*Job Description:
Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans to assist production and construction workers with visual and technical guideline drawings on buildings, everything from manufactured products such as toys, industrial machinery to structures such as office buildings, apartment buildings, high rises and houses.
Drafters furnish technical details of the project using drawings, sketches, codes and calculations that was made by engineers or architects. Drafters use calculators, computers, tables and technical manuals to design a specific structure or machine.
Most drafters today use what is known as CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) systems to arrange drawings where as drafters used to sit at drawing boards or tables and used protractors, compasses, pencils and other drafting tools. CADD systems use computers to create and store drawings electronically that can be viewed and printed and lets drafters quickly change any part of the design.
Drafting employment has a number of different fields:
I : A mechanical drafter arranges drawings that explain the detail and assembly used in the constructing and repair of a variety of machines and mechanical devices.
II : A electronic drafter draws wiring diagrams in circuit board assemblies and repair electronic devices.
III : A aeronautical drafter draws detailed plans and specifications in the manufacture of aircraft and missiles.
IV : A architectural drafter draws structural features for residential and commercial buildings and structures.
V : A civil drafter draws topography maps for construction or civil engineering projects such as roads, bridges, pipelines and water systems.
VI : A electrical drafter arranges wiring and layout diagrams used by workers who install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in power plants and other communication centers and buildings.
Another career involved in detailed drawings and designs similar to drafting is Architect.
*Education/Training:
Have at least 2 years of postsecondary drafting training and be skilled and have experience using computer related design and CADD systems. Different types of drafting training are used within drafting positions. Technical trade schools offer intensive technical training courses, but junior colleges and community colleges include more courses on theory and liberal arts. There is generally little or no difference between technical trade schools and community college programs. Upon completing a 2 year associate degree program graduates can get a job as a drafter. After gaining experience they may advance on to become a senior drafter, designer or supervisor.
*Job Outlook:
The demand for drafters depend on the needs of local industry, engineering and manufacturing services.With expected industrial growth and new complex products the demand will increase for drafting services. Drafting jobs is projected to grow 0% to 8% through 2014. The majority of the growth will be for mechanical, architectural and civil drafters.
*Working Conditions:
Most drafters work a standard 40 hour week. They generally work in offices equipped with drafting tables and supplies to assist them in their work.
*Estimated Average Annual Earnings:
Drafting salary earnings differ according to specialty, location and a drafters position in a company.
*Architectural and Civil Drafters: $40,190
*Mechanical Drafters: $44,160.
*Electrical/Electronics: $44,180.
