Skills
Metal Patternmaker Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in metal patternmakers, and how to build and show them.
What skills do metal patternmakers need?
Metal Patternmakers need technical skills such as pattern layout, shrink and draft, and machining, plus people skills like precision and patience. They also use tools such as CNC mills and Shrink rules.
Technical (hard) skills
- Pattern layout
- Shrink and draft
- Machining
- CAD
- Core box building
- Inspection
People (soft) skills
- Precision
- Patience
- Problem-solving
- Focus
Tools, equipment and technology
- CNC mills
- Shrink rules
- CAD software
- Hand tools
- 3D printers
- Calipers
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how metal patternmakers put their skills to work:
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Pattern layout” and “Shrink and draft.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “precision,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as AFS training near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our metal patternmaker glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Metal Patternmaker training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.