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Model Makers, Wood
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Other titles employers use
Builder · Craftsman · Jig Maker · Model Builder · Model Maker · Product Development Carpenter · Sample Builder · Sample Maker
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
- Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
- Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
- Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and creative work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects to know
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
Useful strengths
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Control Precision
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.0 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 4.1 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.2 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.0 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 51%
- A certificate or some college 35%
- A four-year degree 14%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Computer aided design CAD software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 130
- Job openings each year
- 20
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −7.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 130 | 20 | −7.1% |
| Ohio | 60 | 10 | −14.3% |
| Washington | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Idaho | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
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Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
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