Foundry Mould Maker

Job Description:

Foundry moulders make moulds to shape molten metal into castings used to make parts for industry.

Job Category:
Metals & Mining

What you will do:

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • mix sand and clay to make moulds
  • inject resin into sand to create shell moulds
  • make replicas of moulds with wax for use in ‘investment’ casting
  • pour molten metal into polystyrene patterns
  • make moulds from heat resistant materials
  • bond silica gel with ceramic powders to produce castings

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to use your initiative (drive)
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College
You can do an engineering course at college, which may help when you start looking for work. Courses include:

  • Certificate in Skills for Engineering (Level 1 in the UK)
  • Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing (Level 1 in the UK)
  • Certificate in Engineering (Level 2 in the UK)

Apprenticeship
You can complete an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship or a metal casting and foundry technician advanced apprenticeship.

Work
You could start as a foundry process worker and do training on the job to become a mould maker.

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work in a foundry workshop.

Your working environment may be hot and physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression:

You could move into supervisory management, quality control or engineering design as you get more experience.