Tool & Die Apprenticeship

Considering a career in the trades? Interested in Tool & Die? Here is some more information as well as what an apprenticeship at WMPI could look like. Check out this video to learn more about how to get into this trade and what your day-to day could look like.

What would I be doing?

At Wisconsin Metal Parts we strive to build well-rounded and knowledgeable Toolmakers. You will cycle through our departments and get the full manufacturing shop experience. Your ambition and desire to learn is the most crucial thing that will set you up for success at Wisconsin Metal Parts, and our department experts are more than happy to pass on their vast knowledge to you!

Metal Stamping

Learn how to build metal stamping dies, gages, fixtures and related components
You will study prototyping and what goes into producing a functioning part
You will understand how metal stamping presses run and what it takes to make a good production part

CNC

Learn and run modern CNC machines and programming in 2D and 3D
You will practice precision grinding and machining
You will understand 4-Axis machining, 3D machining, 10-Axis turning, Sub-spindle turning, Horizontal Machining, the differences and benefits of each type

WEDM, Quality & More

Utilize Wire EDM to make tooling components
Take part in various part inspections and learn how to use precision inspection instruments
You will also learn about fabrication techniques like Fiber Laser Cutting, Welding and more!

What markets does WMPI serve?

The following are a few of the industries we serve;

Munitions
Firearms
Material handling/storage
HVAC
Heat Transfer
Medical
Food Service

We help support our military and warfighters

What brands of equipment would I get to use?

We use some of the best equipment in the industry including;

HAAS
OKK
Kitamura
Brother
RoboDrill
Eurotech
Hyundai
Agie
Trumpf

See our Equipment Page for more information

Are you interested in learning more?

Check out the Video above talking about what a Tool & Die Maker does

Download our career fair brochure resource that answers questions about time commitment, cost and more!

More Info

Frequently Asked Questions about Tool & Die Apprenticeship

Why work in Tool & Die?

Tool and Die makers are high in demand- which gives you great job security. Many of the places who would employ you are well-respected, excellent places to work with good working conditions, competitive starting wages and every day hands-on work. You will get the chance to work with technologically advanced machines and software, and to see the work you do impact the real world.

What sort of Education should I have?

If you’re still in high school, structure your classes around computer skills, math, communication and, if available, shop skills like metalworking, automotives or woodworking. These will provide you with an excellent foundation moving forward into an apprenticeship. You will need a High School Diploma or GED to begin the higher education required for this trade.

What are the options for Higher Education?

One option is to enroll in a two-year program specifically for tool & die at a technical college. If you are still unsure exactly what trade you want to pursue, tech schools offer a wide variety of trades for you to try out before selecting an area of focus.

What kind of Investment does it require?

Tool and Die can be a debt-free career depending how you go about it. Many shops will sponsor your apprenticeship or allow you to work part-time while you are in school, and can often offer competitive wages. A Tool & Die apprenticeship is a significant time investment. In the state of Wisconsin, you need to accrue a total of 10,400 hours of on-the-job training, some of which can be earned while still in school if you are working part-time. On average, it takes around 5 years to complete an apprenticeship.