Drafters prepare detailed drawings used to build things like homes and offices, machines, and electrical systems.

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1 Industrial Drafting At a Glance Drafters prepare detailed drawings used to build things like homes and offices, machines, and electrical systems. Architecture & Construction, Fashion & Design Earnings Range: 25K - 80K Level of Education: Community College or Technical Training Level 4 (, French Math) Core Tasks May specialize in architectural, electrical, civil, mechanical, or other areas of drafting Analyze engineering and architecture designs Draw blueprints, diagrams, and maps used for construction Use computer-aided drafting equipment May prepare reports, cost estimates, and contracts Attributes & Abilities Mechanically inclined Able to visualize three-dimensional objects Artistic Knowledge of manufacturing or construction Good with people Workplace Employed by engineering and architectural firms, and manufacturers Work indoors in offices Spend much of the workday using computers Work alone and as part of a team Usually work 7 to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week

2 Job Description Buildings, airplanes, power plants, and sewage systems all have something in common. They all started out as highly detailed drawings, created by drafters. Drafters produce detailed technical drawings based on the information given to them by engineers, architects, surveyors, and scientists. They draw the plans for everything from smartphones and airplanes to industrial machines and skyscrapers. Their drawings show the dimensions of the particular object, the materials it will be constructed from, and the assembly procedure itself. Production and construction workers use the finished drawings to create the object or structure to specifications. There are many different kinds of drafters. Architectural drafters draw commercial and residential buildings, aeronautical drafters specialize in aircraft and missiles, and electrical drafters prepare wiring and layout diagrams for places such as power plants and communication centres. Electronic drafters draw wiring and circuit board diagrams used for the creation of electronic devices (such as pacemakers), civil drafters prepare maps used for major construction projects such as sewage systems and highways, and mechanical drafters draw machinery and mechanical devices. Pipeline drafters create drawings used in the construction of chemical plants and oil and gas fields. In the past, drafters created most of their drawings at drafting tables with instruments like protractors and compasses. Now most of them use computer-aided drafting or design (CAD) systems to prepare their work. These systems are faster and allow revisions to be made more easily than the manual method. However, drafters still need traditional drafting knowledge to do their jobs. No computer will completely replace this expertise. In addition to producing detailed plans, which is the central role of drafting technicians, drafting technologists may also write technical reports, submit estimates, and prepare contracts. They require slightly more education than technicians. Working Conditions Drafters are most commonly employed by engineering and architectural firms, construction companies, consulting firms, and manufacturers. They usually work in comfortable office environments, though some also work in factories. Most drafters sit at computer terminals for the majority of their workday, using computer-aided design (CAD) programs. This can lead to eyestrain, hand and wrist problems, and back discomfort. Drafters may work alone or as part of a team. Their work can be demanding and requires precision. Most drafters work 7 or 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Drafters don t usually have to work overtime. The average drafter gets around 10 vacation days a year. Travelling is generally not a required part of a drafter s job.

3 Earnings Factors affecting drafters incomes include the type and size of their employer (bigger companies tend to pay more), their geographical location, the number of hours they work, and their expertise, particularly in relation to drafting software. Technologists tend to earn more than technicians. Beginning drafters who are working full-time generally earn between $25,000 and $35,000 a year. With experience, this increases to about $35,000 to $65,000 a year. Drafters in senior and management positions can earn over $80,000 a year. In addition to a salary, drafters who are employed on a full-time basis usually receive benefits such as dental coverage, paid vacations, and paid sick days. Some may also receive contributions to retirement income plans. Education People interested in becoming drafters can get qualified as either drafting technologists or drafting technicians. Drafting technologists usually have a 2 to 3-year diploma in engineering design or drafting technology from a community college or technical school. Drafting technicians typically take a 1 to 2-year college program or a 3 to 4-year apprenticeship program in drafting. Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training and experience with inclass instruction. It s also possible to get qualified as a technician by having a combination of 4 to 5 years of related work experience and college or industry courses in drafting. Certification is available through the provincial affiliates of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). A period of supervised work experience, usually 2 years, is required before certification is granted. Applicants may also have to pass an exam. Certification proves that you have attained a level of expertise and may give you an advantage in the job market. Related College & University Programs Drafting and Design Technology CAD Drafting and Design Technology Architectural Drafting / Architectural CAD Civil Drafting / Civil CAD Mechanical Drafting / Mechanical CAD Related Apprenticeship Programs Alberta - Steel Detailer Level 1 Alberta - Steel Detailer Level 2 Alberta - Steel Detailer Level 3 Ontario - Draftsperson Mechanical Ontario - Draftsperson Plastic Mould Design Ontario - Draftsperson Tool and Die Design Ontario - Pattern Maker Quebec - Metal Structures Draftsperson

4 Related Quebec Vocational Programs Dessin de bâtiment Dessin industriel Residential and Commercial Drafting Industrial Drafting Other Suggested Qualifications Mechanical aptitude is important. Prospective drafters should be able to draw three-dimensional objects and do detailed work accurately and neatly. Artistic ability is helpful in some specialized fields, as is knowledge of manufacturing and construction methods. Drafters should also have good interpersonal skills because they work closely with engineers, surveyors, architects, and other professionals. With additional education or experience, they may specialize in civil, mechanical, electrical, or other engineering design technologies. Suggested High School Subjects Grade 9 Grade 10 Mathematics Mathematics Science Science Social Studies Social Studies Creative Arts Personal & Career Development Visual Arts French Health & Physical Education Technology Grade 11 Grade 12 Mathematics Algebra & Geometry Probability & Statistics Calculus Physics Physics Social Studies Social Studies Visual Arts Visual Arts Drafting & Design Drafting & Design Important Check with your advisor to make sure that your course selections satisfy your graduation requirements. Courses available may vary from school to school.

5 Sample Career Path People take different pathways through their careers, but no one starts at the top. This is an example of how the earnings, education and experience requirements, and responsibilities might progress for someone in this occupation. Level 1 Sample Title Co-Op Student Earnings $10 to $20 an hour Requirements Enrolment in a post-secondary drafting technology program Creating and revising relatively simple drawings under the supervision of an Responsibilities experienced drafter. Level 2 Sample Title CAD Specialist Earnings $30,000 to $65,000 a year Requirements Diploma in drafting technology Responsibilities Creating and revising drawings; having some administrative duties. Level 3 Sample Title CAD Manager Earnings $50,000 to $80,000 a year Extensive experience as a CAD specialist Requirements Business courses and/or experience Doing less computer work; handling more administrative and managerial Responsibilities responsibilities (such as staffing and budgeting). Related Careers Here are some other occupations that you might be interested in. Click on an occupation name to learn more. Architect Architectural Tech Building Inspector Cartographer Engineering Tech Exhibit Designer Illustrator Industrial Designer Interior Designer Land Surveyor Landscape Architect Medical Illustrator Technical Writer

6 Career Clusters Career Clusters are groups or families of occupations that share common characteristics such as knowledge requirements, skill sets, and/or goals. Architecture & Construction Fashion & Design National Occupational Classification NOC Code: 2253 Other Resources Careers In Civil Construction The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) presents this site for students interested in careers in civil construction. Click on Career Profiles to learn more about opportunities in different career categories. Heading for Success This Government of Quebec website focuses on careers requiring vocational or technical training. Scroll over Find A Career By Category to explore careers in a variety of fields. Sokanu Drafter (US) Here you can learn about the job duties and required skills for this career. iseek Careers Drafters (US) Find out more about the outlook, work activities, and training for drafters. American Design Drafting Association (US) ADDA is an American association for people working in the drafting profession. Have a look in the Careers section for more information on the different types of drafters. CADD Primer (US) This site provides a great deal of information about computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) technology. Click on the Free Online CAD Tutorial for an introduction to this software. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada - Essential Skills Drafting Technologists and Technicians