Machine Shop - Mould Maker Apprenticeship

Program: MMAP
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Delivery: Full-time
Work Integrated Learning: Apprentice Placement
Length: 720 hours
Effective: Fall 2025
Location: Barrie

Description

This 720-hour program consisting of three levels is designed to provide the apprentice with theoretical knowledge of all aspects of the Mould Maker trade as well as practical training necessary to complement on-the-job training experience for entry level positions in specific machining, tool & mould environments.

Career Opportunities

Mould Makers make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special molds, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They are employed primarily in manufacturing industries such as automobile, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers.

Graduates of this program may be employed in small machining shops or in Tool & Mould manufacturing industries where they read and interpret complex engineering drawings and work-process documentation; cut, shape, and finish metal to make precision machining parts and components; and set up and operate conventional and numerically controlled metal-cutting machines and equipment.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. solve trade-specific problems using a variety of mathematical related calculations and functions/formulas;

  2. interpret and produce basic graphics and other standard technical documents necessary for the routine installation, maintenance, repair, and manufacture of components;

  3. complete all work in compliance with health and safety legislation and prescribed organizational practices and procedures to ensure safety of self and others;

  4. perform basic technical measurements using appropriate tools;

  5. use shop tools and equipment for basic installation, manufacture, and repair of components to required specifications;

  6. work responsibly and effectively within a shop environment in accordance with appropriate practices and procedures;

  7. develop and implement a plan for CNC programming;

  8. perform procedures for linear and circular machining in manufacturing;

  9. perform various machining procedures, such as milling, turning and cutting according to specifications;

  10. design and fabricate a working compression mould according to required specifications;

  11. design and fabricate a working injection mould according to required specifications.

External Recognition

Upon completing an apprenticeship, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will issue an individual a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Upon meeting the College’s registration requirements, the individual may apply to become certified and registered as a journeyperson in the trade.

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status
  • Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development 

Additional Information

Upon successful completion of their Level 3 in school training, these apprentices must complete the remainder of the required skills outlined in the Training Standard Log Book to qualify for their Apprenticeship Certificate. Thereafter, they are eligible to write their Certificate of Qualifications exam for Mould Maker. Graduates may be able to receive credit toward further education in related post secondary diploma, advanced diploma, or degree programs.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all three levels to receive a certificate.

  • Mould Maker Level 1- Basic (MMAB) 
  • Mould Maker Level 2 - Intermediate (MMAI)
  • Mould Maker Level 3 - Advanced (MMAA)

Graduation Eligibility

Students must successfully complete all required courses as noted below. Further details, if applicable, are noted under "Additional Information" above.

Program Tracking

Level 1- Basic (MMAB) 

Plan of Study Grid
Program CoursesHours
GMTD 1003 Applied Trade Safety Practices 6
GMTD 1007 Metal Cutting Saw Technology 6
GMTD 1012 Applied Trade Calculations, Charts, and Tables 42
GMTD 1013 Engineering Drawings/CAD Data/Layout Processes 42
GMTD 1014 Metallurgy 12
GMTD 1015 Metrology (Measuring and Checking) 24
GMTD 1016 Benchworking Techniques 12
GMTD 1017 Drilling Technology 12
GMTD 1018 Turning Technology 36
GMTD 1019 Vertical Milling Technology 36
GMTD 1020 Surface Grinding Technology 12
 Hours240
 Total Hours240

Level 2 - Intermediate (MMAI)

Plan of Study Grid
Program CoursesHours
MMAI 1000 Applied Trade Calculations, Charts, Tables 24
MMAI 1001 Engineering Drawings/CAD Data 30
MMAI 1002 Metallurgy of Mould Components 12
MMAI 1003 Metrology (Measuring/Checking) 6
MMAI 1004 Turning Technology/Mould Comp 6
MMAI 1005 Milling Technology/Mould Comp 18
MMAI 1006 Grinding Technology/Mould Comp 18
MMAI 1007 Electrical Discharge Machining Technology 12
MMAI 1008 NC/CNC Technology for Machining Centres 24
MMAI 1009 Thermo-set Moulding Processes 24
MMAI 1010 Thermo-set Mould-Building Processes and Techniques 60
MMAI 1011 Mould Hand-Finishing and Polishing Techniques 6
 Hours240
 Total Hours240

Level 3 - Advanced (MMAA)

Plan of Study Grid
Program CoursesHours
MMAA 1004 Applied Trade Calculations, Charts, Tables 18
MMAA 1005 Complex Eng Drawings/CAD Data 18
MMAA 1006 Metallurgy Of Mould Components 6
MMAA 1007 Metrology (Measuring/Checking) 6
MMAA 1012 CNC Tech-Machining Centres 24
MMAA 1016 Ram/Sink Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) Technology 30
MMAA 1017 Thermoplastic Injection Moulding and Die-Casting Mould Processes 24
MMAA 1018 Building Processes and Techniques for Thermoplastic Injection Moulds and Die-Casting Moulds 84
MMAA 1019 Final-Finish/Polishing/Engrav 30
 Hours240
 Total Hours240

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.

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