• To become an apprentice in the State of WI, one must first be indentured by the State Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS).
• Contact an employer on your own. Each company has its own requirements for entry into the apprenticeship program.
• Once you have a sponsor, the employer will contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards who will create an apprenticeship contract between you and
  your employer.
  

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
Debbie Fochs
1000 W. Campus Drive
Wausau, WI 54401
Office: 715.675.3331, Ext. 4238
Fax: 715.675.9776

Work Description:
Tool and die makers analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures (devices that hold metal while it is shaped, stamped or drilled), gauges, and machinist's hand tools. Die makers construct metal forms (dies) to shape metal in stamping and forging operations.

Working Conditions:
Tool and die makers usually work in toolrooms. These ares are quieter than the production floor because there are fewer machines in use at one time. They wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to protect against noise. They spend much of the day on their feet and may do moderately heavy lifting.

Qualifications:

• Entry requirements vary by employer
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Physically able to perform trade
  
• Applicants apply directly to
  participating employers

Terms of Apprenticeship :

• 5 year training program
• 9,424 hours on-the-job training.
  
• 576 hours of paid related instruction
• Additional related instruction may
  be required

Class work training usually consists of mathematics, mechanical drawing, tool designing, tool programming and blueprint reading.