How to become an Engineering Patternmaker

Constructs full-size engineering models, usually made out of timber, which are used in manufacturing to produce metal castings, copy models, vacuum form tooling, and tooling for automotive, aircraft or fibreglass industries.

Main tasks

• Interprets engineering drawings to determine pattern requirements
• Prepares materials for pattern construction
• Tests and modifies patterns for desired results
• Creates moulds and core boxes for casting processes
• Constructs engineering models using woodworking tools
• Maintains and repairs patterns

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Engineering - Patternmaking Trade. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Engineering - Casting and Moulding Trade (MEM31719); Certificate III in Engineering - Patternmaking Trade (MEM31622); Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning (MEM60322); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Diploma of Engineering - Prototyping (MEM50622); Certificate III in Engineering - Production Systems (MEM30119); Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade (MEM31519); Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology (MSA30208)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 4,100 people work in this job group now, and about 4,500 are projected by 2035. (+10.3%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Engraver
• Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer
• Gunsmith
• Locksmith
• Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer
• Saw Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Engineering Patternmaker?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Casting and Moulding Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Patternmaking Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Patternmaking Trade.

Is an Engineering Patternmaker a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2035, from about 4,100 to about 4,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Engineering Patternmaker?

Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Casting and Moulding Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Patternmaking Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Patternmaking Trade.

Will AI change the work of an Engineering Patternmaker?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04