Toolmaker: ANZSCO 323412
The role of a Toolmaker is crucial in various manufacturing industries, particularly in Australia, where skilled labor plays an essential part in maintaining productivity and innovation. Defined under ANZSCO code 323412, Toolmakers are specialized craftsmen who design, create, and maintain tools, dies, and molds used in manufacturing processes. With the ongoing growth of the manufacturing sector, the demand for skilled Toolmakers remains steady. These professionals possess a unique combination of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and manual dexterity, making them invaluable assets to any production team.

Occupation Descriptions
For machine tools and other manufacturing machinery, toolmakers create and fix dies, jigs, fixtures, and other precision parts and equipment to exact tolerances.
Their job involves:
- Examining specifications and drawings to ascertain the size and tolerances of the manufactured goods.
- Using different gauges, mark out and measure metal castings and stock.
- Machine tools are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials.
- Utilizing precision measurement equipment to verify that manufactured goods are accurate to tight tolerances.
- Testing and making changes to products that are made.
- Identifying and fixing issues with equipment and tools, as well as carrying out routine maintenance.

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How will you be assessed?
Stage 1: Documentary Evidence Assessment
We will check your documentation to make sure it satisfies the training and employment standards and proves you have the required expertise, experience, and knowledge to work as a toolmaker.
Below is information regarding the documentation, training, and employment requirements:
- Download the Evidence guide to find out what evidence you should provide with your application.
- You must also locate information on assessments for your particular occupation if you are on Pathway 1.
- Video guide
- Observation report
- Please refer to the Pathway 1 Employment Experience Guidelines for details regarding the employment experience criteria for a Pathway 1 application.
- Please read the Pathway 2 Candidate Guide if you are applying for a Pathway 2 examination.
Stage 2: Technical Assessment
After passing Stage 1, you’ll need to finish a technical evaluation.
For additional details about the technical assessment, refer to the Pathway 1 Technical Assessment Guide and the Pathway 2 Candidate Guide.
What skills and knowledge do you need?
This job requires the MEM31519 Certificate III in Engineering – Toolmaking Trade as a prerequisite. You must prove your abilities in the following competency units in order to receive this certification. A subset of the knowledge and abilities needed in Australian businesses are defined in each unit of competency.
You must achieve 33 units of competency:
- 24 core units
- 9 elective units
All of the prerequisite units, as well as the core and elective units of competency, must be shown by you.
NOTE: denotes the presence of a prerequisite in a unit.
Core Units
Safety, Communication and Quality in Engineering | |
MEM13015 | Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering |
MEM16006 | Organise and communicate information |
MEM14006 | Plan work activities |
MEM11011 | Undertake manual handling |
MSMENV272 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
MEM16008 | Interact with computing technology |
MEM17003 | Assist in the provision of on-the-job training |
Calculations and Data | |
MEM12024 | Perform computations |
MEM12026 | Perform advanced trade calculations in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment |
Engineering Measurements | |
MEM12023 | Perform engineering measurements |
MEM12003 | Perform precision mechanical measurement |
Engineering Tools | |
MEM18001 | Use hand tools |
MEM18002 | Use power tools/hand held operations |
MEM18003 | Use tools for precision work |
Technical Skills: Interpretation of Engineering Specifications | |
MEM09002 | Interpret technical drawing |
MEM12006 | Mark off/out (general engineering) |
Technical Skills: Work with Engineering Components | |
MEM18055 | Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components |
MEM18006 | Perform precision fitting of engineering components |
MEM06007 | Perform basic incidental heat/quenching, tempering and annealing |
Machining Components | |
MEM07005 | Perform general machining |
MEM07006 | Perform lathe operations |
MEM07007 | Perform milling operations |
MEM07008 | Perform grinding operations |
MEM18015 | Maintain tools and dies |
Elective Units
MEM18097 | Manufacture cavity dies or |
MEM18014 | Manufacture press tools and gauges |
MEM13003 | Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials |
Mechanical Heating and Cutting | |
MEM05005 | Carry out mechanical cutting |
MEM05007 | Perform manual heating and thermal cutting |
MEM05004 | Perform routine oxy fuel gas welding |
MEM05012 | Perform routine manual metal arc welding |
Machining Computer Processes | |
MEM07015 | Set computer controlled machines and processes |
MEM07016 | Set and edit computer controlled machines and processes |
MEM16005 | Operate as a team member to conduct manufacturing, engineering or related activities |
Employment Prospects
Job opportunities for Toolmakers in Australia are good and growing owing to many reasons within the manufacturing industry. The need for skilled labor, particularly in toolmaking, has become increasingly important. Australia’s dedication to preserving a strong manufacturing industry means that Toolmakers will be vital in ensuring the manufacture of quality tools and components for a variety of uses. Due to ongoing investments aimed at improving the industry’s productivity, this demand is quite high. The Australian Government considers toolmakers a Skilled Occupation. So, a foreigner can easily apply for a Skilled Visa once he/she gets qualified.
Employment Sectors
- Automotive Manufacturing: Crafting precision tools and components for vehicle assembly lines.
- Aerospace: Designing and producing tools required in the manufacture and maintenance of aircraft.
- Electronics: Creating specialized tools for the production of electronic devices and components.
- Construction: Developing molds and fixtures for building materials and prefabricated products.
- Medical Device Manufacturing: Engineering tools for the precision production of medical technologies.
Conclusion
To sum up, employment of Toolmakers (ANZSCO 323412) in Australia is fairly good. There are numerous opportunities for career growth as well. Toolmakers are critical for every industry from automotive to aerospace as high-quality tools and components are ensured by them. For the right job, you’ll need the correct qualification like Certificate III in Engineering – Toolmaking. You will also need experience to find the right job. Growing demand for skilled labor makes this a great time for people with an interest in engineering and making things to pursue toolmaking for an excellent career.