The Northern College of the Arts and Technology (NCAT) is the exclusive trainer of apprentices for the Australian Foundry Industry, Victoria (AFIV).

This unique relationship between a Senior Secondary College and a state-wide industry sector is formalized in a Partnership Agreement between the two organizations and involves apprenticeship training, recruitment and promotion.

The apprenticeship offered is a Certificate III in Engineering (Core Moulding and Pattern Making, Fabrication).

Engineering Pattern-Maker - Role Description

Occupation Description

Engineering patternmakers are specialist engineering fabrication tradespersons.

Engineering patternmakers may…

• construct full-size engineering models (called patterns) out of materials such as timber, cast and reinforced fibreglass epoxy resins, and rigid foam
• mark out and cut sections to profiles using bandsaws, disc and bobbin sanders, lathes and routers
• glue sections together in a lamination process
• also produce patterns using computer-controlled machines

The models produced by engineering patternmakers are used to produce metal castings, copy models, vacuum form tooling, and tooling for various manufacturing industries. Engineering patternmakers also produce visual models, experimental models and models for the manufacture of prototype developmental products. They usually work closely with customers, designers and other tradespeople / apprentices.

Personal Requirements

You should

• enjoy technical activities
• be physically fit
• have the strength to handle materials, tools and machines
• have good hand-eye coordination
• be able to work in a team and independently
• possess patience
• be able to work accurately in a timely manner
• have no skin or breathing allergies
• be safety conscious
• be creative with a sense of pride

Environment

Engineering patternmakers work in workshops or production areas that can be hot, noisy, dirty, and sometime contain fumes, however the work environments are generally spacious, ventilated and well lit.

Engineering patternmakers may work in a team or alone and because of the nature of their work safety awareness and compliance with regulations is important. They must be aware of safety regulations and must wear supplied protective equipment.

Training

To work as an engineering patternmaker you will usually require a Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade).

You can work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector. Engineering patternmakers can with experience, and possibly further training, work in more supervisory and technical occupations and even at a par-professional level assisting engineers.

Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions

Cast Metals Trade Moulder – Coremaker and Technicians

Occupation Description

Cast metals trade workers assist patternmaking and moulding tradespeople and other technicians to produce patterns and moulds to cast metals into shapes used as component parts for all manner of machinery and equipment. This might include anything from bulldozer blades, engine crankshafts and truck wheels to door handles and thousands of other parts used daily from different sectors such as military / aerospace / automotive / rail / mining / medical and marine etc

Cast metals fabrication occupations include…

• foundry workers (general)
• foundry workers (general fettling)
• foundry workers (general moulding)
• die casting (production)
• pressure die casting

Cast metals fabrication trades workers may…

• assist in making metal or wooden patterns of the object to be cast
• operate machinery to mix chemically bonded sand and pack around the pattern
• fuel and charge the furnace(s)
• melt the metal and add the required alloys
• operate automated moulding equipment
• grind, smooth or dress the rough surfaces after the casting has set
• decide on appropriate finish
• pack the castings for transportation

Personal Requirements

You should

• enjoy practical and manual activities
• posses some technical aptitude
• be able to work accurately in a timely manner
• have good hand-eye coordination
• have the strength to handle materials and tools
• be physically fit
• be safety conscious
• be able to work in a team and independently
• be able to read and follow instructions
• be creative with a sense of pride

Environment

Cast metals fabrication trades workers work in workshops or production areas that can be noisy, hot and dusty, however the work environments are generally spacious, well ventilated and well lit. The majority of their work is spent standing and they often need to bend, crouch or climb. They sometimes work in confined spaces or at heights, and many work shifts. Their work can involve significant physical exertion.

Cast metals fabrication trades workers may work in a team or alone and because of the nature of their work safety awareness and compliance with regulations is important. They must be aware of safety regulations and must wear supplied protective equipment.

Training

You can sometimes work as a cast metals fabrication trades worker without undertaking any formal training or qualifications however some employers will prefer that you do. To work as a cast metals fabrication trades worker you will usually require a Certificate II in Engineering.

With experience, and possibly some further training, cast metals fabrication trades workers can become patternmaker or moulder trades-person. This will usually require a Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade).

You can work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector. With experience, and possibly further training, Certificate IV in Engineering or Diploma of Engineering (Advanced Trade), you can work in advanced trade or technician occupations, and with an Advanced Diploma of Engineering at a para-professional level assisting engineers.

Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions.