“Moldmaker, Moldmaker, shape me a form …
Find me a find – craft me a mold!
For products that matter, both big and so small,
Oh, Moldmakers, Moldmakers, you’re admired by all.”
You may have starting hearing the Matchmaker song in your head – and if so, that could also work in terms of matching more people in moldmaking; an industry that needs a lot more attention and respect!
And yet – as Lyn Caine says: “Surprised that Mold Making is still not yet a Red Seal trade.
Everything plastic that we all use DAILY are all Mold derived.”
As part of Bridging Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Service at Family Services of Peel, Caine is putting together a petition.
Nicole Vlanich, Executive Director at CAMM says her organization strongly supports and is also gathering letters and names to support this cause. You can email her at Nicole@camm.ca
“Mold making is a specialized craft that plays a crucial role in shaping various industries in Canada,” writes Vlanich, in a paper written for CAMM about advocating for Red Seal designation for moldmaking. The paper explores the statistical significance of mold making and emphasizes the reasons why it should be considered a Red Seal Trade.
“4 of the 5 largest mold makers in the world have locations in Ontario, Canada and Windsor, Ontario is known as a significant manufacturing hub for mold making. Canadian companies are significant players in the world’s mold making industry and it is important to the Canadian company that this remains the case. Canadian mold making needs to become a Red Seal trade to secure its position among world industry leaders.”
To read more about CAMM’s info on the Red Seal work go here.
There are 54 trades currently recognized in the Red Seal program. They include cook, electrician, machinist, welder, heavy equipment operator, millwright, and roofer.
And – here is another twist!
There are two types of toolmakers. Moldmakers and diemakers. Diemakers form steel and moldmakers form plastic. Diemakers are red seal, moldmakers are not.
Moldmaking needs to be part of the Red Seal Program: it will not only elevate the skillset of moldmakers but also boost Canada’s manufacturing sector as a whole.
Time to Sign Up. Suit Up. And #ShowUp!
“Everything we touch in a day contains components that were made with the moulding process: The computer you use, the plumbing in your house, the car you drive, the luggage you carry, the satellite orbiting the earth, the syringe used to administer medication, all are a product of a plastic injection mold,’” writes Tim Galbraith, a veteran of the moldmaking industy who knows all too well why getting a Red Seal designation for moldmaking is so important. He has written a letter of support on behalf of Cavalier Tool.
“It has taken way too long… Now is the time to act. With the growth of plastic injection molding and the demand for more mouldmakers, the CCDA needs to recognize the benefit to the economy of including mouldmaking in the Tool & Die Maker designation. “
Moldmakers aka Toolmakers play a pivotal role in producing high-quality molds and tools that drive innovation across industries.
And now we must advocate to encourage moldmaking as a profession – to empower skilled workers and help set a standard of excellence for moldmakers and for the end users.
The Red Seal Program is administered in each province and territory by the apprenticeship and certification authorities.
There are many reasons for why this is important. As a Canadian Association of Mold Makers board member in the world of public relations and marketing it is shocking that moldmaking doesn’t have Red Seal designation.
Where would industry be without the people who make the tools an that lead to so many vital plastic products.
🌟 Here’s why this move is vital:
1️⃣ Standardization of Skills: The Red Seal program ensures a consistent and recognized level of expertise. Including moldmakers will establish uniform skill standards, leading to higher-quality molds and increased efficiency.
2️⃣ Competitive Edge: Moldmakers contribute to various sectors like automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods. By being Red Seal certified, moldmakers can showcase their proficiency, giving Canadian manufacturers a competitive advantage in the global market.
3️⃣ Innovation Acceleration: Moldmaking is at the forefront of technological advancements like 3D printing and CNC machining. Integrating moldmakers into the Red Seal program encourages them to stay updated on the latest technologies, fostering innovation.
4️⃣ Workforce Development: As the manufacturing landscape evolves, it’s crucial to attract and retain skilled talent. Including moldmakers in the Red Seal program attracts more individuals to the profession and encourages their career growth.
5️⃣ Portability: Without red seal designation, a certified Moldmaker in Ontario is not recognized in say Alberta. ( Quebec does recognize ‘moldmaking machinist’ as a red seal trade)
Red seal designation may lead to industry growth outside Ontario and result in skilled trades growth across Canada in a growing industry.
Let’s champion this initiative to enhance the moldmaking profession, empower skilled workers, and propel Canada’s manufacturing prowess to new heights! \