What Is a Foundry Pattern Maker and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A foundry pattern maker creates patterns for the casting of wood, metal, or other materials. Your duties in this career include reading blueprints and following those exact specifications when creating a pattern. You also operate the necessary machinery for pattern creation and shape pieces of the casting to create a final product. You also have responsibilities that focus on cleaning your work area and equipment after your shift, learning about new tools and equipment, performing inspections, maintenance, and repairs on equipment, and training to learn proper safety procedures of your craft. You typically work in an industrial setting for this job.

Foundry pattern maker jobs favor candidates with pattern making and machinery experience rather than those with formal qualifications. However, a bachelor’s degree in engineering combined with experience is preferable. The machinery you work with is very technical, so gaining hands-on experience is necessary to enhance your skills. Foundry pattern makers usually enter this career with an entry-level role as an apprentice under the supervision of a journeyman pattern maker. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to operate equipment and create patterns efficiently. You need strong computer skills for reporting and working with 3D models.