Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

The Work

Patternmakers design and construct patterns that are used to make castings for metal parts, such as engineering machinery and surgical instruments.  
 
A pattern is a full-scale model of the final casting. Patternmakers create patterns in wood, metal, plastic and polystyrene. The patterns are then used to make moulds into which molten metal can be poured. A very high degree of accuracy is needed to make a pattern to the exact dimensions required.  
 
Patternmakers work from engineers' drawings or electronic information. Engineers' drawings are used to produce a 'set-out'. The set-out is a full-scale working drawing that shows how the pattern is to be assembled. Patternmakers assemble the patterns using a variety of tools and machinery.  
 
When information is supplied electronically, patternmakers use computer-aided design and manufacture techniques.  
 
Wooden patterns may need a further stage, which is hand-finishing. Great care is needed to rub down and varnish the pattern, to create a smooth, blemish-free surface.  
 
Patternmakers also produce metal dies (moulds) into which molten metal is poured. These dies are made of two or more parts clamped together to form the required shape.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
• Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
• Repair and rework templates and patterns.
• Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
• Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
• Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
• Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
• Program computerised numerical control machine tools.
• Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Many patternmakers have a background in carpentry/joinery. Mechanical engineering craft skills and CAD are also relevant. Solas runs a course in 2-Dimensional Computer Aided Design (C.A.D). This provides trainees with the skills and related knowledge in two dimensional computer aided design. 

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Engineering Technology, Computer-Aided Design, Engineering OEM, Engineering Technology, Engineering Precision Manufacturing in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Engineering, Engineering Technology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: OEM manufacturing NFQ level 6 & Engineering Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Manufacturing & Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, 3D CAD & Solid Modelling, CAD & 3D Modelling NFQ Levels 7-8 Search our CAO coursefinder 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €45k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Indeed / Glassdoor / Morgan McKinley/ Prosperity/ Clark/ Excel/ DEASP

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.

Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.

• Design & Craft Council of Ireland

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