Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprentice

A student using a machine

Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprentice

Registered Apprenticeship

16 Credits | 4 Years

New Richmond

Career Cluster: Manufacturing

What is an Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a state-certified training program that combines paid related instruction and on the job training. Apprentices are trained under a written training agreement called an indenture. While indentured, the employer agrees to teach the student the skills of the trade and the apprentice agrees to learn the skills involved.

Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprentice Overview

Injection molding machine setters set up and tend machines that transform plastic compounds into a wide variety of consumer goods such as toys, tubing and auto parts. They install plastic injection molds on the molding machine; make necessary connections of the electrical, hydraulic and cooling systems to the mold; ensure that the correct plastic material, plastic melt temperatures, shot size, injection speed and pressures are set; and cycle the machine and adjust the molding parameters until acceptable parts are produced.

Units of instruction include electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics; statistical process control; plastic mold design and blueprint reading; technical mathematics; basic tool room machine shop operations; and an overview of many of the plastic molding processes other than injection molding.

Program Outcomes

Injection Mold Set-up (Plastic) Apprentice graduates will be able to:

  • Classify the structure and properties of plastics
  • Install (and maintain) molds
  • Set-up injection molding machines
  • Compare plastic processes used in the industry
  • Analyze mold design and construction
  • Interpret industrial prints and schematics
  • Apply mathematics to industrial situations
  • Solve problems by troubleshooting equipment components and processes
  • Apply automation principles to injection molding and plastics
Inside a machine shop

On-the-job learning is 90% of apprenticeships. Apprentices are full-time, paid employees trained by the employer's skilled workers. 

Machines zoomed in - shop

Progressive wages are earned by apprentices as their skills grow. Wages are set by the employer. Apprentices are paid to attend related instruction.

Students working with a robot

Apprentices learn the theory and lab to support on-the-job learning.


Academics

The Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) courses are available on site at the New Richmond campus.

Continuing Education

Graduates are able to apply program 39 credits towards the Technical Studies – Journeyworker associate degree program

Program Features

This four-year apprenticeship includes 7,744 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of paid related instruction

Transition to Trainer

The Transition to Trainer course is required for completion. Students will take this course the last year of the apprenticeship


Required Courses

The program required courses are state-approved and designed specifically to meet employer needs. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprentice Courses

50664718
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Examine industrial automation and applications to various trades. Automation terminology, concepts and applications will be examined. Automated systems, components and devices will be reviewed. Robotics used in modern manufacturing plants will be compared and analyzed. Job duties and tasks associated with safety, inspection, testing, maintenance, repair and servicing will be the primary emphasis.
50463714
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Build skills and apply reading electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics to plastic injection molding in this course designed for the injection mold setup apprentice. Study topics such as injection molding, thermosets and thermoplastics, mold set up and start up, and the structure and properties of plastic.

Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprentice is Part of a Career Pathway

As an Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprentice student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way! 

You could take this first.

Injection Mold (Plastic) Certified Pre-Apprenticeship (CPA)

Potential Careers
Operators, Material Handlers, Injection Molding Setup Technician
Arrow pointing down

Continue to earn your apprenticeship.

Potential Careers
Injection Mold Setup Technician, Set Up Technician, Automation Technician, Finishing Technician, Molding Technician, Mold Technician, Injection Molding Process Technician, Injection Molding Set-up Technician
Arrow pointing down

Earn an Associate Degree.

Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.


 

Admissions and Tuition

To become an apprentice in the state of Wisconsin, one must first be indentured by the State Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS). To become indentured you must:

  • Contact an employer on your own. Employment is a requirement of entering an apprenticeship.
  • Once you have an employer / sponsor, contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards to initiate the application process between you and your employer

See Requirements and Application for more details

 

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprentice

16 Credits | 4 years

$2,592


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Injection Mold Set-up (Plastic) Apprentice Program

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will receive a Completion Credential from the Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.


Contact

Eric Lockwood, Director, Apprenticeships and Academies
715.246.1871
Email Eric

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