How to become A Drafter

• CAD Technician
• CAD Operator
• Engineering Draftsperson
• Engineering Technician
• Draughtsperson
• Architectural Drafter
• Drafting Technician
• Engineering Technician

What do Drafters do?

A Drafter would typically need to:

• Consult with customers to understand their requirements; liaise with architects and engineers connected with the project
• Plan drawings and models based on the rough sketches and specifications provided by engineers and architects 
• Apply their understanding of engineering and manufacturing paired with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software to produce detailed designs and prepare plans and 3D models
• Revise drawings and models as per customer guidelines; develop standardised models and specify materials used on them
• Calculate dimensions using mathematical formulae; identify and list materials and procedures to build new structures 
• Illustrate the designs with the engineering and manufacturing techniques to use
• Prepare several design versions for review and approval by architects and engineers
• Ensure that the final designs comply with standards of engineers and architects

Drafters spend most of their day indoors working on computers since drafting requires sitting down for hours preparing technical drawings and plans on computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) systems. 

However, Drafters may need to travel for on-site work in collaboration with architects and engineers.

The majority of Drafters work regular business hours, 9 am to 5 pm, from Monday to Friday, and many work more than 40 hours per week, to keep on track with project deadlines and milestones. You may have more flexibility in your schedules if you work as a freelance Drafter.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. 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.

Drafters are generally employed by: 

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

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for 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.

• To meet the expectations of your organisation by working on multiple projects while simultaneously meeting deadlines and providing updates
• Finding the flexibility to deal with last-minute plan changes
• The need to constantly hone your technical skills to keep your job secure
• Health problems caused due to sitting down for long hours and working on computers
• To stay focused on work in a noisy environment 

Any academic program that a potential Drafter takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Sign up for apprenticeships during summer breaks under the supervision of an experienced employer in engineering design and draughting or computer-aided design. Apprentices may study for their qualifications alongside acquiring experience at work.

Internships and apprenticeships teach you drafting skills and theoretical concepts while helping you secure a job, make connections and network with people you may work alongside shortly. 

Typically, potential apprentices working at manufacturing companies and architectural or construction firms must hold excellent grades in mathematics, English, and a technical subject which may depend on their employer. There may be other requirements, such as a clean criminal record.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in drafting to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Aspiring Drafters must typically earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture, drafting & design, and mechanical or civil engineering, depending on the industry in which they wish to work. 

Employers also value an associate degree in drafting technology or computer-aided drafting & design from a technical institute or community college. It generally takes about two years of full-time education to earn an associate degree. 

Students frequently specialise in one or more of several types of drafting, such as furniture, mechanical or architectural drafting, each of which may differ slightly from the other in the training needed, but all have mathematics in common.

Prepare for a career in drafting by taking high school courses in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and, if possible, drafting. 

Certification demonstrates a Drafter’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

The Certified Development, Design & Construction Professional (CDP) accreditation is one of the highly valued accreditations across various industries. To decide on an appropriate certification, you may seek help from your mentors or study job descriptions of various companies to find out about the latest trends. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

You may advance within the firm by moving into a leadership role or taking the responsibility of working on more significant projects. Your skills are likely to be transferable to becoming a Technical Designer or Design Engineer. You may later apply for the roles of Project Engineering Manager or Engineering Director within the firm. Advancement will likely result in new challenges and responsibilities accompanied by greater repute and sizable paychecks.

Growth in the construction and manufacturing industry is inextricably linked with a country’s economy. However, education and industrial experience with expertise in using computer-aided design (CAD) systems will provide aspiring Drafters with the best job prospects. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Drafter build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Acquiring an associate or bachelor’s degree or certifications in your relevant field or expanding your portfolio of capabilities through appropriate training will help you do your work more efficiently and skillfully and facilitate your career progression.

Types of Drafters

Architectural Drafters prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures. They may specialise in certain types of buildings, auch as residential or commercial, or specific construction materials, such as reinforced concrete. 

Civil Drafters produce topographical maps for civil engineering and construction projects, including bridges, dams, and highways.

Electronics Drafters create wiring and assembly diagrams and layout drawings, useful for making, installing and fixing electronic equipment, such as circuit boards. 

Mechanical Drafters design intricate working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, such as medical equipment, and indicate dimensions, joining methods and other assembly specifications. They may also create production moulds sometimes.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Drafters have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Drafter has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

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

Computer-aided design(CAD) has become an ideal tool for Drafters as it enhances the speed of work and provides accurate dimensions and details to help construct reliable and sturdy structures.

With the proliferation of computer technology, Drafters can ensure that their timeless skill never goes out of style, whether sketching high-end machinery for a major manufacturer or designing a city bridge for a government organisation. 

Sometimes when you innovate, you may learn by taking references from structural images. Photography is an incredibly useful accomplice and can fortify your efforts at accuracy when you are unsure about the specifications of something you are drafting a design for and want to reference from a real-world example.