Engineering Patternmaker

An engineering patternmaker produces patterns and moulds used in metal casting and manufacturing processes. Working in foundries, pattern shops, or manufacturing facilities, they interpret engineering drawings and specifications to create wooden, plastic, or metal patterns that serve as templates for casting moulds. The role combines precision hand and machine tool work with knowledge of material shrinkage, draft angles, and casting tolerances.

Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to determine pattern dimensions, allowances for shrinkage, and draft angles required for casting. Select and prepare materials such as timber, plastics, or resins appropriate for the casting process and intended pattern use. Machine pattern blanks using lathes, milling machines, shapers, and grinders to achieve required dimensions and surface finishes. Handcraft pattern details using chisels, files, rasps, and abrasives to create undercuts, cores, and intricate features. Assemble component parts of patterns using adhesives, fasteners, or mechanical joints to form complete moulds. Produce core boxes and core prints designed to support sand cores within casting moulds. Apply parting compounds, finishes, and coatings to patterns to facilitate removal from sand moulds and ensure pattern longevity. Measure and verify pattern dimensions using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and coordinate measuring equipment against engineering tolerances.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate IV or Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training (ABS skill level 3). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

The trade-off here is real: you're learning a highly specialised skill with limited job openings, especially as foundries close and manufacturing shifts overseas. You'll also face physical demands (hand and machine work can cause repetitive strain) and the industry itself is declining, so job security is a concern.

Most work is on-site in workshops; remote work doesn't apply. Regional manufacturing centres have some opportunities, but jobs are sparse and scattered compared to other trades.

• Accurise gunscore
• Adjust cut sizescore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracycore
• Calculate quotations for security devices servicescore
• Carry out inventory planningcore
• Casting processescore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Managementcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• ERP and Inventory Systems
• Process Improvement Identification
• Record Management
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Research and Analysis
• Supplier Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026