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Model Making Trainee

Entry-level UK model unit role: learns materials, machines, H&S and set etiquette under close supervision while supporting the workshop.

Duties

• Learn material names, hazards, PPE and workshop induction
• Assist basic cuts, sanding, cleaning moulds and bench jobs under supervision
• Help with material runs, labelling and tidy-down
• Observe sculpt, mould, cast, paint and mechanical processes
• Practice reading drawings, scales and call sheets
• Never operate restricted plant or mix chemicals without sign-off
• Support standby only when briefed and accompanied as required

Reports to

Junior / Assistant Model Maker mentor / Supervising Model Maker

Works with

Whole model unit; runners/logistics for fetches

Career path

Model Making Trainee → Junior / Assistant Model Maker

Day to day

Arrive for workshop call; take induction tasks; assist safely; listen on radio etiquette; ask questions; never guess on live chemicals or machines.

Call times

Workshop-led: model unit often starts earlier than general unit call for build days. Standby Model Makers match unit call when covering shoot. Overnight cures, paint and last-minute hero makes before shoot days are common — always read the workshop schedule against the call sheet.

What to wear

Workshop PPE: steel toe-caps or production-approved boots; eye/ear protection; gloves suited to task (nitrile for resins, heat-resistant where needed); dust mask / respirator for sanding, spray and chemicals; apron or workshop blacks; hard hat / hi-vis if yard or stage rules require. Clean blacks when delivering to set. Hi-vis and hard hat when yards/stages require.

Tools & kit

PPE first; basic measuring tools as mentors advise. No personal power tools on set without Supervising approval.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap, kit/machine fee and workshop location on the deal memo. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk / Props Branch Prop Modelling and Prop Painters cards. On smaller shows Model Making may sit under Props as Prop Modelling; larger features often list Model Making as its own department. Prioritise mandatory H&S courses (manual handling, abrasive wheels, chemical awareness) as your HOD requires.

Software

• Rhino / SolidWorks / Fusion 360 / SketchUp (CAD for makes)
• ZBrush / Blender for sculpt refs and digital masters
• Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator for paint maps and graphics on makes
• Excel / Google Sheets schedules, materials and budgets
• PDF drawings / Bluebeam / art dept packs
• PureRef / Milanote moodboards and refs
• Slicer / CAM software for 3D print and CNC (PrusaSlicer, Cura, Fusion CAM)
• Shared call sheets (StudioBinder / Yamdu / PDF)
• ChatGPT for materials research drafts (HOD / Supervising verify H&S and SDS)

Related roles

Junior / Assistant Model Maker, Model Maker, Model Making Coordinator

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