Injection Mold Set-up (Plastic) Apprentice | Northwood Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-4081.00

Skills

Operations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringOperation and ControlReading ComprehensionActive Listening

Knowledge

Production and ProcessingMechanicalMathematicsEnglish LanguageDesign

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessControl PrecisionNear VisionManual DexterityProblem SensitivityVisualizationInformation OrderingOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionSelective Attention

Tasks

Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, u
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fi
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to pl

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareElectronic mail softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software

Tools

Adjustable wrenchesBand sawsBlow-molding machinesBoring toolsBuffing machinesClaw hammersCompassesComputer numerical controlled CNC milling machinesCutting machinesDesktop computersDrafting scalesExtruding machinesFace masksGear hobbersGrease guns

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-4081.00	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	title_inference	$46,060 median$72,850 top	-0.53%	-70

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Apprenticeship)

Job orders and engineering blueprints — read independently to determine operational sequences and tooling requirements for routine production runs.
Drills, cutters, dies, and holding devices — select, install, and align using measuring instruments and hand tools with minimal oversight on standard jobs.
Workpieces — inspect and measure using calipers, micrometers, and templates to verify accuracy and record results in production logs.
Lathes, millers, borers, and presses — set up and operate to produce metallic and plastic parts to specification across familiar job types.
Machine operation — monitor continuously for abnormal sounds, vibration, or surface finish changes and make routine feed or speed adjustments.
Worn cutting tools and accessories — change using proper hand tools and verify alignment before resuming production independently.
Automatic feeding mechanisms and hoists — use to load and position stock safely and efficiently within standard production cycles.
Machine stops and guides — adjust to compensate for tool wear or material variation based on in-process measurement results.
Common machine malfunctions — troubleshoot by following established diagnostic steps and escalating complex issues to maintenance personnel.
Quality control data — compile and review from multiple workpieces to identify recurring dimensional trends and adjust machine settings accordingly.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.