Job Description for a Technical Draftsman
A technical draftsman, also called a drafter or CADD operator, provides drawings and plans to surveyors, architects, scientists, or engineers. These plans are highly technical, detailed drawings of machinery, houses, or bridges. Becoming a drafter takes skills, education, and a clear understanding of job duties and specialties. The median salary for a drafter in 2008 ranged from $44,490 to $51,320 based on responsibilities, location, and specialty, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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Technical Draftsman Duties
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The drafter creates layouts, plans, and drawings. A drafter bases the technical blueprints on information, such as notes, sketches, calculations, or dimensions provided to them. Creating the plans provides detailed, visual guidelines others follow when building or constructing products.
A technical draftsman uses Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) to prepare plans. The software allows a drafter to save, print, or update previously prepared drawings.
Types of Drafters
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An individual interested in this field specializes in one of seven drafting specialties. An architectural drafter creates plans for construction workers to use when constructing houses and commercial buildings. The civil drafter provides maps and drawings of sewage systems, bridges, and highways. An aeronautical drafter prepares guidelines for projects like airplanes and missiles. The electrical drafter creates diagrams showing where electrical wiring for electricians installing or repairing electrical systems. The process pipeline drafter prepares drawings of chemical plants and piping systems. An electronics draftsman provides layouts showing the circuit boards and wiring. While a mechanical drafter creates plans showing detailed construction of machinery such screws and fasteners.
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Education
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A drafting position requires formal training beyond high school. According to the BLS, employers prefer applicants with postsecondary education from an accredited technical school, community college, or university. An Associate of Science in Design Drafting, a Bachelor of Science in CADD Drafting Design or Engineer Drafting are degree options available to an individual entering the drafting field, according to Degree Directory.
Skills and Qualifications
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An individual interesting in pursuing technical drafting needs the ability to visualize instructions and attention to details. Computer skills are a must to be considered for a drafting job. Although a drafter uses CADD, he may need to make rough sketches. Thus, a person needs drawing and artistic skills. This position requires good communication and interpersonal skills.
Hours
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According to BLS, a drafter---regardless of the specialty---works a 40-hour weekly schedule.
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References
- Photo Credit drafting image by Kimberly Reinick from Fotolia.com
