How to become a Toolmaker

Makes and repairs tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other precision parts and equipment to fine tolerances for machine tools and other production machinery.

Main tasks

• Interprets engineering drawings and specifications to determine tool requirements
• Sets up and operates machine tools such as lathes, milling machines and grinders to fabricate intricate tooling components
• Measures and marks out metal or plastic stock and castings using precision measuring instruments
• Fits and assembles parts to make machine tools and maintain industrial machines
• Inspects and maintains dies and moulds to ensure they meet quality standards
• Troubleshoots and maintains damaged or malfunctioning tooling equipment
• Collaborates with engineers and other professionals to develop new tool designs and improve existing tools

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking 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 - Toolmaking Trade (MEM31519); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Diploma of Engineering - Prototyping (MEM50622); Certificate III in Wood Machining (FWP31121); Certificate I in Engineering (MEM10119)

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
• Engineering Patternmaker
• Gunsmith
• Locksmith
• Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Toolmaker?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade; Certificate IV in Engineering; Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade.

Is a Toolmaker 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 a Toolmaker?

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

Will AI change the work of a Toolmaker?

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