Job profiles

Model maker
As a model maker, youll design and make 3D scale models (or mock-ups) to show how new buildings
or products will look, and to test new designs. Youll also make models to create special effects for
film or television, or to make complicated technical or scientific ideas easier to understand.
If you are interested in art, design and technology, this job could suit you. You will also need good
drawing and IT skills. The ability to understand technical drawings will help you to accurately build
models to the right specifications.
There is no set entry route into this job. Employers will usually want you to have model making skills
and good attention to detail. Youll also need a portfolio of work to showcase your talents. Some
employers may prefer you to have a degree in model making or an art related subject .

Hours

Starting salary

Variable

19,000 + per year

Work activities
As a model maker you can make models for different uses. They include:
architectural design scale models of new and existing building designs
product design models of new products designed for testing before production starts
visual effects design models used in special effects or to show set designs in TV, film and theatre.
Your duties can vary depending on your job, but youre likely to:
discuss requirements (the brief) with the designer or client
use freehand drawing skills or computer-aided design (CAD) to illustrate initial ideas
make any necessary amendments as a result of further consultation before producing a detailed final model
use a range of hand, power and machine tools and computerised equipment to make models
use electronics or mechanical methods to make working models with moving parts
carry out finishing processes such as hand colouring and spray painting.
Youll be using a wide range of materials like metal, wood, plastic, clay, card, resin and plaster to create your models. You may also be using computerised
techniques such as laser cutting or 3D printing to get the right size and shape for your model parts.
If you produce architectural models, you may also model the surrounding area to show how the building will fit in with its environment.

Working hours and conditions

You may need to work long and irregular hours. This could include evenings and weekends when there are deadlines to meet.
Youll usually be based in a workshop or studio. Some of the materials you use may produce dust or unpleasant or dangerous fumes, so you will need to wear
a protective mask and gloves at times.

Income

Starting salaries can be around 19,000 a year.

Experienced model makers can earn from 23,000 to over 30,000.
As a freelance model maker you will agree a fee for each project with your client.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements
There is no set entry route to become a model maker. Employers will usually want you to have model making skills. They will also look for a portfolio of work
that demonstrates you have an eye for detail and can produce quality models to very exact standards.
Some employers may prefer you to have a degree in a related subject like model making, 3D design or art and design.
Other relevant courses include:
Level 4 HNC Diploma in 3D Design
Level 5 HND Diploma in 3D Design
foundation degrees in subjects like 3D design and graphic design.
It could be useful if you have experience in areas such engineering, electronics, carpentry, sculpture or furniture making. For some architectural model design
jobs some employers may expect you to be working as an architectural technician or working towards the relevant qualifications. Take a look the Related
careers list for more information .
To get on to a course or find work you will usually need a portfolio of your work. A foundation course in art and design may help you prepare for a higher
education course, and to build up a portfolio.
Visit the UCAS website to search for art and design foundation, foundation degree, HND and degree courses.
UCAS
Model making skills are used across a range of sectors like engineering and the creative industries. You may be able to get into this job through an
Apprenticeship which includes model making skills. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and types of
skills employers need from their workers. Visit the Apprenticeships websites for more information.
Apprenticeships
Take a look at the Creative Choices and Creative Skillset websites to find out more about working as a model maker and for information about careers in
design, case studies and events where you can make industry contacts.
Creative Choices
Creative Skillset

(Design)
(Creative 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 Level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Engineering Woodworking, Pattern and Model Making. Short courses in a range of
new techniques like 3D printing and laser cutting are now available through a wide range of organisations.
D&AD, an educational charity, offers information guides and a series of continuing professional development programmes, such as Workout to creative
professionals. Visit their website to search for courses and to find out more.
D&AD
Visit the Creative Skillset website to search for industry approved training courses for the film, TV and animation industries.
Creative Skillset

(Find the course that's right for you)

Joining a professional body like 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, interests and qualities

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
www.creativeskillset.org
Creative Skillset
(Young creative talent)
www.creativeskillset.org/careers
Design Council
www.designcouncil.org.uk
D&AD
Britannia House
68-80 Hanbury Street
London
E1 5JL
Tel: 020 7840 1111
www.dandad.org
Creative & Cultural Skills
www.ccskills.org.uk
Creative Choices
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 market information

This section gives you an overview of the job area that this profile belongs to. You can use it to work out your next career move. It can help if youre looking

for a job now or want to do some further training.

The 'Market statistics' charts are based on figures from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The list of job vacancies under 'Apply for jobs' is from the Universal Jobmatch database. The vacancies are not from the National Careers Service.

Market statistics

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Median income: Construction

This chart shows the median, or middle, annual income figure for full-time workers in this sector compared to the national median figure for all sectors.

Gender: Construction

This chart shows the proportion of men and women working in this sector.

Working pattern: Construction

This chart gives a breakdown of how people are employed in this sector.

Unfilled vacancies due to skills shortages: National

This chart shows the proportion of vacancies in this sector that employers said are due to skills shortages. This compares with the overall figure across
all sectors.

Employment forecast: Construction

2021

This graph shows the predicted numbers of people that will be working in this sector between now and 2020.

2016 A service of the Skills Funding Agency on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

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