Metal casting, foundry and patternmaking technician apprenticeship

Design and make all manner of castings

Metal casting, foundry and patternmaking technicians are involved in highly skilled, complex and important work in cast metals, which supplies the automotive, aerospace, rail, power and renewable energy, medical, pumps and valves, defence, petrochemical and marine sectors, with all manner of castings. Technicians can be employed in all sizes of companies, working independently or as part of a team in a foundry, workshop or laboratory. An eye for detail is necessary and you will need to comply with safety requirements. On a patternmaking technician apprenticeship, you could plan how to design and make patterns in wood, resin or metal from drawings, sometimes using additive manufacturing techniques and simulation software programmes, to produce prototypes or sample castings to tight tolerances. A foundry technician may prepare and control sand or liquid metal quality for casting into moulds or dies, which may involve maintenance and control of complex automated equipment. You might also work as a quality assurance technician, inspecting and carrying out record control tests on samples or castings to meet agreed tolerances.

Duration: 27 months

Relevant school subjects: DT and science

Entry requirements for the metal casting, foundry and patternmaking technician apprenticeship: Depend on employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience

Achievement upon completion: Level 3 (Advanced)—equivalent to A-levels

Potential salary upon completion: £23,000 per annum

Find out more: www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk