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A Michigan Jobs & Career Portal service.
Michigan Occupational Information System
#020 - PATTERNMAKER & MODEL MAKER
Patternmakers and Model Makers produce copies of products or their parts to serve as models, examples, or patterns used by other workers in developing or making the actual product. Frequently, computer equipment is used to create models and completed patterns.
NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Patternmakers and Model Makers may:
Study blueprints or drawings of the part to be made
Plan the steps needed to build a pattern
Lay out the pattern or the design on stock
Shape the parts of the model
Use hand tools and machines to shape the pattern from stock
Measure the pattern or model to check accuracy
Correct any errors
Assemble parts of the pattern or model
Mark identifying information on the pattern or model
Make tooling aids from models
The tools and equipment used may include:
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* Jointers and squares
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* Blueprints and drawings
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* Triangles and calipers
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* Depth and height gages
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* Rulers, protractors, and scales
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* Written specifications
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* Band saws, planers, and chisels
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* Templates and surface plates
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* Sanders and polishers
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* Micrometers and scribers
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* Borers and grinders
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* Shapers and milling machines
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* Routers, mallets, and lathes
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* Drill presses and draw knives
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* Scrapers and screwdrivers
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* Tap and die sets
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* "V" blocks and hammers
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* Computer graphics
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* Numeric control equipment
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* Coordinate measuring machines
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OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES
Patternmakers and Model Makers may specialize in these areas:
661.280-010 PATTERNMAKERS build unit or sectional patterns used for making molds in which foundry castings are formed on models to be traced for plastic injection molds.
Model Makers fabricate parts or build full-sized models of objects such as automobiles, aircraft, machinery, and household appliances. Patternmakers and Model Makers specialize according to the material used, such as:
661.281-022 WOOD PATTERNMAKER
600.280-050 METAL PATTERNMAKER
754.381-014 PLASTICS PATTERNMAKER
777.281-018 PLASTER PATTERNMAKER
661.380-010 WOOD MODEL MAKER
In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScript:
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Although they work alone in their jobs, Patternmakers and Model Makers deal with other workers such as coreworkers, molders, and designers. Patternmakers and model makers might supervise a trainee or apprentice. They work indoors in areas that are usually well lighted and ventilated. Machines may make the work area noisy. Usually Patternmakers work in rooms or buildings separated from foundry casting and other machining areas where they subjected to dust and high temperatures. Toxic fumes often exist in shops that build tooling aids for molds. Using care and safety measures in working with hand tools and machinery will minimize injuries in their work.
Patternmakers and Model Makers may work various shifts. Overtime may occasionally be required, especially when a project deadline is near.
Patternmakers and Mold Makers may be expected to start accumulating their own hand tools early in their apprenticeships. A complete set of tools may cost from $300 to $500 or more. An elaborate set of fine tools may cost twice as much. Many Patternmakers and Model Makers are members of unions, such as the Pattern Makers League of North America of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. Union members must pay dues.
You Should Prefer:
- Activities dealing with things and objects
- Activities relating to machines and techniques
- Activities giving satisfaction from seeing results of your work
You Should Be Able To:
- Rate information using measurable standards
- Plan the steps required to do the work
- Work skillfully with tools
- Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy
- Visualize flat drawings or pictures as solid objects
Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:
Constructing a model of a building which is 415 ft. tall, the model is to be built at a scale of 20ft = 1 inch. How tall should the model be?
Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:
The wall connecting the four towers around the inner ward is a curtain wide. It is made from 30mm thick polystyrene, or from two or three thinner sheets glued together to make up the right thickness.
Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:
Prepare a model plan indicating measurements and tools necessary for the job.
Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:
Excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in creating models or patterns.
EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES
NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer, a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes, a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school), an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.
The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:
***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***
0200 ART, 0300AUTOMOTIVE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS
***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***
053 WOODWORKING & FURNITURE MAKING
Approved vocational education programs in Woodworking and Furniture making prepare students to lay out and shape wood stock; assemble wooden articles; mark, bind, saw, carve, and sand wooden products; repair wooden articles; and use a variety of hand and power tools.
The following courses may be required for completion of this program:
FURNITURE MAKING
MILLWORK & CABINET BUILDING
High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.
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Students should obtain the local Career Preparation Consumer Report for information on what happens to students who successfully complete a program. This information is available at each high school or career/technical center.
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***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAM***
127 PATTERNMAKING & MODEL MAKING
Programs in Patternmaking and Model Making provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills used in making patterns and models for products to be manufactured or objects to be constructed.
Courses vary from school to school but may include:
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Geometry
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Job Molding & Coremaking
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Trigonometry
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Die Construction/Assembly
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Compound Angles
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Shapers and Planers
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Drafting
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Pattern Making Tools/Materials
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3-D Shape Interpretation
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Mills & Grinders
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Foundry Practices
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Characteristics of Ferrous Metals
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Pattern Blueprints
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Pattern Design
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Pattern Layout
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195 COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD)
Programs in Computer-Aided Design provide opportunities to supplement design and drafting skills with specialized computer-graphic skills. Persons trained to use Computer-Aided Design systems may find employment in the engineering, architectural, and manufacturing fields.
Courses vary from school to school but may include:
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Computer-Aided Design Applications
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Dimensioning Systems
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Graphics Programming
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Drawing File Structure
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Matrix Algebra
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Command Entry Methods
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System Operating Modes
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Computer Programming
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Search for a College and/or Instructional Program
***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***
032 PATTERNMAKER & MODEL MAKER
Most people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job. Apprenticeship programs for this occupation usually include-
WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB
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General Shop Work (Metal)
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Milling Machines
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Layout
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Drill Press
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Benching and Filing
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Press and Brake Press
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Shaper, Planer, and Slotter
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Templates (Metal)
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Lathe
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Plaster,Plastic (Foundry)
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Grinder
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WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM
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Math
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Shapers, Planers, Mills, & Grinders
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Descriptive Geometry
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Numerical Control
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Blueprint Reading
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Metallurgy (Ferrous and Non-Ferrous)
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Pattern Design
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Parting Line Buildup & Tooling Aids
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Safety Practices
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033 PATTERNMAKER AND MODEL MAKER
Most people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.
Apprenticeship programs for this occupation usually include-
WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB
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Die Models
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Templates
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Hammer Forms and Related Work
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Plastic Work
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Assembly and Checking of Fixtures
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Duplications
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Plaster Work (Molds & Model Making)
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WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM
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Math
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Pattern Design and Layout
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Descriptive Geometry
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Job Molding and Core Making
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Reading Blueprints
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Foundry Practices
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Pattern Making Tools/Materials
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Safety Practices
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***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***
There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript
E-Learning Courses and Programs
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY
To become a Patternmaker or Model Maker, you must usually enter an apprenticeship program. Apprentices need 4 to 5 years of on-the-job training to become qualified workers. Applicants for apprenticeships may be required to take written and physical exams to become an apprentice.
School-to-Work opportunities include:
informal apprenticeships
mentorships
job shadowing experiences
touring a local Patternmaker and Model Maker employer
internships
volunteer work with a Patternmaker and Model Maker employer
community service work with an agency
Because of the skill level required to be a Patternmaker or Model Maker, there are few ways to explore or gain experience in this field. A hobby of building models may be a useful introduction to this career. Part-time or summer jobs (especially in carpentry) will be helpful. Secondary vocational education programs in woodworking and furniture making and postsecondary programs in patternmaking and model making and computer-aided design may offer opportunities for experience. Apprenticeship programs can offer experience also.
Methods of finding jobs for Patternmakers and Model Makers include applying directly to employers and completing an apprenticeship. Assistance may be available from unions, placement offices of technical schools or community colleges, or local offices of Michigan Works!. Job openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:
Michigan Talent Bank
Michigan Jobs & Career Portal
Classifieds Employment
Yahoo! Careers
Michigan Works!
You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.
EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT
Earnings of Patternmakers and Model Makers vary by the worker's skill and experience, the size and type of employer, union affiliation, and geographic area. Metal Patternmakers generally receive higher wages than Wood Patternmakers do. Union shops usually pay more than non-union shops pay.
Nationally, Patternmakers and Model Makers had median weekly earnings of $595 per week or about $14.88 per hour in 1999.
In the automobile industry, the hourly wages for most unionized Patternmakers and Model Makers ranged from $25.18 to $26.35 (2000). In addition to their base hourly earnings, some receive periodic cost-of-living increases.
In Michigan, Patternmakers earned an average of $19.27 per hour in early 2000. In the Detroit area, unionized Patternmakers had average hourly rates ranging from $22.00 to $28.00 in early 2000.
Apprentices start with a pay rate equal to 50 percent of a skilled Patternmaker's rate. They receive an increase of 5 percent every 6 months until they become skilled workers with full pay. Helpers not under contract as apprentices usually earn less.
The 1998 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan who worked in jobs related to this occupation earned an average beginning wage of $8.89 an hour in 1999.
Some employers provide extra pay for working other than a daytime shift.
Depending on the employer, workers may receive paid vacations and holidays; sick leave; accident, life, and hospitalization insurance; a retirement plan; full pay for absence for jury duty; and tuition fees for work-related courses at technical schools or colleges. Some workers and their dependents may receive dental or optical benefits.
Apprenticeship or on-the-job training are the only ways to learn patternmaking. The career ladder may be: trainee or apprentice; Patternmaker or Model Maker; supervisor or computer-aided design/manufacturing specialist. Methods of advancement include obtaining more training and experience and demonstrating greater skills, especially in computer usage.
EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK
The exact number of Patternmakers and Model Makers working in the United States is unknown. The employment of Patternmakers and Model Makers will not increase in the next 10 years. Even though foundry production has increased, the number of Patternmakers and Model Makers has not grown for several decades. Since industries use long-wearing metal patterns to make huge numbers of castings all alike, the number of individual patterns required for casting dropped. This trend is likely to continue. Foreign competition has also caused closing of domestic foundries.
Some openings are expected each year as workers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. When economic conditions are poor, the demand for machinery as well as consumer durable goods, like cars, that use metal casting is reduced.
In addition, automation has increased productivity and efficiency. Thus, Patternmakers and Model Makers may experience layoffs or shortened workweeks when users of foundry products face a reduction in the demand for their products. Employment opportunities will be best for workers with computer knowledge or experience in computer-aided design.
There are approximately 600 Patternmakers and Model Makers employed in Michigan. All Patternmakers and Model Makers worked for manufacturers of motor vehicles and related equipment, as well as general industrial machinery.
The employment of Patternmakers and Model Makers in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2006. Some openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. In late 1999, there were 122 apprentices in training for this occupation and 19 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.
Employment of Patternmakers and Model Makers is closely related to the technical changes. Advances in technology and automation have resulted in severe cutbacks for Patternmakers and Model Makers. Computer aided design and computer aided machining (CAD-CAM) software have made it possible to adjust the visual design of products prior to manufacture and also to pre-determine settings for numerical control machinery to cut metal parts. This has eliminated the need for Patternmakers and Model Makers in many machine shops in Michigan.
MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2006
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EMPLOYMENT AND
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NUMBER
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PERCENT
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PROJECTED YEARLY
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OUTLOOK REGIONS
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EMPLOYED
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GROWTH
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JOB OPENINGS
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State Total
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600
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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below:
SUMMARY PROFILE
The occupation of Patternmaker and Model Maker can be summarized by the following:
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Growth Outlook:
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As fast as average
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Salary Potential:
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Average potential growth
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GOE Cluster:
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Artistic Interest Group (#01)
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Work Values:
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Creativity, self-expression, work with hands, design
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SDS Code:
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Realistic (produce copies of products)
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Relationship to Data:
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Analyzing (studying blueprints or drawings)
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Relationship to People:
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Instructional (produce copies of products upon the request of customers or supervisors)
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Relationship to Things:
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Setting-Up (assembling parts of a pattern or model)
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MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development
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