Machine Shop - Tool and Die Apprenticeship

Program Overview

Machine Shop - Tool and Die Apprenticeship

Program Details

• Program: TDAP
• Credential: Ontario College Certificate
• Delivery: Full-time
• Work Integrated Learning: Apprentice Placement
• Length: 720 hours
• Effective: Fall 2025
• Location: Barrie

Description

A Tool and Die Maker designs, creates, repairs and tests prototypes and production tools such as dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges and specialty tools using various metals, alloys and plastics. This 720-hour program consisting of three 240-hour levels is designed to provide apprentices with the theoretical knowledge of all aspects of the tool and die maker trade, as well as practical training necessary to complement the on-the-job training experience.

Tool and Die Maker is a trade regulated by the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009. Qualified individuals may obtain a Certificate of Qualification, which confirms its holder has the skills, knowledge and experience that meet industry standards of practice for the trade.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program may be employed in small machining shops or in advanced 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:

1. solve routine technical problems related to shop environments using a variety of systematic approaches;
2. interpret and produce basic graphics and other standard technical documents necessary for the routine installation, maintenance, repair, and manufacture of components;
3. complete all work in compliance with health and safety legislation and prescribed organizational practices and procedures to ensure safety of self and others;
4. perform basic technical measurements using appropriate tools;
5. use shop tools and equipment for basic installation, manufacture, and repair of components to required specifications;
6. work responsibly and effectively within a shop environment in accordance with appropriate practices and procedures;
7. develop and implement a plan for CNC programming;
8. perform procedures for linear and circular machining in manufacturing;
9. perform various machining procedures, such as milling, turning and cutting according to plan;
10. design and fabricate jibs, fixtures, and press die tooling according to required specifications.

External Recognition

Upon successful completion of their Level 3 in school training, 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 this Red Seal 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

An apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker, or trainer. The skills or competencies to be developed are set out by the trade’s Apprenticeship Training Standard and are recognized by the industry as being essential to the practice of the trade.

As these essential skills are developed, the apprentice’s sponsor or trainer signs the relevant sections of the training standard to indicate that the apprentice has met the individual training objectives by demonstrating the skills required of a skilled worker, or journeyperson, in the trade.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all three levels to receive a certificate.

• Tool and Die Maker Apprentice Level 1 - Basic (TDAB)
• Tool and Die Maker Apprentice Level 2 - Intermediate (TDAI)
• Tool and Die Maker Apprentice Level 3 - Advanced (TDAA)

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 (TDAB)

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 (TDAI)

Plan of Study Grid Program Courses| Hours ---|--- TDAI 1000 | Applied Trade Calculations, Charts, Tables | 30 TDAI 1001 | Engineering Drawings/CAD Data | 30 TDAI 1002 | Metallurgy:Jig/Fix Components | 12 TDAI 1007 | Ram/Sink EDM Technology | 6 TDAI 1009 | Tooling Techy (Jig/Fixtures) | 12 TDAI 1016 | Metrology (Measuring/Checking) | 6 TDAI 1017 | Turning Technology | 6 TDAI 1018 | Milling Technology | 12 TDAI 1019 | Grinding Technology | 21 TDAI 1020 | Machining Centre CNC Techy | 24 TDAI 1021 | Tooling Assembly Techniques for Jig and Fixtures | 18 TDAI 1022 | Jig and Fixture Building | 63 | Hours| 240 | Total Hours| 240

Level 3 - Advanced (TDAA)

Plan of Study Grid Program Courses| Hours ---|--- TDAA 1003 | Metrology (Measuring/Checking) | 6 TDAA 1017 | Complex Engineering Drawings | 30 TDAA 1018 | Metallurgy of Tool or Die Components | 12 TDAA 1025 | Appl Trade Calc,Charts,Tables | 24 TDAA 1026 | CNC Tecy for OptA adn OptB | 30 TDAA 1027 | Stamping Technology | 21 TDAA 1028 | Mech Assembly Technology | 30 TDAA 1029 | Tooling/Die Bldg Tchy/Proc | 87 | Hours| 240 | Total Hours| 240