Molder

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Work Tasks

• Make sand molds used to cast metal products
• Pack a mixture of sand, clay, and chemicals around a model in a box called a flask
• Take the two parts apart and take out the pattern
• Cut a hole in the mold; pour metal in the mold, let it cool, then take the cast out
• Work in foundries that make and sell castings, or in plants that make castings to be used in final products such as autos, machinery, and other items
• Work with molds, castings, models, flasks, sand, molding machines, hand tools, and power tools

Salary, Size & Growth

• $35,000 average per year ($16.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (142,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.6% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree in metallurgy or engineering technology
• Skills/Courses: Courses in chemistry, math, physics, shop, blueprint reading, metalworking, and computers
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available.