Apprentice Tool & Die Maker, Precision Manufacturing Program

What a day looks like

Morning starts on the shop floor at Wiegel Tool Works, where you’ll be building real production tooling alongside experienced Tool and Die Makers. You’ll rotate through stations, set up CNC jobs, learn EDM techniques, and assist with die assembly. In the evening, you’ll shift gears into the classroom, connecting hands-on work to the engineering and manufacturing concepts taught through the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA).

Program highlights

• Five-year, earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship
• 10,000 paid hours of on-the-job training at Wiegel headquarters
• Three years of debt-free schooling via TMA (tuition and educational expenses paid by Wiegel)
• Full-time employment during the program
• Work schedule: 40+ hours per week, Monday–Friday
• Required TMA evening classes twice per week (3-hour sessions)
• TMA coursework delivered across two 14-week semesters each year
• National Certificate of Completion issued by the U.S. Department of Labor upon graduation
• Pathway to a full-time Journeyman Tool and Die Maker position at Wiegel

Why this path stands out

• Master a high-demand, high-earning trade with no student debt
• Earn a paycheck while learning on live manufacturing programs and production tooling
• Operate advanced equipment and technology and sharpen problem-solving skills
• Gain exposure to multiple manufacturing processes and disciplines
• Build lasting industry relationships and a professional network
• Graduate with nationally recognized credentials and long-term career opportunities

Hands-on training you’ll rotate through

• Tool design
• Jig boring
• Turning and machining
• Die machining
• Electrode manufacturing
• Plunge EDM
• Wire EDM operation
• Jig grinding
• Die assembly
• CNC machining
• CNC programming
• Wire programming
• Polishing and finishing
• Die maintenance and repair
• Die grinding
• Heat treat preparation
• Hole popping
• Layout inspection
• Quality inspections
• Sensor applications
• Press room operations

Compensation & benefits

As a full-time apprentice, you’re eligible for comprehensive benefits:

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Supplemental insurance options
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Retirement savings plan
• Additional employee benefits and development opportunities

What you bring

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Mechanical aptitude and eagerness to learn
• Genuine interest in manufacturing, machining, and engineering
• Team mindset and reliable attendance
• Solid math fundamentals and troubleshooting ability
• Capacity to meet the physical demands of a manufacturing setting

Career outcome

Complete the program and earn a nationally recognized credential, extensive hands-on experience, and the opportunity to step into a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker role at Wiegel Tool Works. Build a stable, rewarding career in advanced manufacturing—without student debt.