Tool and Die/Tool Maker (Optional Co-op)

Conestoga College is a well-regarded public college based in Kitchener, Ontario, offering more than 200 programs across fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, information technology, media and design. Established in 1967, the college serves roughly 16,000 full-time students and around 1,800 international students, and delivers applied training through multiple campuses across the Waterloo Region. Conestoga emphasizes career-focused education designed to equip students with job-ready skills.

The college is known for hands-on learning, modern labs and close ties to local industry, which support co-op placements, internships and employer-led projects. Program options include certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate credentials, allowing clear progression routes for students seeking technical expertise or academic advancement. Strong employer partnerships and a focus on experiential learning help graduates transition smoothly into regional and national job markets.

International applicants can expect comprehensive admission guidance, orientation programs and student support services that address academic, language and settlement needs. Conestoga’s career services and alumni network aid job search and professional development, while campus life offers clubs and activities to build community. Prospective students should explore program-specific entry requirements, co-op options and scholarship opportunities to plan a practical and rewarding pathway.

The Tool and Die/Tool Maker program at Conestoga College is a non-degree program for students who enjoy working with machines and are interested in modern manufacturing technologies. This one-year program helps students develop skills for a career in the manufacturing sector, including apprenticeship. Students learn high-precision hand fitting, positioning, aligning, and assembly techniques.

The curriculum includes courses such as Career Success, College Reading & Writing Skills, Mechanical Engineering Drawings, and Precision Machining Theory. Students also develop skills in CNC manual programming, precision machining practice, and tool making. The program incorporates paid co-op education work and covers learning outcomes for Level 1 and Level 2 of the related apprenticeship program in Ontario.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Tool and Die Makers, CNC Machinists, Precision Machinists, or Manufacturing Engineers. They can work in industries such as automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing, and can be employed by companies that produce stamping dies, machine parts, or other precision components. With this training, students can also pursue apprenticeships or start their own businesses in the manufacturing sector.