A reusable template for simultaneously forming a plurality of cooling passages in a component for use in a turbine engine includes a first surface defining an electrode entry surface, a second surface opposed from the first surface and defining a component mating surface, and a plurality of electrode passages pre-formed in the template and extending from the first surface to the second surface. The second surface of the template has a shape that corresponds to an outer surface of the component such that the template is capable of being snugly positioned against the outer surface of the component. During an electro-discharge machining operation, a plurality of electrodes are simultaneously inserted through the pre-formed electrode passages in the template and into the component while supplying an electric current to the electrodes to remove material from the component so as to form the cooling passages therein.