Tool and Die Apprenticeship
About the Career
Tool and die makers are vital to the metalworking industry because they produce the tools, dies, and special grinding and holding devices used in mass production. The Tool and Die Apprenticeship program is an employer-sponsored, hands-on training program. If you like working with mechanical technology/manufacturing processes and you value and can work with exacting precision, your talents fit perfectly with a career as a journey-level tool and die maker. According to U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for tool and die makers are expected to be plentiful well into the next decade.
About this apprenticeship
Hours
The Tool and Die Apprenticeship requires 10,000 work hours - 9,424 on the job and 576 in paid-related instruction. In addition, 8 hours of unpaid-related night school is required.
Wages
To get an idea of current wages in the construction trades, visit www.newbt.org. You can get an idea of what other Lakeshore program graduates are paid by reviewing the Lakeshore graduate follow-up survey.
Costs
Approximate costs include tuition ($2,800) and books ($1,100).
Employers
Companies in the Lakeshore district who currently employ Tool and Die include:
- Alaark Tooling & Automation Inc.
- AMMO Inc.
- American Orthodontics
- Ariens Company
- Federal Mogul Piston Rings, LLC
- Jagemann Stamping Co.
- Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing
- Nemak
- The Vollrath Co. LLC
Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, you will receive:
- A Certificate of Completion of paid-related Instruction from Lakeshore
- A Certificate of Completion of the Apprenticeship from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
- A Journeyworker card from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
- Eligibility to transfer 39 credits into a Journeyworker Technical Studies Associate Degree
What are the steps to apply?
Step 1:
You must have a sponsoring employer before receiving an apprentice contract and being invited to school. Discuss with your employer your desire to enter the apprenticeship for this trade. Your employer should contact the local Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR) and discuss next steps and procedures. The ATR for our area is:
Ryan Herber - Apprenticeship Training Representative
Lakeshore Technical College
1290 North Avenue
Cleveland, WI 53015-1414
Work: 920.693.1102
Email: ryan.herber1@dwd.wisconsin.gov
Step 2:
Specifics for the apprenticeship contract are worked out between you, your employer, and the ATR (Apprenticeship Training Representative).
Step 3:
Once everything is in order, a Wisconsin Apprentice Contract is issued and you will than be invited to school.
