Casting and Moulding Apprenticeship
Patternmakers, moulders and core makers are a few of the specialisation outcomes of the casting and moulding fabrication trade.
These professionals work with a number of materials to create moulds or casts for manufacturing anything from wheels to bulldozer blades.
An apprenticeship in casting and moulding will set you up for a career in the Fabrication Engineering sector. Moulders and casters are often employed within the mining, construction and manufacturing industries making moulds for the structural frames of large machines and equipment.
How Long is a Casting and Moulding Apprenticeship?
A casting and moulding trade specialisation typically requires a 4 year apprenticeship. MIGAS will facilitate your practical work placement with a host employer and will assist you with enrolment through a Registered Training Organisation to complete your certification, MEM31719 Certificate III in Engineering - Casting and Moulding Trade.
Casting and moulding are part of the Manufacturing and Engineering training package that includes other apprenticeships as a Boilermaker, Fabricator and Sheetmetal.
What is a Caster/Moulder
Moulders and casters often work in hot environments within fabrication industries, dealing with molten metals such as steel, aluminium and bronze.
Workers use sand moulding to make ferrous and non-ferrous castings to create a wide range of products including rudders, skegs, couplings, propeller and coupling nuts, stern tubes, deck hardware, deck hatches, bespoke furniture and more. Equipment used includes induction furnaces, grinders, and guillotines.
A day on the job in casting and moulding can include:
- Liaising with patternmakers and metallurgists on casting designs
- Performing specific engineering measurements and computing tasks on computer numerical control (CNC) machining, computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing
- Preparing moulding boxes according to pattern requirements and creating sand moulded castings
- Injecting molten metal into moulds and dies by hand or machine
- Using a range of tools, machinery and hand-made processes to create moulds and casts
- Identifying casting defects and implementing methods to eliminate them
Casting and Moulding Apprentice Skill Requirements
A casting and moulding apprenticeship involves hands-on skills and knowledge development. Ideally you will have the following personal attributes:
- Mechanical Aptitude
You will be working with different tools and machinery during your casting and moulding apprenticeship, so an interest in and any experience with machinery will be highly regarded.
- Able to Work in Hot Environments
Being safety conscious and withstanding work in hot environment is necessary in a casting and moulding apprenticeship, as your daily tasks can include foundry and blast furnaces work.
- Physical Dexterity
Working with moulds and castings requires a high level of manual dexterity and the ability to work with precision tools and equipment. Tasks can be physically demanding, requiring standing or lifting for long periods.
- Attention to Detail
A casting and moulding tradesperson must be able to pay close attention to detail to ensure that the finished product is of high quality and meets all specifications.
- Creativity
Some casting and moulding projects require creativity and innovation to solve complex problems or achieve unique results.
Find a Casting and Moulding Apprenticeship
If a casting and moulding apprenticeship is for you, MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees can help find the ideal placement and support you through your training.
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A casting and moulding apprenticeship is a specialisation within fabrication trade engineering.
You might also consider a Boilermaker Apprenticeship or Sheetmetal Apprenticeship.
View the MIGAS Jobs Board to view current engineering trade apprenticeships.