10/13/2026
Introducing Trades Tuesday!
Behind every vehicle we build are skilled trades professionals whose expertise, dedication and craftsmanship help keep Stellantis moving.
We're kicking off Trades Tuesday, a new series spotlighting the people, skills and career journeys behind the work happening across our North American manufacturing facilities.
Meet Ivan Jackson, a diemaker at Sterling Stamping with 27 years of seniority. Ivan began his skilled trades journey through an apprenticeship at Sterling Stamping, taking a chance on a career path he hadn't originally considered.
So, what exactly does a diemaker do? Diemakers build, maintain and repair the specialized tools, called dies, that shape sheets of metal into vehicle parts. Their precision and expertise help ensure the parts used in our vehicles are produced accurately and consistently.
We caught up with Ivan to learn more about his experience and the advice he'd share with others exploring skilled trades careers.
Q: What does a typical day look like as a diemaker?
Ivan: “A typical day involves troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining and making precision adjustments to dies used in the stamping process. Every day can bring a different challenge.”
Q: How did you get started in the trade?
Ivan: “I actually had my sights set on other Skilled Trades, such as electrician or millwright. After waiting 16 years for the opportunity to enter the apprenticeship program, I was offered an apprenticeship as a diemaker. I knew nothing about die making when I started, but I’m very glad I took that chance.”
Q: What skills are important for success in die making?
Ivan: “Attention to detail, patience, mechanical ability, precision measurement, problem solving and strong three-dimensional visualization skills are extremely valuable.”
Q: What advice would you give someone considering a career in skilled trades?
Ivan: “Take the opportunity and give it a chance, even if the trade offered isn’t exactly what you originally had in mind. Be willing to learn, develop your skills and always put your personal safety first.”
Ivan's story is a reminder that a willingness to learn and embrace new opportunities can lead to a rewarding career.
Interested in building you own career at Stellantis? Explore our career opportunities here: https://stla.fyi/af77ada
