Junior Drafter Job Description

The Role of Using Software to Help Designers Design

Designers use software to convert their designs into drawings. Technical drawings are used to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers. After high school, drafters usually complete their education through a program at a community college or technical school.

An associate of applied science degree is possible from some programs. Others get a certificate or degree. A degree in applied science is required for drafting.

Some drafters earn a certificate or a degree to get ready for their occupation. The Holland Code framework states that draftsers have an interest in the Building and Creating areas. The focus of the Building interest area is on working with tools and machines.

The Creating interest area indicates a focus on being original and imaginative. If you don't know if you have a Building or Creating interest that would fit with a drafter career, you can take a career test to see if you have what it takes. The median wage for drafters was over $60,000 in May.

Half of the workers in an occupation earn more than the median wage, and half earn less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,920, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,720. Demand for particular drafting specialties varies across the country because jobs depend on the needs of local industries.

The Architectural Drafter

While architects and engineers have more education than architectural drafters, they still use the same skills, such as mathematics, to check their work, review and update drawings and blueprints, and perform necessary calculations related to the elements of a particular project. Architectural drafters can change designs based on new information or at the request of a client during the design and drafting process. The architectural drafter will usually submit multiple versions of a drawing to the architectural and engineering team or the client for final approval.

The architectural drafter makes sure that changes don't have an effect on other construction elements. Architectural drafters will accompany architects and engineers to the construction site. The architectural drafter gathers data and takes measurements during initial site visits.

The Role of Drafters in the U.S

Looking for a way to combine drawing and technology? A draftsman creates plans for the engineering, manufacturing or construction industries. Technical drawings are typically used to serve as a visual guide during manufacturing or building.

As more women enter the field of drafting, the term "drafters" is becoming more common. A drafter gains an understanding of the scope and requirements of a project by talking to architects and engineers. The drafter uses both manual drawings and computer-assisted drafting to create two- and three-dimensional depictions of the project.

The architects and engineers review the drafts and make changes. The revised rendering is produced by the drafter. Career services offices are typically maintained by educational institutions that train draftmen.

The American Design Drafting Association is a professional certifying organization that draftsmen can join. The national ADDA sponsors industry events and publications, while local chapters provide employment resources. Newspaper and internet job boards are other sources of job leads.

An engineering draftsperson job description will give you a good idea of what you need to know to get the job. A good draftsman needs artistic ability to interpret the vision of the engineer, designer or architect and translate it into a technical drawing. A drafter needs to know how to use computer-aided design and drafting software.

The Role of Drafters in the United States

Although drafters spend most of their time in an office, some may visit jobsites in order to collaborate with architects and engineers. Most drafters work full time. After high school, drafters usually complete their education through a program at a community college or technical school.

An associate of applied science degree is possible from some programs. Others get a certificate or degree. Community colleges offer programs that lead to an associate of applied science degree in drafting or related degree.

After completing an associate's degree program, graduates can go to a 4-year college to continue their education in a related field. Most 4-year colleges do not offer training in drafting, but they do offer engineering, architecture, and mathematics classes. The median wage for drafters is over $60,000.

The Salary of a Structural Drafter

Structural drafters must complete high school and post-secondary education in engineering or architecture, and a drafting course from a technical school. There is an additional two years of supervised work required. Employers often look at certification as proof that an applicants understands basic drafting concepts, architectural terms and recognized practices, and may require it for certain jobs.

Many employers prefer their employees to have a working knowledge of the computer aided design system. Structural drafters use rough sketches, specifications and calculations from engineers, architects and other professionals. They check and verify drawings conform to specifications.

They consult with other people. Structural drafters prepare construction specifications and timelines. They use a computer aided design system to create multi-dimensional graphic views, flow charts, layout and detailed working drawings to analyze potential design problems.

Structural drafters are often promoted to supervisors in their firms. Employment opportunities will increase with additional experience. They can become architects or engineers with continued education.

Career options include cartographer, surveyor, and building and construction specialist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that structural drafters will be employed by 9 percent in the next three years. Structural drafters with strong background in drafting and design principles and extensive experience using a computer aided design system will be the best candidates.