Tool and die makers
Tool and die makers make, repair and modify custom-made prototype and special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions.
Moderate
Market Demand
TEER 2
Skill Level
QC, AB, BC
Top Provinces
What They Do
- 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.
Qualifications
- checkCompletion of secondary school is usually required.
- checkCompletion of a four- or five-year tool and die making apprenticeship program ora combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in tool and die making is usually required to be eligible for tool and die trade certification.
- checkTool and die maker trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
- checkRed Seal endorsement is also available to qualified tool and die makers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Market Outlook by Province
Quebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for tool and die makers (NOC 72101) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about tool and die makers in Quebec: Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation. Tool and die makers mainly work in the following sectors: Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 18%Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 11%Plastics and rubber products manufacturing (NAICS 326): 11%Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 9%Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 8% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 93% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations71% of tool and die makers work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of tool and die makers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 85% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 15% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 16% compared to 12% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 19% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 45% compared to 19% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Alberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for tool and die makers (NOC 72101) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Moderate job opportunities for the forecast period due to cost-cutting measures, automation and offshoring.Employment turnover is expected to increase as members retire over the next few years.Here are some key facts about tool and die makers in Alberta: Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Tool and die makers mainly work in the following sectors: Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 21%Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 19%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 14%Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 8%Construction (NAICS 23): 7% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 84% compared to 80% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 16% compared to 20% for all occupations57% of tool and die makers work all year, while 42% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.16% of tool and die makers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 27% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 40% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 21% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
British Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for tool and die makers (NOC 72101) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about tool and die makers in British Columbia: Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Tool and die makers mainly work in the following sectors: Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 17%Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 16%Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 7%Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 7%Plastics and rubber products manufacturing (NAICS 326): 7% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 89% compared to 78% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 11% compared to 22% for all occupations54% of tool and die makers work all year, while 46% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.17% of tool and die makers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 93% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 7% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 33% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 25% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 22% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 2 occupations require college education or apprenticeship training and qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Express Entry (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 72101 openings right now.
DBG Canada
2 active roles · Mississauga, ON
Kwik Lok
1 active role · Cambridge, ON
2798216 - Accessing Career Site URL is Redirecting to SAP Website - Recruiting Marketing & Recruiting Management
1 active role · Woodbridge, ON
Airbus
1 active role · Mirabel, QC
Nasg
1 active role · Woodstock, ON
DBG Canada Limited
1 active role · Mississauga, ON
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