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Mold Maker Apprentice Jobs in Roscoe, IL (NOW HIRING)

Tool & Die Maker - 2nd Shift

Rockford, IL · On-site

$31.53 - $33.07/hr

We've recently added a new 6-color printing press, electric injection molding presses ... apprentice program or comparable experience. A minimum of (5) years of experience in this ...

Tool & Die Maker/Machinist

Caledonia, IL · On-site

$23.75 - $30/hr

Conduct thorough inspections of machined Tooling and Molds to identify defects and ensure adherence ... Completion of a machinist apprenticeship program or technical school training preferred.

Mold Maker Apprentice information

See Roscoe, IL salary details

$12

$26

$40

How much do mold maker apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for mold maker apprentice in Roscoe, IL is $26.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $31.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mold maker apprentice?

A Mold Maker Apprentice is an entry-level position where individuals learn to create, repair, and maintain molds used in manufacturing. Apprentices work under experienced mold makers, gaining hands-on experience with tools, materials, and machinery, such as lathes and milling machines. They also study blueprints, follow safety protocols, and refine their precision machining skills. This role is essential for developing expertise in mold-making, leading to a career as a skilled mold maker.

What does a mold maker apprentice do?

As a Mold Maker Apprentice, your day typically involves assisting experienced mold makers with tasks such as reading technical drawings, measuring components, setting up machines, and assembling or repairing molds. You may operate various hand and power tools, inspect finished products for quality, and learn to troubleshoot common production issues. Apprentices often work in a workshop or manufacturing environment as part of a small team, collaborating closely with machinists, engineers, and quality assurance staff. This hands-on experience helps you develop the technical and teamwork skills needed for future advancement to a journeyman or lead mold maker position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mold maker apprentice position?

To thrive as a Mold Maker Apprentice, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training in machining or manufacturing. Familiarity with hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and CNC machinery is important, and some roles may require OSHA safety certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, a willingness to learn, and effective communication help apprentices collaborate with experienced mold makers and address complex manufacturing tasks. These abilities ensure accurate mold creation, adherence to safety standards, and successful career development within the field.

Do mold maker apprentices make good money?

Mold maker apprentices typically earn lower wages during their training period, but as they gain skills and experience, their pay increases significantly. Skilled mold makers can earn competitive wages, often supplemented by overtime and benefits, especially in manufacturing environments that require precision tools and certifications.

How do you become a mold maker apprentice?

To become a mold maker apprentice, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should have basic math and mechanical skills. Many programs require applying through local trade schools or unions, where apprentices learn on the job while attending classroom instruction, often lasting 3 to 4 years. Prior experience with hand tools or manufacturing environments can be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Mold Maker Apprentice jobs in Roscoe, IL?

For Mold Maker Apprentice jobs in Roscoe, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mold Maker Apprentice jobs in Roscoe, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Mold Maker Apprentice jobs in Roscoe, IL are:

What cities near Roscoe, IL are hiring for Mold Maker Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Roscoe, IL with the most Mold Maker Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Mold Maker Apprentice job openings in Roscoe, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,634 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Tool & Die Maker - 2nd Shift

JL Clark

Rockford, IL • On-site

$31.53 - $33.07/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Read blueprints and plan machine and hand tool operations necessary for building and repairing tools, dies, fixtures, and gauges.

  • Build new complex tools and repair existing tools, ensuring components are assembled to extremely close tolerances.

  • Set up and operate all tool room machines and use hand tools for sizing, fitting, and assembling die and tool parts.


Job description

2021 marked J.L. Clark's 117th anniversary, and we continue to leverage our packaging expertise to help customers build brands into household names. While much has changed since 1904, J.L. Clark's dedication to you, the customer, has not. We continue to provide the same outstanding service and quality our customers have come to expect, while maintaining a relentless pursuit of innovation in package design.
J.L. Clark continues to invest in the latest technology. We've recently added a new 6-color printing press, electric injection molding presses, state-of-the-art vision systems, improved rapid prototyping, and high-speed fabrication capabilities.
Sustainability continues to be a core commitment at J.L. Clark. In 2012, we became the first North American Metal Lithographer to receive SGP (Sustainable Green Printing) Partnership Certification. J.L. Clark has also been recognized as the recipient of the Illinois Governor's Sustainability Award in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Is responsible for making and repairing tools, dies, fixtures, gauges, etc., and correcting tool problems in production. Always preform the duties with the goal of satisfying the customer. Must have knowledge and experience equivalent to an "A" journeyman tool maker. Must be proficient in blueprint reading and building and assembling tools.
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:
Position requires a vocational or high school diploma or GED Certificate with completion of appropriate apprentice program or comparable experience. A minimum of (5) years of experience in this classification is necessary to develop skills and knowledge to perform proficiently. Must have knowledge and experience equivalent to an "A" journeyman tool maker.
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND WORK AIDS:
All types of machine tools and hand tools used in high precision metal working. High precision micrometers, gauges, etc. Must have considerable analytical and mechanical ability and a high degree of mental and manual coordination. Must also be proficient in the use of EDM machines, programming, set up and operation. Must have own hand tools and measuring instruments required for the trade. Must have experience in the set up and operation of numerical control machines
RELATIONSHIPS:
Production Departments, Machine shop, Tool Room and Engineering Personnel
SUPERVISES:
N/A
SUPERVISED BY:
Tool Room Supervisor
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Position requires pushing, pulling, or lifting objects ranging up to approximately 50 lbs.. Must be capable of working all shifts and overtimes as required.
Duties normal to the job: (listed by importance)
DUTY DESCRIPTION OF DUTY % TIME DEVOTED HOURS SPENT
Blue Prints: Reads drawings and blue prints. Is responsible for planning and laying out machine and hand tool operations necessary. Building new complex tools and/or repairing of complex tools, dies, fixtures, gauges, etc. Situational
Tolerances: Includes skilled fitting and assembling of component parts of tools, jigs and fixtures to extremely close tolerances ( +/-.001). Situational
Setup: Responsible for set up and operation of all tool room machines and uses a variety of hand tools in sizing, fitting and assembling die and tool parts. Situational
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:
Position requires a vocational or high school diploma or GED Certificate with completion of appropriate apprentice program or comparable experience. A minimum of (5) years of experience in this classification is necessary to develop skills and knowledge to perform proficiently. Must have knowledge and experience equivalent to an "A" journeyman tool maker.