Do you adore computers? Are you interested in drawing and art? Then a career as a Drafter will be the best career option for you. This job combines both of your skills.
Want to know more? Buckle up and continue reading to know everything about drafters – Who they are, what they do, required education and job prospects to pursue a career in the field of drafting.
Who is a Drafter?
It is a common notion that drafters are responsible for the creation of technical drawings for structures such as bridges, homes or large corporate places. But this is not the only thing they design.
They create highly technical drawings for toys, industrial machinery and even spacecraft. This is essential as a drafter’s diagram is required to get a visual roadmap of a project and outlining the necessary information for a product to be constructed.
Drafters use various software tools mainly Auto CAD for the development of technical drawings from the designs of architects and engineers. They specialize in architectural, pipeline, electrical, civil or mechanical drafting. They create technical drawings to assist in designing everything from microchips to skyscrapers.
They are often referred to as CAD operators and are needed to create schematics that can be viewed, printed or programmed into Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems.
Why pursue a career in drafting?
Individuals, who are skilled at computers, can solve problems creatively and are interested in architecture, building materials and construction procedures can be successful in this field. The best drafters are those who are detail-oriented and who can take up direction and incorporate it in their work while using software and technology daily.
Responsibilities
Drafters are also known as Draftsman or Draughtsman or Architecture Drafter or Architectural Draughtsman or CADD operator. Some of their responsibilities are:
- Designing and preparing plans using Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) software.
- Create a technical diagram from rough sketches and specifications created by engineers and architects.
- Using engineering and manufacturing techniques for effective designing of products.
- Specify the dimensions, materials and procedures for new products and projects.
- Use knowledge of building techniques for adding structural details to architectural plans.
- Work under the supervision of engineers and architects and provide them with multiple versions of developed designs.
- Creating 2D and 3D models and make sure that the architectural design meets the safety standards.
- Training Auto CAD trainees and interns.
- Improve the blueprints by working on the defects of products.
Education and eligibility
- Complete 10+2 in MPC stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognized board.
- Pursue an associate degree in drafting learning about AutoCAD software. You can opt for roles of Architectural or Mechanical or CAD Drafter or CAD design technician.
- Interested candidates can also go for bachelors that offer deep learning with specialization and opens up lucrative career options such as CAD Designer, Design engineer or Production Engineer.
- Earn certifications for AutoCAD software for improving your salary prospects and apply for senior drafter positions.
Required skills for a Drafter
An aspiring Drafter should possess the following skills:
- Expertise in Auto CAD, Revit, Solid Works software tools.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented and critical thinking skills.
- Good technical writing skills.
- Mathematics skills and time management.
- Construction knowledge and innovation skills.
- Proficiency in Design software.
- Basic Computer literacy.
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Career Paths in Drafting
- Architectural Drafting.
- Civil Drafting.
- Electrical Drafting.
- Electronics Drafting.
- Mechanical Drafting.
Workplaces of a Drafting professional
The following are some of the industries a drafter can find work in:
- Architectural, Engineering and drafting related industries.
- Residential Building Construction.
- Machinery Manufacturing.
- Medical Industry
- Multimedia design.
- Fabricated Manufacturing of metal products.
- Contractors of Building equipments.
- Administrative Support and Waste management.
Salary and Career Outlook
The projected percentage change in employment of drafters is 7% that is faster than the normal growth rate for all occupations.
The average salary for drafters in the United States is $56,830 in 2019. The salaries can typically range from $30,631 to $75,484.
Median annual wages for drafters in May 2019 were:
- $61,530 for electrical and electronics drafters
- $57,060 for mechanical drafters
- $56,340 for architectural and civil drafters
- $52,830 for drafters, all other
Drafters proficient in BIM and CAD are more likely to get more career opportunities. The demand for a particular drafting speciality varies because the available jobs will be dependent on the needs of local industries. It is noted that the job prospects of mechanical drafters will be most in large manufacturing hubs.
Most of the drafting jobs are in the construction and manufacturing industry, so they will be dependent on fluctuations in the overall economy.
– Samiya Firdous
