How to Become a Toolmaker in the UK
Toolmakers make and repair the precision tools that factories rely on: injection moulds, press tools, dies, jigs and fixtures. You read engineering drawings, machine parts on manual and CNC lathes, mills, grinders and spark erosion (EDM) machines, then fit, polish and trial the tool until it produces parts within tight tolerances. Most of the work happens in a toolroom on a manufacturing site.
Most toolmakers train through an engineering apprenticeship with a manufacturer or a specialist toolmaking company. You don't need a degree, but you do need good maths, patience and real accuracy.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £32,000
- Mid-career salary
- £36,000 - £48,000
- Senior salary
- £52,000 - £68,000
- Work environment
- Workshop or factory toolroom
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Degree required
- Not required - apprenticeship route
- Category
- Skilled Trades
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers.
What a Toolmaker does
Hand-build the precision tools, jigs and moulds that production machines use.
- Injection Mould Tooling - Build and repair plastic injection moulds.
- Press Tooling - Build progression and stamping tools.
- Jigs and Fixtures - Build production jigs for aerospace and auto.
- EDM Specialist - Wire and spark erosion specialist work.
How to become a toolmaker in the UK
The main route is the Level 3 Toolmaker and Tool and Die Maintenance Technician apprenticeship, which typically takes three to four years and combines toolroom work with advanced manufacturing engineering diplomas. Employers often ask for GCSEs in maths, English and science at grade 4 or above. Some people start as CNC machinists or machine operators and move into the toolroom later. After qualifying, an HNC or HND in mechanical or manufacturing engineering can lead to tool design, toolroom supervision and professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech).
- Aim for GCSE maths, English and science at grade 4 or above, as most toolmaking apprenticeships ask for them and the job uses trigonometry daily.
- Apply for toolmaking or engineering technician apprenticeships with plastics moulders, automotive and aerospace suppliers, and press tooling companies.
- Learn to read engineering drawings and to measure accurately with micrometers, verniers, height gauges and dial indicators to fine tolerances.
- Build skill on manual lathes, milling machines and surface grinders before moving on to CNC machining and wire or spark EDM.
- Learn the CAD/CAM software your toolroom uses, so you can program CNC and EDM machines directly from 3D models.
- Specialise in an area such as injection mould tooling, press tools, jigs and fixtures, or EDM, which tends to raise your value and pay.
- Consider an HNC in mechanical or manufacturing engineering to move into tool design, toolroom management or EngTech registration.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 toolmaking apprenticeship | 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers and new starters |
| CNC machinist or operator moving into the toolroom | 2-4 years | Free, trained on the job | People already in manufacturing |
| College engineering course, then trainee role | 1-2 years, then on-the-job training | Usually free for 16 to 18 year olds | People who want classroom basics first |
How long it takes
An apprenticeship usually takes three to four years to qualify as a toolmaker. If you already work as a machinist, you can move into a toolroom sooner and train on the job.
Toolmaker salary in the UK
Apprentice and newly qualified toolmakers typically earn around £24,000 to £32,000. Experienced toolmakers earn £36,000 to £48,000, and senior toolmakers, EDM specialists and toolroom supervisors can earn £52,000 to £68,000. Pay is often higher in automotive, aerospace and medical device tooling, and overtime or shift premiums add to basic pay. Some experienced toolmakers work as contractors or set up their own toolroom businesses, where income depends on winning steady orders.
Key skills
- Precision measurement
- Lathe / mill
- Reading drawings
- Hand finishing
- Patience
Toolmaker FAQs
How do I become a toolmaker?
Most people complete a Level 3 toolmaking apprenticeship with a manufacturer or toolmaking company, which typically takes three to four years. You learn to read drawings, machine on manual and CNC equipment, use EDM, and fit and trial moulds, dies and jigs.
Do I need qualifications to be a toolmaker?
You don't need a degree. Apprenticeship employers usually ask for GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths, English and science. Once qualified, an HNC in mechanical or manufacturing engineering helps you move into tool design or toolroom management.
How much does a toolmaker earn in the UK?
Toolmakers typically start on £24,000 to £32,000. Experienced toolmakers earn £36,000 to £48,000, and senior toolmakers or EDM specialists can earn £52,000 to £68,000. Sector, overtime and specialism all affect pay.
What is the difference between a toolmaker and a CNC machinist?
A CNC machinist mainly sets up and runs machines to produce batches of parts. A toolmaker builds and maintains the moulds, dies and fixtures those production processes use, combining machining with skilled hand fitting, polishing and trial work. Many toolmakers start as machinists.
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