How to become A Commercial Drafter

Commercial Drafters are why architects don't need to use a sledgehammer or a wrecking bar at the site. Commercial Drafters use software to convert designs created by architects and engineers into technical drawings that help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

• CAD Technician
• CAD Operator
• Engineering Draftsperson
• Engineering Technician
• Draughtsperson

What do Commercial Drafters do?

A Commercial Drafter would typically need to:

• Design plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software programs to create designs in 2D and 3D models
• Liaise with architects, engineers, and designers to gather product and structural requirements and understand their design requirements
• Review and develop the rough sketches and specifications created by engineers and architects into high-quality, detailed technical drawings, schematics, maps, and plans
• Modify and scale drawings; design diagrams, maps, and layouts to illustrate workflow; add details to architectural plans from their knowledge of engineering and building techniques
• Ensure that drawings comply with industry and health and safety standards and protocols; identify potential operational issues and redesign products to improve functionality
• Calculate costs and apply knowledge of materials and engineering principles to check the feasibility of manufacture and construction of the product
• Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for new products; paint and wash colored drawings when required
• Conduct site visits and surveys when required; provide technical advice to manufacturing and construction technicians
• Present working drawings for use in all stages of the project, tender, manufacture/construction, and installation; produce installation and manufacturing documentation
• Maintain accurate records; create manuals that describe the operation, features, and maintenance of existing products

Although Commercial Drafters spend much of their time in an open-air office, working with specialized software on computers or a traditional drawing board, you may need to spend the duration of a project at a construction site office.

Depending on the industry and the role, you could also provide technical advice to designers, manufacturers on noisy shop floors, and engineers on dusty construction sites. You will typically have to meet with clients and designers to understand their requirements for a design.

The dress code for Commercial Drafters depends on the location, sector, size, and type of company. An office environment would decree a casual business code, while a manufacturing or construction site would entail safety gear and a uniform.

Most Commercial Drafters work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week. Working hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, but you may need to put in long hours and overtime to meet project deadlines.

CAD skills are transferable and valued in a wide range of industries. Large civil engineering, construction, or manufacturing companies usually have an in-house design or drawing office. You could also work for a specialist drafting or design company that provides CAD drawing services to other industries. You will also be able to use CAD skills in a range of creative industry jobs, such as set and interior design. Opportunities for freelance work abound.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Commercial Drafters can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Specialist engineering, construction, and manufacturing recruitment agencies, as well as publications, advertise draftsperson jobs.

Commercial Drafters are generally employed by:

• Civil Engineering & Architectural Firms
• Aerospace & Automotive Companies
• Broadcasting & Telecommunications Enterprises
• Utility Companies
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering Firms
• Government Organizations
• Consumer Goods Manufacturing Concerns
• Manufacturing Entities
• Waste Management & Remediation Companies
• Wholesale Trade Organizations

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Commercial Drafters interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Project-based work may involve working on multiple projects to tight deadlines while providing updates or last-minute changes to plans
• Possibility of remaining at the “CAD monkey or CAD jockey” level
• Need to continually upgrade one’s technical skills in chosen niche areas
• Potential health issues associated with working long hours at a computer

Employers prefer candidates with relevant engineering knowledge and experience in using CAD software. The best route to becoming a Commercial Drafter is an apprenticeship in engineering design and draughting or computer-aided design.

Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training with employers and a chance to gain industry experience alongside working towards a qualification. Minimum academic requirements for apprenticeships are usually a high school diploma including English, maths, and a technical subject.

Large engineering and construction companies offer summer placements and year-in-industry placements to students on relevant degree programs. The programs can also provide industry experience and give you opportunities to use CAD software in real-life projects.

Commercial Drafters typically need a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in drafting, an engineering discipline, architecture, manufacturing, IT, or design from a community college or technical school. Some students prepare for the occupation by opting for a diploma, which may take less time to complete.

Drafting programs may include instruction in design fundamentals, sketching, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. There are free online programs offering tutorials in basic AutoCAD or Solidworks.

After completing an associate degree program, graduates may get jobs as drafters or continue their education in a related field at a four-year college. Most four-year colleges do not offer training in drafting, but they do offer classes in engineering, architecture, and mathematics. High school students may begin preparing by taking classes in computer graphics and drafting.

Certification demonstrates competence in a skill or set of skills, typically through work experience, training, and the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three.

Voluntary certification from an objective and reputed organization in architectural, civil, and mechanical drafting can help you gain professional credibility, stand out in a competitive job market, and become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. The reassurance that members who practice outside the Code will be investigated and held accountable earns the community’s trust and respect, which are the most critical elements in securing a Commercial Drafter’s future.

Newly qualified and junior Commercial Drafters may initially work on small projects, making revisions to existing drawings or converting archive drawings from paper to computer. After gaining experience, your role may develop and allow you to be more involved in the design process and work on larger projects. Senior Commercial Drafter roles may involve managing a team of technicians, overseeing work in the design office, and overall project management.

Apprenticeship and college routes in select locations may lead to taking further qualifications at degree level in a related field, such as civil engineering, and gaining professional registration, which offers improved career prospects and earning potential among other benefits. Graduates who gain experience as a Commercial Drafter can progress to other roles, such as design engineer and civil engineer.

There will be intense competition for drafting jobs. Demand for particular drafting specialties varies across regions because jobs depend on the needs of local industries and are sensitive to fluctuations in the overall economy. Candidates proficient in CAD and BIM are likely to have better job opportunities.

Learning is what the job is all about. The day you do not learn something is the day you should retire. Continuing professional development (CPD) is the holistic commitment of Commercial Drafters towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. There are a whole host of CPD courses, seminars, and workshops to help professionals in the field.

CPD allows individuals to upskill continually, regardless of their age, job, or level of knowledge. It prevents practical and academic qualifications from becoming outdated. It enables Commercial Drafters to identify any knowledge gaps and progress to a new specialism.

Experienced draftspersons can apply for professional registration to demonstrate that they have the required technical skills, ability, and commitment to professional standards. Gaining professional registration can lead to higher earning potential and broader career opportunities.

Drafting - What does It Mean?

A Commercial Drafter uses engineering, IT, and mathematical knowledge and skills to create technical drawings and plans, also known as drafting, for products and parts used in the engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries.

Technical Drawing - The How and Why

Technical drawing is now almost exclusively done using CAD software, but freehand drawing skills and the use of drafting tools may still come in useful for some roles. Technical drawings contain information on building a structure or machine, the dimensions of the project, and what materials are needed to complete the project.

CAD Brings It All Together

Commercial Drafters work with CAD to create schematics that can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into building information modeling (BIM) systems. These systems allow drafters, architects, construction managers, and engineers to create and collaborate on digital models of physical buildings and machines. Through three-dimensional rendering, BIM software allows designers and engineers to see how different elements in their projects work together.

Specializations

You may choose to specialize as an architectural drafter, a civil drafter, electrical drafter, aeronautical drafter, pipeline drafter, electronics drafter, or mechanical drafter. Architectural drafters prepare structural designs for new construction under the direction of an architect.

Civil drafters prepare technical drawings for civil engineering projects, such as bridges, highways, and piping systems. Mechanical drafters create designs for machinery and mechanical devices.

CAD By Another Name

Your professional expertise in CAD could lead you to other industries where it is used as computer-aided industrial design (CAID), computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided styling (CAS), and computer-aided manufacturing design (CAM).

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment

Being a freelance Commercial Drafter offers freedom regarding flexible schedules, working hours, and location. They have full ownership of the business and can afford selectivity in terms of the variety of projects and clients presented.

While it has unlimited earning potential, freelancing comes with less stability and security, with inconsistent work and cash flow. There is more responsibility, effort, and risk involved. There are no paid holidays, and sick/maternity/paternity leaves are almost unaffordable. There is the added pressure of a self-employment tax and no eligibility for unemployment benefits.

A full-time Commercial Drafter may have access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Despite that, they are susceptible to potential boredom and inability to pursue passion projects due to their lack of time or effort. With a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety, there is also a need to budget extra money for commuting and attire costs.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Technical drawing has evolved into a global language called Engineering Drawing, making it possible for everyone to understand objects and their structure without the limitation of human languages.

Mechanical to electrical to aerospace to nuclear...the options are endless and challenging if one’s current field begins to feel stale. Drafting, when practiced with devotion, transforms itself into a work of art that will help you to understand how to build functional, secure, and well-designed products and structures that meet the needs of humanity.

Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations. You can use an eraser at the drafting table or a sledgehammer on the construction site.