Mold Tooling (Apprentice)

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

A Fiberglass Mold Maker creates, repairs, and maintains molds for producing fiberglass parts, involving tasks like building mold patterns, applying release agents, layering fiberglass and resin, trimming, sanding, and quality checking for products in marine, automotive, or aerospace industries, requiring manual skill, attention to detail, and strict adherence to safety protocols (PPE).

Key Responsibilities:


* Mold Construction & Repair: Design, build, or repair master molds and production molds from patterns.


* Surface Preparation: Apply gel coats, sealers, and release agents (like wax or PVA) to mold surfaces.


* Lamination: Cut fiberglass materials (mats, cloths) and apply layers with resins (polyester, epoxy) to molds, using brushes, rollers, or spray guns.


* Finishing: Trim excess material, sand, smooth surfaces, and remove air bubbles for a flawless finish.


* Quality Control: Inspect molds and finished parts for defects, ensuring they meet specifications.


* Maintenance: Clean, maintain, and prepare mold for future use.

Essential Skills & Requirements:


* Technical Skills: Proficiency with hand/power tools, understanding of resin systems, mold-making techniques, and blueprint reading.


* Physical Stamina: Capable of manual labor, standing for long periods, and working with chemicals.


* Attention to Detail: Crucial for precise layering and defect-free finishes.


* Safety Conscious: Strict use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like respirators and gloves due to chemical exposure.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience


* Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing mold shops.


* Hands-on experience with fiberglass layup, lamination, finishing, and aluminum fabrication processes strongly preferred.