships to become a journeyman mold maker typically last three to five years and are administered by corporations or state programs. For example, the Washington State program for Saint-Gobain Containers lasts four years of full-time employment, which equals about 8,000 hours. Apprentices work the same hours as and receive supervision by a journeyman trainer who is on the job site at least 75 percent of the time. Depending on the level of skills they acquire, apprentices receive pay that is 82 to 89 percent of journeyman wages. The higher wages are due in the last year of training.

Training

Only registered apprentices are allowed to perform the training processes needed to become journeymen mold makers. Nearly half of the work involves repairing blanks, molds and neck rings, according to the Saint-Gobain Containers Moldmaker Apprenticeship Committee in Washington. A quarter of the time is spent on lathes, mills, deckels and other shop machinery. Less than 6 percent of training is spent in welding, and another 6 percent is for working with an inspector. The remaining 15 percent is spent on miscellaneous shop tasks. The apprentice must also undergo some supplemental instruction that is neither paid for nor considered work. This includes learning safe work practices, supervised field trips and classroom work at community or technical colleges.

Responsibilities

Apprentices who want to become journeyman mold makers must diligently perform all work assigned to them. They typically must also purchase the tools of their trade, such as calipers, dividers and hammers, and a toolbox to contain them. Once apprentices complete all work hours to state and employer standards, they become journeymen, entitled to full wages and privileges of the profession. Those who do not fulfill the requirements may suffer disciplinary action, which can include postponing advancement to the next level or termination of the apprenticeship. States have complaint and appeal procedures to deal with disciplinary decisions.

References

• Occupational Information Network: Mold Makers
• Michigan Jobs & Career Portal: Mold Maker/Coremaker (Metal) Education and Preparation Opportunities
• CACO Pacific Corporation: Mold Maker Apprenticeship Program
• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: Saint-Gobain Containers Mold Maker Standards of Apprenticeship