Drafting Technologists & Technicians

Description

Only 25 years ago, almost every technical drawing was done with pencil or ink on paper. The smallest change meant erasing and redrawing. Major changes required re-creating the drawing from scratch. And somebody had to remember to change every related drawing as well. CAD (computer-aided design) has changed all that.

Drafting technologists and technicians use CAD and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) systems every day to prepare precise working or final drawings for construction, engineering, manufacturing, mapping, machinery installations, and more.

You really need a flexible and analytical brain for this one. Drafting techs work from preliminary concept notes or sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data. In whatever form you receive that information, the key is being able to visualize it as a three-dimensional object or structure in your "mind's eye."

Drafting techs draw plans for anything from circuit boards to sports stadiums, depending on the industry in which they work. Usually they operate computer-aided drafting and design systems (CAD/CAM) to prepare engineering designs, drawings, and related technical information. They work both independently and as part of teams, which may include engineers, architects, and industrial designers.

Specific duties

Drafting technologists

• develop and prepare engineering designs and drawings from data supplied by engineers, architects, scientists, planners, surveyors, builders, and so on
  
• operate CAD/CAM and/or traditional design and drafting stations to develop and prepare design sketches, documentation packages and sets of drawings
  
• verify that designs and drawings meet the specifications and write technical reports
  
• prepare contracts and bid documents as well as construction specifications, costs and material estimates, and
  
• supervise and train other technologists and technicians.
  

Drafting technicians

• develop and prepare engineering drawings, plans, diagrams or layouts from sketches
  
• operate CAD and/or traditional drafting equipment, and
  
• check work for errors.
  

Related careers

You might be also be interested in these careers that have similar educational and/or training requirements, or that share similar duties.

• Architectural Technologists & Technicians
• Civil Engineering Technologists & Technicians
• Industrial Designers
• Land Survey Technologists & Technicians
• Mapping & Related Technologists & Technicians
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists & Technicians

High school path

A CareerMATTERS consultant suggests these high school courses would be helpful. They are not pre-requisites to post secondary programs, nor are they necessary to obtain employment. You should consult with your school counsellor to make the best choices for your own career path.

Recommended Courses
Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
English
ENG1D English, Grade 9, Academic or ENG1P English, Grade 9, Applied	ENG2D English, Grade 10, Academic or ENG2P English, Grade 10, Applied	ENG3C English, Grade 11, College Preparation	ENG4C English, Grade 12, College Preparation
Math
MFM1P Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 9, Applied or MPM1D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 9, Academic	MFM2P Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 10, Applied or MPM2D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 10, Academic	MBF3C Foundations for College Mathematics, Grade 11, College Preparation or MCF3M Functions and Applications, Grade 11, University/College Preparation	MAP4C Foundations for College Mathematics, Grade 12, College Preparation or MCT4C Mathematics for College Technology, Grade 12, College Preparation
Science
SNC1D Science, Grade 9, Academic or SNC1P Science, Grade 9, Applied	SNC2D Science, Grade 10, Academic or SNC2P Science, Grade 10, Applied	SNC3M Science, Grade 11, University/College Preparation	SNC4M Science, Grade 12, University/College Preparation
Optional
TTI1O Integrated Technologies, Grade 9, Open	TCJ2O Construction Technology, Grade 10, Open or TDJ2O Technological Design, Grade 10, Open or TGJ2O Communications Technology, Grade 10, Open or TIK2O Computer and Information Science, Grade 10, Open	TCJ3C Construction Technology, Grade 11, College Preparation or TDJ3M Technological Design, Grade 11, University/College Preparation or TGJ3M Communications Technology, Grade 11, University/College Preparation	AVI4M Visual Arts, Grade 12, University/College Preparation or ICS4M Computer and Information Science, Grade 12, University/College Preparation or TCJ4C Construction Technology, Grade 12, College Preparation or TDJ4M Technological Design, Grade 12, University/College Preparation or TGJ4M Communications Technology, Grade 12, University/College Preparation

* students should consult their counsellor for appropriate Technology options in Grades 11 and 12

* a job shadowing/co-op experience is recommended

* students should consult their counsellors as to appropriate maths in Grades 11 and 12 for university and college admission

* good math skills are required in this career (ability in calculus often preferred)

* engineering studies are highly focused on math and science skills and knowledge

Post-secondary options

• CAD is amazing, but it's only a tool. Drafting techs need to have traditional drafting skills too. High school is a good place to begin learning them.
  
  
• Drafting and design technologists need a two- to three-year college program in engineering design and drafting technology or a related field. Completion of a one- to two-year college program in a similar area is required of technicians.
  
  
• The other options include either completing an apprenticeship program (in Draftsperson--Mechanical; Draftsperson--Plastic Mould Design, or Draftsperson--Tool & Die Design) or demonstrating four or five years of related work experience and college or industry courses in drafting.
  
  
• Voluntary certification is available through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). Employers may insist you have it. The requirements: a two-year supervised work period and completion of a professional exam.
  

There may be several different paths to a career. Post-secondary education or training programs will help, but they are not a guarantee. You should research your options carefully before deciding on any program of study. Click here for a comparison chart of institutions or accreditations.

The following programs offered at Ontario post-secondary institutions may be helpful in pursuing a career in this field. In addition to the institutions listed here, please refer to "For more information" (at left) for a list of organizations and associations that may also offer programs of study.

Institution	Programs offered
College
Algonquin College	Architectural Technician Architectural Technology Continuing Education - AutoCAD Residential and ICI Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Common Core - Apprenticeship
Canadore College	AutoCad Certificate
Centennial College	Mechanical Technician -CAD/CAM
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning	General Drafting (Specialized Options) Mechanical CAD - Continuing Education Mechanical CAD Operator
Durham College	Autocad Certificate - Continuing Education
Fleming College	Mechanical Techniques - CAD Operator - Continuing Education Mechanical Techniques - CNC/CAD/CAM Specialist Mechanical Techniques - Computer Aided Design
George Brown College	Architectural Technology
George Brown College - Casa Loma	Architectural Technology
Mohawk College	CAD/CAM Automated Machining - Mechanical Techniques Mechanical Techniques - CAD/CAM Automated Machining
Mohawk College - Brantford Campus	CAD/CAM Automated Machining - Mechanical Techniques Mechanical Techniques - CAD/CAM Automated Machining

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Career path

Wondering how you could prepare for a career in this field? Or what else you might do once you have some experience?

Once you've gained experience as a drafting tech, your career opportunities vary. Technicians typically move into technologist roles as the next step. After that, senior drafting and project leader or supervisory positions are possibilities.

Drafting techs can transfer their skills to other fields such as the computer graphics industry. If you enjoy working with people, think about using your abilities and knowledge in a teaching or customer service capacity.

Employers

These are examples of the places, businesses and industries that employ people in this field:

machinery and equipment manufacturers
telecommunication companies
architectural, engineering and other scientific companies
electric power companies
municipal governments
electrical industrial equipment manufacturers

Work environment

Drafting techs are employed by consulting and construction companies, utility, resource and manufacturing companies, all levels of government, and by a wide range of other businesses.

Techs spend most of a 40-hour workweek in front of a computer, painstakingly drawing the precise details of a project. Remember to stop and stretch: job hazards are eye, neck, and back strain--and obsessiveness!

Common job titles

Also Known As....

Architectural draftsperson
Computer aided design and drafting technologist
Computer aided drafting technician
Design and drafting technologist
Drafting technician
Drafting technologist
Draftsperson
Electrical draftsperson, Electro-mechanical draftsperson
Electronic draftsperson
Engineering design and drafting technologist
Mechanical draftsperson
Structural draftsperson
Supervisor, drafting office
Technical illustrator

For more information

Links to associations, organizations, unions and other places that may be able to provide more information.

• Apprenticeship: Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
  Information about apprenticeship opportunities in Ontario including training info, contacts, etc.

• Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council

• Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists

• Canadian Steel Trade and Employment Congress (CSTEC)
  Includes information about careers, courses, skills and job placement in the steel industry.

• Canadian Technology Human Resources Board
  Be sure to check out their Look Ahead, Get Ahead (under Career Choices on left nav.) for terrific info about wide-open choices available.

• Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists

• Ontario Job Futures
  Information on occupations common to Ontario. Includes job descriptions, employment outlook, salaries, etc. (Government of Ontario)

• TCA Connect
  The Toronto Construction Association's CONstruction Network for Education and Career Training (CONNECT). Information on a wide variety of careers in the construction industry (including trades, management, sales, etc.). Also includes training information.