Patternmaker
Patternmaker Constructs full-size engineering models (called patterns) out of timber. In manufacturing these are used to produce metal castings, copy models, tooling for the automotive, aircraft and fibreglass industry and vacuum form tooling. Patternmakers also produce experimental models, visual models and models for the manufacturing of developmental products. Patternmakers manufacture patterns from a range of materials including wood, cast and fibreglass reinforced epoxy resins and rigid foam. Metal casting patternmakers generally work closely with other tradespeople and apprentices.
Entry into your apprenticeship
You can complete an apprenticeship in Engineering - Fabrication to become a qualified Patternmaker. Employers prefer year 11 and 12 however entry requirements may vary. Speak to your teachers about the possibility of starting some of this training in school. Training consists of:
On the job training: training received at your place of employment.
Off the job training: this is undertaken at a Registered Training Organisation
Contract Duration: Has normally been 4 years but recent changes allow for a competency based training approach for possible earlier completion.
Employment Opportunities
Metal Fabricators work in many sectors of the manufacturing industry including engineering, plumbing, mining, defence, steelworks, automotive and production. Recent changes in the industry are leading to a number of trade jobs being merged into a single broad occupation. Engineering Patternmaking is a specialised field of Fabrication engineering.
Tasks that may be completed by a Pattermaker
- Studying drawings and specifications to determine job requirements
- Mark out and cut sections to profiles with planers, bandsaws, disc or bobbin sanders, lathes and routers
- Fit and glue sections together in a range of lamination procedures
- May produce patterns by programming a computerised machine.
Personal Requirements
- Enjoy technical work
- Attention to detail
- Interested in computer programmable machinery
- Ability to work independently and part of a team
- Physically fit
- Safety conscious
STREAM - Fabrication
CERTIFICATE II
- Aluminium Production Anodiser
- Production Sheet Metal Worker
- Foundry Worker (General)
- Aluminium Production Fabricator
- Production Welder (General Fabrication)
- Foundry Worker (Moulding)
- Production Worker
- Production Welder (Light Fabrication)
- Die Castor (Production)
- Scrap Metal Recycle Worker
- Foundry Worker (General Fettling)
- Pressure Die Casting Machine Operator
CERTIFICATE III
- Foundry Tradesperson (Moulder)
- Fabricator (Boilermaker)
- Sheetmetal Worker (First Class)
- Welder
- Patternmaker
CERTIFICATE IV
- Advanced Fabrication (Structural)
- Model Maker
- Welder (Structural)
- Pressure Welder
- Structural Detail Draftsperson
DIPLOMA
- Non-Destructive Testing Technician
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Supervisor
ADVANCED DIPLOMA
- Structural Design Draftsperson