Program Overview
Machine Shop - Mould Maker Apprenticeship
Program Details
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Delivery
Full-time
Work Integrated Learning
Apprentice Placement
Length
720 hours
Effective
Fall 2025
Location
Barrie
Description
This 720-hour program consisting of three levels is designed to provide the apprentice with theoretical knowledge of all aspects of the Mould Maker trade as well as practical training necessary to complement on-the-job training experience for entry level positions in specific machining, tool & mould environments.
Career Opportunities
Mould Makers make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special molds, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They are employed primarily in manufacturing industries such as automobile, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers.
Graduates of this program may be employed in small machining shops or in Tool & Mould manufacturing industries where they read and interpret complex engineering drawings and work-process documentation; cut, shape, and finish metal to make precision machining parts and components; and set up and operate conventional and numerically controlled metal-cutting machines and equipment.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- solve trade-specific problems using a variety of mathematical related calculations and functions/formulas;
- interpret and produce basic graphics and other standard technical documents necessary for the routine installation, maintenance, repair, and manufacture of components;
- complete all work in compliance with health and safety legislation and prescribed organizational practices and procedures to ensure safety of self and others;
- perform basic technical measurements using appropriate tools;
- use shop tools and equipment for basic installation, manufacture, and repair of components to required specifications;
- work responsibly and effectively within a shop environment in accordance with appropriate practices and procedures;
- develop and implement a plan for CNC programming;
- perform procedures for linear and circular machining in manufacturing;
- perform various machining procedures, such as milling, turning and cutting according to specifications;
- design and fabricate a working compression mould according to required specifications;
- design and fabricate a working injection mould according to required specifications.
External Recognition
Upon completing an apprenticeship, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will issue an individual a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Upon meeting the College’s registration requirements, the individual may apply to become certified and registered as a journeyperson in the trade.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status
- Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development
Additional Information
Upon successful completion of their Level 3 in school training, these apprentices must complete the remainder of the required skills outlined in the Training Standard Log Book to qualify for their Apprenticeship Certificate. Thereafter, they are eligible to write their Certificate of Qualifications exam for Mould Maker. Graduates may be able to receive credit toward further education in related post secondary diploma, advanced diploma, or degree programs.
Graduation Requirements
Students must successfully complete all three levels to receive a certificate.
- Mould Maker Level 1- Basic (MMAB)
- Mould Maker Level 2 - Intermediate (MMAI)
- Mould Maker Level 3 - Advanced (MMAA)
Graduation Eligibility
Students must successfully complete all required courses as noted below. Further details, if applicable, are noted under "Additional Information" above.
Program Tracking
Level 1- Basic (MMAB)
Plan of Study Grid Program Courses| Hours ---|--- GMTD 1003 | Applied Trade Safety Practices | 6 GMTD 1007 | Metal Cutting Saw Technology | 6 GMTD 1012 | Applied Trade Calculations, Charts, and Tables | 42 GMTD 1013 | Engineering Drawings/CAD Data/Layout Processes | 42 GMTD 1014 | Metallurgy | 12 GMTD 1015 | Metrology (Measuring and Checking) | 24 GMTD 1016 | Benchworking Techniques | 12 GMTD 1017 | Drilling Technology | 12 GMTD 1018 | Turning Technology | 36 GMTD 1019 | Vertical Milling Technology | 36 GMTD 1020 | Surface Grinding Technology | 12 | Hours| 240 | Total Hours| 240
Level 2 - Intermediate (MMAI)
Plan of Study Grid Program Courses| Hours ---|--- MMAI 1000 | Applied Trade Calculations, Charts, Tables | 24 MMAI 1001 | Engineering Drawings/CAD Data | 30 MMAI 1002 | Metallurgy of Mould Components | 12 MMAI 1003 | Metrology (Measuring/Checking) | 6 MMAI 1004 | Turning Technology/Mould Comp | 6 MMAI 1005 | Milling Technology/Mould Comp | 18 MMAI 1006 | Grinding Technology/Mould Comp | 18 MMAI 1007 | Electrical Discharge Machining Technology | 12 MMAI 1008 | NC/CNC Technology for Machining Centres | 24 MMAI 1009 | Thermo-set Moulding Processes | 24 MMAI 1010 | Thermo-set Mould-Building Processes and Techniques | 60 MMAI 1011 | Mould Hand-Finishing and Polishing Techniques | 6 | Hours| 240 | Total Hours| 240
Level 3 - Advanced (MMAA)
Plan of Study Grid Program Courses| Hours ---|--- MMAA 1004 | Applied Trade Calculations, Charts, Tables | 18 MMAA 1005 | Complex Eng Drawings/CAD Data | 18 MMAA 1006 | Metallurgy Of Mould Components | 6 MMAA 1007 | Metrology (Measuring/Checking) | 6 MMAA 1012 | CNC Tech-Machining Centres | 24 MMAA 1016 | Ram/Sink Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) Technology | 30 MMAA 1017 | Thermoplastic Injection Moulding and Die-Casting Mould Processes | 24 MMAA 1018 | Building Processes and Techniques for Thermoplastic Injection Moulds and Die-Casting Moulds | 84 MMAA 1019 | Final-Finish/Polishing/Engrav | 30 | Hours| 240 | Total Hours| 240
