I have been a Tool and Die maker for around 22 years I apprenticed under and old Englishmen for 7 years early on. I now run the show in the Tool room second shift where i work now. I also teach people how to use and run solidworks drafting program. I also teach mastercam , Gibscam , Camworks, Edgecam, Solidcam, Surfcam, and a host of other applications software. I worked in a mold shop building molds for a while running and programing edm machines. I have worked in my share of Job shops everybody should do that.
That's how you really learn your trade.. You make everything and anything that someone is willing to pay for. The only catch is no benefits and if you don't got speed they don't need you. Speed makes money. If you mess up parts and ruin there stock they don't need you lol. So basically its only a matter of time before you are out the door when they find somebody cheaper younger and faster to hire.
I love my work so much i have a home shop of my own lol.
