The drafter used to be the one sitting at the table drawing the sketches of every plan that had to be finished. There would be triangles, rulers, and compasses stacked all over the place and the drawing table was a mess. The new way of drafting is much better than that. Today drafters use a CADD system.
Types of Drafters
This system uses computers to put the whole thing together. There are drawings that can be generated by the computer that allows the drawing to be stored until you are ready for it. The convenience of using these computer drawings allows them to be revised if something changes at the last minute. Typical drafting is still used for some projects although most are generated by the computer. There are other types of drafters. The following are drafters although they are specialty drafters.
Aeronautical drafters are the people responsible for the plans for planes, missiles, and all the accessories.
Architectural drafters are responsible for buildings - commercial and residential.
Civil drafters are bridge, roads, and systems for water and sewer drafters.
Electrical drafters are responsible for the layout of wiring for buildings and power plants.
Electronic drafters wire circuit boards and schematics, positioning of parts in electrical parts.
Mechanical drafters take care of most items that are mechanical such as machinery and any large mechanical products.
Pipe drafters are experienced in the construction and placing of oil and gas pipe, mostly around chemical and processing plants.
Training Needed to Become a Drafter
Since most employers are looking for drafters who have some training already, they normally opt for those who have finished training from technical institutes, community colleges, and a 4 year university graduate is a real find. The knowledge and training they will need to possess is typically the following types of skills:
- Drafting and mechanical drawing
- Drafting standards
- Mathematics, science, and engineering
- Knowledge of CADD techniques
- Communication and problem solving is a plus.
The type of school you choose to attend can make the difference in what type of job you will end up with. There are many colleges and institutes that will allow you to transfer credits from a community college towards a four year program at their school. However, this is because most colleges do not have drafting classes; they offer degree programs that will allow you to get a degree in mathematics, engineering, or architecture.
Most drafting jobs are regular hours and are performed in an office usually at a computer. Some drafters work at drafting tables but this is not prevalent much anymore. The drafter may spend long periods of time at a computer desk and this can cause problems with their back, hands, and wrist problems as well as eye strain.
Finding a Drafting Job
The drafter who is just starting out will more than likely work under an experienced drafter for a while until the employer feels they are ready to take on more responsibility. This apprenticeship is normally very good experience for the drafter who has recently graduated from school. This gives them the opportunity to learn exactly how things are done outside of the classroom and gives them the confidence they will need to move up in the field.
The room for advancement is one of the major reasons careers in drafting are chosen. The promotion to a senior drafter or engineer is the goal for many. The advanced drafter may opt to continue their education and that can mean more money and a higher position. The drafter may choose to become an architect or engineering technician.
The amount of money drafting jobs pay is not, according to many, enough pay in proportion to the schooling and technical aspects required. The following are the average pay rates for the specified positions:
Architectural and Civil Drafter - $14.89 to $20.55 hourly
Landscape Drafter - $12.47 - $17.55 hourly
Electrical / Electronics Drafter - $15.40 - $20.57 hourly
Civil Engineering Drafter - $15.52 - $20.12 hourly
If you are interested in this line of work, the opportunities are available to begin in one field of operations and move up to a much higher paying job. In this day and age, the more money you can make the better. By furthering your education the salary you earn in the future will be more along the lines of what you are looking to find in your career.
