Model maker Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a model maker, your work would typically involve:

• discussing requirements (the brief) with the designer or client
• using various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, clay, card, resin and plaster
• using a range of hand, power and machine tools and computer-assisted equipment
• using freehand drawing skills or computer-aided design (CAD) to illustrate initial ideas
• making any necessary amendments as a result of further consultation before producing a detailed final model
• using electronics or mechanical methods to make working models with moving parts
• carrying out finishing processes such as hand colouring and spray painting.

If you produce models of buildings, you may also model the surrounding area to show how the building will fit in.

Hours

You may need to work long and irregular hours. This could include evenings and weekends when there are deadlines to meet.

You would be based in a workshop or studio. Some of the materials you use may produce dust or unpleasant or dangerous fumes, so you would need to wear a protective mask and gloves.

Income

Starting salaries can be around £19,000 a year. Experienced model makers can earn from £23,000 to over £30,000.

Freelancers are paid a fee for each project.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You do not need any set qualifications to become a model maker. However, most model makers complete training before starting work.

Relevant courses include:

• ABC Level 3 Award in Model Making and Presentation
• SQA National Certificate (Scotland)
• BTEC National Certificate HNC or HND in 3D Design
• foundation degrees such as Computer Aided Design (3D Computer Modelling and Animation) and Computer Aided Design (Product Realisation)
• degree courses in subjects such as design modelling.

It could be useful if you have experience in areas such engineering, electronics, carpentry or furniture making.

To get on to a course or find work you will usually need a portfolio of your work. You could do a foundation course in art and design to help you prepare for a higher education course, and to help you build up a portfolio.

To search for art and design foundation, foundation degree, HND and degree courses, see the UCAS website.

• UCAS

See the Creative Skillset Careers website for information on work as a model maker in the film, TV and animation industries.

Training and development

Once you start work as a model maker you may receive on-the-job training.

You could also complete qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Woodworking, Pattern and Model Making.

D&AD runs courses, workshops and design award schemes for members, including Workout, a range of one-day development courses. Visit the D&AD website for details.

• D&AD

Check the Creative Skillset website for details of industry approved training courses for the film, TV and animation industries.

• Creative Skillset

Joining professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineering Designers will also give you the opportunity to attend events and workshops and make contacts in the industry.

• Institution of Engineering Designers

Skills and knowledge

To be a model maker you should have:

• a strong interest in art, design and technology
• the ability to visualise designs in 3D
• good drawing and IT skills
• the ability to read and understand plans and technical drawings
• practical skills to use hand and power tools
• attention to detail
• a methodical, thorough and patient approach
• health and safety awareness.

More information

Institution of Engineering Designers
Courtleigh
Westbury Leigh
Westbury
Wiltshire
BA13 3TA
www.ied.org.uk

Creative Skillset
Focus Point
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
www.creativeskillset.org

Creative Skillset Careers
Tel: 08080 300 900 (England and Northern Ireland)
Tel: 0845 850 2502(Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
www.creativeskillset.org/careers

Design Council
www.designcouncil.org.uk

D&AD
9 Graphite Square
Vauxhall Walk
London
SE11 5EE
Tel: 020 7840 1111
www.dandad.org

Creative and Cultural Skills
Lafone House
The Leathermarket
Weston Street
London
SE1 3HN
www.creative-choices.co.uk

Opportunities

You may find full-time opportunities in the architecture, aviation, automobile, shipping and civil engineering industries and with manufacturers of consumer products. With experience you could progress to leading a team of model makers.

Many model makers are self-employed and work on a project-by-project basis. Clients include engineers, designers, architects, advertising companies, museums, film and TV companies. As a self-employed model maker you could progress by building up your business or by becoming an agent for other model makers.

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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