Draftsperson prepare accurate and detailed drawings for construction, engineering, manufacturing and other purposes, They are employed by architectural and engineering firms, manufacturers, surveying and mapping companies, and municipal, provincial and federal government offices.
As a draftsperson, you create technical drawings that describe the size, shape, mechanics or function of objects and structures for the use of design, production and construction teams. Although the traditional drafting tools such as boards and pencils are still used, more and more companies are now using computer-aided drafting and design (CADD), a technology which has revolutionized the field.
You prepare drawings, plans, diagrams or layouts based on notes, sketches, calculations, specification sheets and other data. These are supplied by engineers or other professionals. You operate computer-aided drafting design systems. Drawings must conform to specifications. You ensure this by using your knowledge of technical, engineering, architectural or scientific materials, practices and conventions, and by checking drawings for errors. You complete documentation packages and produce sets of drawings which are then checked by an engineer or an architect. You also work with production or construction teams, explaining or adjusting the drawings as work progresses.
You specialize in a particular industry or drafting field through both training and experience. Progress to more senior drafting and supervisory positions is possible through experience. Career opportunities exist in construction companies , architectural offices, in engineering firms, and in municipal offices. There are also new opportunities in the computer graphics industry, particularly in selling CADD systems and client support services. Freelance opportunities may also exist if your possess your own computer-aided drafting system.
Draftspersons may be paid salaries or hourly wages. Many are members of unions, depending on the company.
You will enjoy this work if you are interested in machines, building materials, engineering, architecture, the physical sciences and computers. You will do extremely well if you also have a certain artistic flair and the ability to picture and change shapes and objects in your head.
A good draftsperson is analytical, well organized, neat, interested in accurate measurements, good at details and capable of intense concentration. You also need to have certain amount of patience since a drawing may take days to complete. You must be able to work with other members of the engineering team and be able to speak and write well.
The work can be physically demanding. Sitting at a computer all day can be hard on the back and a strain on the eyes.
Further certification with provincial associations of engineering technicians and technologists, or of architectural technicians and technologists, may also be available, depending on the province.