Become a member of the ODU Group!

Toolmaker (m/f/d)

Each new ODU connector and related component requires a new mold – and therefore also a new manufacturing device or machine. Our toolmakers build this equipment with tolerances of just 0.001 mm. For comparison, a human hair is about 0.06 mm in diameter! Using state-of-the-art machines, our apprentices learn how to implement technical documents accurately and to scale. This involves both manual and machine-based processing of workpieces by turning or milling.

During your training you will learn how to develop work programs for computer-controlled machines. In turn, you will spend time in each production department and learn about the various further processing options and the application areas for the manufactured tools. You will be able to put what you have learned into practice immediately via individual projects; for example, by designing and manufacturing small stamping or injection molds. Naturally, you will learn a wide range of metalworking processes during your apprenticeship.

Training period: 3.5 apprenticeship years

School-leaving qualification: high school diploma (equivalent to “Quali” or “Mittlere Reife”) or higher

You will need: a precise, methodical approach to your work, manual dexterity, an interest in mathematics, spatial imagination, and technical aptitude

Your training
  • Learn manual skills such as filing, measuring, drilling, sawing, riveting, thread cutting, chiseling:
    After your basic training, you will spend time in different departments within the company to get a better understanding of their roles and work alongside the respective teams. You will be assigned different learning objectives in each area.
  • Tool Shop:
    In this department you will learn manufacturing processes based on turning and milling. You will also learn to manufacture, maintain, assemble, repair, and improve injection molding, stamping, and assembly tools, as well as assembly machines.
  • Plastic injection molding shop:
    In this department, you will gain an in-depth understanding of how injection molds work. You will continue to learn how to use, maintain, modify, repair, improve, and clean injection molding tools.
  • EDM machining:
    You will learn to work with an EDM machine, in which an electrode made of copper or graphite, which corresponds to the negative of the workpiece, is used to produce the workpiece via a process called spark eroding. EDM is primarily used to machine hardened materials with tight tolerances.
  • Stamping shop:
    You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the use of punching tools. You will learn how to use, maintain, modify, repair, improve, and clean punching tools. You will also be responsible for quality assurance for the stamped parts.
  • Assembly machines:
    You will learn to mechanically maintain our diverse range of manufacturing equipment. In addition, you will get to grips with the electro-pneumatic controls for our assembly machines.
  • CNC milling:
    At a programming station, you will learn how to program CNC-controlled machines during a course lasting around four weeks. Afterwards, you will be given the chance to put the theory into practice on a machine while under supervision. You will also be responsible for choosing the appropriate test equipment.
  • Grinding shop:
    You will use grinding machines to process various workpieces with tolerances of +/- 0.005 mm. You will need a very reliable way of working to achieve the extremely challenging dimensions and shapes of these workpieces.
  • Drilling shop:
    You will learn how to set up drills and milling machines for series production.
Vocational school

1st apprenticeship year
Staatl. Berufsschule I
Pilichdorfstraße 4
84453 Mühldorf
No block teaching

In the first apprenticeship year, you will attend the vocational school (Berufsschule I) in Mühldorf once or twice per week to learn basic metalworking skills (filing, drilling, turning, milling, getting to know different materials, etc.). You will be in the same class as apprentices from other metalworking professions.

2nd to 4th apprenticeship year
Staatliche Berufsschule I Traunstein
Wasserburger Straße 52
83278 Traunstein
No block teaching

From the second apprenticeship year, your class in Traunstein will consist entirely of trainee toolmakers. You will learn about the job of a toolmaker in much greater depth (including the construction of bending, injection, and punching tools)

Final examinations

In the middle of your second apprenticeship year, you will sit Part 1 of the final examination, which counts for 40% of your final grade. Part 2 of your final examination will take place at the end of your 3.5 years of training. You will be well prepared for both exams through your work at ODU and your studies at the vocational school.

Your future prospects

By showing both commitment and enthusiasm, you will open up excellent career opportunities at ODU – initially, with regard to finding a permanent job, and subsequently through professional development as a specialist in your field. As a toolmaker, you will need to specialize after completing your training: e.g., in turning technology, milling technology, automation, the tool shop, etc. Each of our trained toolmakers has become a specialist in his or her chosen field over several years.

Further training to become a technician specializing in mechanical engineering is also possible on a part-time basis (8 semesters, 4 years).

Of course, various study paths will also be open to you, e.g., a dual study program specializing in mechanical engineering – either part-time in Mühldorf am Inn or full-time at the surrounding universities in Rosenheim, Landshut and Munich. Having completed your basic training as a toolmaker, you will also have the option of completing a dual study program in industrial engineering at the university of Rosenheim or Landshut.

Incidentally
  • As a rule, we hire four apprentice toolmakers every year
  • Toolmaker is one of the cleanest metalworking jobs around
  • We accept trainees from any kind of high school (“Mittelschule”, “Realschule”), technical college (“FOS”), or grammar school (“Gymnasium”)
  • You do not necessarily need to have focused on technical subjects at high school to learn this profession
  • With a good school-leaving qualification, you can learn this very demanding metalworking profession as long as you are committed and have a knack for handicrafts. The profession of toolmaker is equally suitable for both men and women. The young women who are currently learning this profession at ODU greatly enjoy their work, as do their expert female colleagues.
  • You can, of course, work for a few years first, become a specialist in your field, and then continue your general training if you wish.