Apprenticeship│West Bend Campus
Tool and Die Technologies Apprenticeship
Earn money working in the field and gain hands-on training paid for by your employer in the Tool and Die Technologies apprenticeship program at Moraine Park Technical College.
Apprenticeships allow you to earn money while learning a trade, primarily on the job (and one day a week in the classroom) by working in the tool and die industry. Through Moraine Park’s Tool and Die Technologies apprenticeship, students work in the machine tool trade, gaining insight into the high degree of precision needed in the creation of various parts, fixtures and products utilized in the industry. Once primarily a metalworking trade, tool and die machining is now included in the plastics and wood industries. Almost all products used today have been influenced by the tool and die industry.
From design specifications and drawings, skilled workers in the tool and die/machine trades utilize power machining tools, hand tools, and computer-driven machines to create desired products.
What You’ll Learn
Participants in the tool and die maker apprenticeship practice safety regulations, learn how to interpret prints and specifications, perform trade math calculations, determine the effects of material type on machining, explain applications of the machine tool industry, operate a CAM system and operate a CAD system.
The apprentice training periods include classes held one day a week for two years. Students are also required to complete a First Aid/CPR and Transition to Trainer class.
Potential careers include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Programmer
- Tool Maker
- Machinist
- CNC Machinist
- EDM Machinist
- Tool and Die Maker
- Designer
- Die Maker
- Mold Maker
Apprentice students do not complete standard admissions with Moraine Park. Interested students should contact:
Tim Budda, Apprenticeship Training Representative
Phone: 262-335-5849
Email: timothy.budda@dwd.wisconsin.gov
For apprenticeship application information, please contact a Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Representative at 262-335-5849.
Tuition Costs
The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors such as total credits required, textbooks and the financial aid you receive. Some programs have additional costs such as uniforms, technology and equipment.
Please refer to the Tuition & Fee Information for enrollment fee information.
Additional Program Costs
Books and supplies – $774
Cost of Attendance
Cost of attendance (sometimes referred to as the “sticker price”) is the maximum amount of money it costs to attend college for one year and is used to determine your financial aid offering.
While attending Moraine Park during the 2023-24 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,375 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $4,052 (if living with parents, $9,614 if living on your own), books and supplies of $2,061, personal expenses of $2,245, and transportation of $2,007 for a total of $15,161. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.
Application Information
For apprenticeship application information, please contact a Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Representative at 262-335-5849.
Application Requirements
Applicants should be 18 years of age and submit an apprentice/employer application to the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be physically able to perform required work practices safely. Classes in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and machine shop experience are beneficial.
Years of Trade/ Work
Apprentice Apprenticeship Hours
5 Tool and Die Maker 10,400
4 CNC Machinist 8,320
3 EDM Operator 6,240
4 Machinist 8,320
4 Tool Maker 8,320
5 Mold Maker 10,400
The apprentice training periods listed above include on-the job and in-class training.
Working Conditions
Most businesses and manufacturers employing individuals in the Tool and Die Technologies areas are clean, well-lit and well-ventilated. Noise levels may be higher for some jobs. Safety glasses and steel-toed shoes are usually required.
Tools and Equipment
Individuals employed in the area of the Tool and Die Technologies provide many of their own hand tools, such as three or more sets of micrometers, vernier calipers, a pair of V blocks, protractors, scales, steel rulers, allen wrenches, open- and box-end wrenches, dial indicators, surface gauges, parallels, scribes, punches and depth gauges. Employers provide the machine tools such as milling machines and lathes.
High school dual credit provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school, without leaving their high school classroom. The courses are taught by certified high school instructors using technical college curriculum, grading policies and textbooks.
Has previous life experience already helped you build knowledge and skills applicable to your studies? Applying previously earned credits to a program of study can save you both time spent in the classroom and money spent on tuition and fees.
Transferring here is easy! You can transfer in prior college work by submitting official college transcripts or get a free transcript review.
Financial Aid is provided to aid eligible associate degree and technical diploma programs with 28 credits or more. Processing can take 6-8 weeks after a student’s completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received.
Our recruiters on any of the three campuses are ready to help you plan your future!