Drafting technologists prepare engineering designs, drawings and related technical information, in multidisciplinary engineering teams or in support of engineers, architects or industrial designers, or they may work independently. They are employed by consulting and construction companies, utility, resource and manufacturing companies, all levels of government and by a wide range of other establishments.
Drafting Technologists can perform some or all of the following duties:
Develop and prepare engineering designs and drawings from preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data
Operate computer-assisted design (CAD) and drafting workstations
Develop and prepare design sketches
Complete documentation packages and produce drawing sets
Check and verify design drawings to conform to specifications and design data
Write technical reports
Prepare contracts and tender documents
Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates
Supervise and train other technologists, technicians and drafters.
Employment Requirments:
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a two- to three-year college program in engineering design and drafting technology, or in a related field is usually required for drafting and design technologists.
Completion of a one- to two-year college program in drafting or Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or Four to five years of related experience plus completion of college or industry courses in drafting are usually required for drafting technicians.
Trade certification for draftspersons is available, but voluntary in Ontario.
Certification in engineering design and drafting technology or in a related field through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians may be required by employers.
A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Additional information
Senior and supervisory drafting and design technology workers require experience.
Mobility is possible to civil, mechanical, electrical or other engineering design technologies through educational or work specialization.
Courtesy of: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada