Blacksmiths, toolmakers and related trades workers

How to become a toolmaker or related worker

Official title: Toolmakers and related workers

Also called: Die maker, Gunsmith, Jig maker, Locksmith, Patternmaker, Toolmaker

Toolmakers and related workers make and repair custom-made and specialized tools, sports guns, locks, dies, patterns, machinery components and other metal articles using hand and machine tools to work metal to fine tolerances.

Main tasks

Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
Preparing templates and sketches, and determining work processes
Visualizing and computing dimensions, sizes, shapes and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications
Positioning, securing and measuring metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
Setting up, operating and maintaining conventional and computer numerically controlled machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape work pieces to prescribed dimensions and finish
Fitting and assembling parts to make and repair jigs, fixtures and gauges
Repairing and modifying sports guns and other small arms
Making, fitting, assembling, repairing and installing lock parts and locks
Making and repairing metal patterns for preparation of foundry moulds
Laying out lines and reference points on metal stock to guide other workers who cut, turn, mill, grind or otherwise shape metal

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Mould and Die Maker and Repairer. Mould and Die Maker and Repairer (塑膠工模製造工／修理工) is a designated trade under the Apprenticeship Ordinance (Cap. 47); the period of apprenticeship is 4 years (Cap. 47C). Apprentices sign a registered contract with an employer.
Apprenticeship: Tool and Die Maker. Tool and Die Maker (五金工模製造工) is a designated trade under the Apprenticeship Ordinance (Cap. 47); the period of apprenticeship is 4 years (Cap. 47C). Apprentices sign a registered contract with an employer.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: HK$21,000 a month
About 387,500 people in 2025, and about 403,200 projected by 2028. (+4.1%)
Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Questions people ask

How do I become a toolmaker or related worker?

Ways in include: Mould and Die Maker and Repairer.

Do you need a degree to become a toolmaker or related worker?

Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Mould and Die Maker and Repairer.

Will AI change the work of a toolmaker or related worker?

Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

Census and Statistics Department (2021 Population Census): 2021 Population Census, Interactive Data Dissemination Service: working population by occupation (38 groups) and sex, age, education, income; median income and field of education (9 groups) (2021 Population Census), retrieved 4 October 2026
Census and Statistics Department (General Household Survey): Median monthly employment earnings by occupation (9 groups), excluding foreign domestic helpers (Table 210-06317A); employed persons by occupation, age and sex (210-06307A) and by industry (210-06308A) (2025 annual (series to 2026-07)), retrieved 4 October 2026
Labour and Welfare Bureau; tables published by C&SD: Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection to 2028: supplementary statistical tables (5 occupation groups, 17 selected industries) (2025 to 2028 (published 2026-09)), retrieved 4 October 2026
International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026

Updated 4 October 2026