Apprentice Tool & Die Maker
About this role
Job Title: Tool and Die Maker Apprentice
Job Summary
The Tool and Die Maker Apprentice assists in the construction, maintenance, and repair of stamping dies, fixtures, and other precision tooling while completing a structured apprenticeship program. Under the supervision of experienced journeyman toolmakers, the apprentice gains hands-on experience and classroom training to develop the skills required to become a certified Tool and Die Maker. Apprentices will start on 1st shift for 1-2 years to gain experience and then transfer to night shift for 6.5 year period or otherwise negotiated.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the assembly, disassembly, repair, and maintenance of progressive, line, and transfer dies.
- Operate basic machining equipment such as mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses under supervision.
- Learn to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and GD&T specifications.
- Perform tasks such as deburring, polishing, fitting, and stoning die components.
- Support die tryouts, spotting, and press adjustments as directed by journeyman toolmakers.
- Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Record training hours and tasks completed as part of apprenticeship documentation.
- Attend and successfully complete all required technical instruction and evaluations.
- Communicate effectively with mentors and ask questions to support skill development.
Required Skills and Experience
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Enrollment in or willingness to enter a state-certified Tool and Die Apprenticeship Program.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in precision machining and toolmaking.
- Ability to follow directions, work safely, and demonstrate attention to detail.
- Basic knowledge of hand tools, measuring instruments, and shop math is preferred.
- Good attendance, work ethic, and willingness to learn from experienced tradespeople.
Physical demands:
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical activities such as standing, bending, and kneeling.
- Must be comfortable working in a machine shop environment (noise, grease, metal shavings, etc.).
- Use of PPE (safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, hearing protection) required.
Work environment: Manufacturing environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
For employment at Greenville Tool and Die you must pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical.
Company at a glance
100% Employee Owned Company founded in 1946
Designers & Builders of High Quality Sheet metal Stamping Dies offering production manufacturers turnkey solutions to meet the demands of today’s complex parts and advanced high strength materials. GTD has established itself as a leader in the industry by providing tooling expertise from structural parts to Class A finishes. We have the capability to design and build automotive, appliance, trucking, construction, agricultural, military and lawn and garden tooling from small line dies to very large transfer and progressive dies.
GTD is known for its highly skilled craftsmen (most of whom have completed its nationally recognized apprenticeship programs) and their ability to work with the customer through all stages of a project, from the design to the building of metal stamping dies. The entire GTD facility is computer networked with a state-of-the-art CAD department transposing customer data of many forms into articulate designs.
All manufactured die components are CNC-machined. We have the tryout press capability to match our customer's needs. Computerized die simulation facilitates the tryout process. Capability studies are conducted to ensure that the customer's quality standards are met.
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