Foundry Moulder/Coremaker

Moulders and coremakers work in foundries where metal is melted and cast into parts such as metal components for cars, industrial machinery, ships' propellers and church bells. Metal is heated until it becomes liquid before being poured into moulds or hollow shapes to make the castings. Moulders first decide how the mould is to be made, and then use a pattern and moulding material to produce the hollow moulds and cores (used in moulds to form cavities) into which molten metal is poured. Moulds come in many different shapes and sizes. Some can be easily lifted by one person, whilst others take a team of workers several days to assemble. Many processes are now automated, which has reduced the amount of heavy physical labour that is required.

Most moulders and coremakers work 37 hours a week over five days, although many foundries operate a shift system involving evening and weekend work. They work at a bench or at other times in a specially designed moulding pit. The work can be strenuous and involves bending and lifting. Protective overalls, safety footwear, eye shields and ear defenders are worn when necessary.

Salaries range from about £16,000 a year to £30,000 a year.

Foundry moulders and coremakers should:

• be good with their hands
• be able to visualise three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional plans
• have good eyesight and physical fitness
• work well independently and as part of a team
• take safety seriously.

There are foundries in most industrial areas in Britain, especially the West Midlands, the north of England and Central Scotland.

There are no formal entry requirements. Entrants can join a company as an unskilled foundry operative and work through a company training scheme to become a moulder/coremaker. Young people may also be able to start on an Apprenticeship. Entry requirements are usually set by the recruiting company and do vary. The Diploma in engineering may be relevant for this area of work.

There is no age limit for work as a moulder or coremaker, although physical fitness is important and applicants may be given a medical examination.

New workers usually receive induction training covering basic work practices, and health and safety issues. They then train on the job. All Apprenticeships involve work-based training, combined with block or day release at college. Apprentices usually work towards NVQs and, in some cases, BTEC National and Higher National Awards and City & Guilds (C&G) qualifications.

People with engineering skills, experience in metal production and fabrication or knowledge of the computer systems used in the foundry industry may have an advantage.

Moulders and coremakers with good organisational and interpersonal skills may progress to become technicians, supervisors or managers.

Further details