Toolmaker and Tool and Die Maintenance Technician Standard – Level 3
Introduction

Toolmakers and Tool & Die Maintenance Technicians are predominantly involved in the highly skilled, complex and specialist detailed work of manufacturing and maintaining the engineering tooling used to produce components, products and assemblies. These products, assemblies and systems affect all of our daily lives, whether it be for travel such as cars, planes, boats and rail energy, defence, food, clothing, packaging and health including medical equipment, devices and implants such as joint replacements. This requires the application of a broad range of activities including the interpretation of engineering drawings and technical instructions and the use of hand, machine and automated computer controlled machine tools and measuring equipment.

Technicians must comply with applicable legislation and organisational safety requirements and be expected to work both individually and as part of a manufacturing team, working with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying ways to improve the business. They will be expected to test and adjust the systems they have built or maintained ensuring tooling, jigs, fixtures and assemblies meet the required specification. This requires the application of a broad range of skills, knowledge and occupational behaviours across a range of engineering disciplines.

Progression 

  • Professional Toolmaker Programme – 20 week full time programme
  • Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4  

             (For candidates in an appropriate job roles) 

 

Functional skills must be completed prior to started the programme 

1 week induction covering the below workshops and qualifications 

  • Programme induction 
  • IOSH working safely 
  • Reading engineering drawings 
  • Abrasive wheels 
  • Manual handling 
  • Safeguarding, equality and diversity 

Length of programme  

Full time pathway – 31 months plus gateway and EPA 

Part Time pathway – 36 months plus gateway and EPA 

 

Practical workshop topics/units covered 

Full time length of course: 7 months in centre 

Part time length of course: 14 months weeks in centre 

24 days in each section – 6 weeks or 12 weeks depending on programme pathway (Full time or part time) 

 

 

Level 3 Development Knowledge 

One session a week am or pm / self-study time.  

Length of course: 24 months 

 

Assessor visits  

A monthly assessment visit is scheduled, whereby a member of our engineering assessment team will be allocated to the learner to complete KSB evidence (knowledge, skills and behaviours)  

 

Practical workshop topics/units covered:

  • Producing Components Using Hand Fitting Techniques 
  • Preparing & Using Lathes for Turning Operations 
  • Preparing & Using Milling Machines 
  • Producing CAD Models (drawings) using a CAD System 
  • Preparing and Programming CNC Machines

 

Level 3 Development Knowledge units covered:

  • Health & Safety in the Engineering Workplace 
  • Communications for Engineering Technicians 
  • Mathematics for Engineering Technicians 
  • Properties & Applications of Engineering Materials 
  • Engineering inspection and quality control  
  • Engineering Drawing  
  • Workplace Improvements 
  • Advanced manufacturing techniques CNC  
  • Advanced Turning  
  • CNC programming/ machining 

 

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.  The EPA period is typically 4 months.  The learner must: 

  •  Have achieved the English and Maths in line with the apprenticeship funding rules 
  •  Submit a portfolio of evidence for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence 
  •  For the practical assessment with questions the EPAO must discuss with the employer the suitable machine(s) type and components produced by the apprentice in the workplace in the normal course of the role. 

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