Drafters

• Nature of the Work

  Drafters prepare technical drawings followed by production and construction workers to build everything from spacecraft or industrial machinery and other manufactured products to structures such as office buildings or oil and gas pipelines. Their drawings show the technical details of the products and structures from all sides, including exact dimensions, specific materials to be used, and procedures to be followed. Drafters fill in technical details, using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, codes, and calculations previously made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists. For example, they use their knowledge of standardized building techniques to draw in the details of a structure. Some drafters employ a knowledge of engineering and manufacturing theory and standards to draw the parts of a machine in order to determine the number and kind of fasteners needed to assemble it. They may use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and computers.

  Traditionally, drafters sat at drawing boards and used compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices to prepare a drawing manually. Many drafters now use computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems to prepare drawings. These systems employ computer work stations to create a drawing on a video screen. They store it electronically so that revisions and/or duplications can be made easily. These systems also permit drafters to easily and quickly prepare variations of a design. A person who produces a technical drawing using CAD is still functioning as a drafter, and needs most of the knowledge of traditional drafters as well as CAD skills.

  Because the cost of CAD systems is dropping rapidly, by the year 2005 it is likely that almost all drafters will use CAD systems regularly. However, manual drafting probably will still be used in certain applications, especially in specialty firms that produce many one-of-a-kind drawings with little repetition.

  Many drafters specialize. Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings and other structures. They may specialize by the type of structure, such as schools or office buildings, or by material used, such as reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, or timber.

  Aeronautical drafters prepare engineering drawings used for the manufacture of aircraft and missiles.

  Electrical drafters draw wiring and layout diagrams used by workers who erect, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring in powerplants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.

  Electronic drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic equipment.

  Civil drafters prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewage systems.

  Mechanical drafters draw detailed diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, such as process piping systems, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

• Working Conditions

  Drafters usually work in offices with lighting appropriate to their tasks. They often sit at drawing boards or computer terminals for long periods of time doing detailed work, which may cause eyestrain and back discomfort.

• Employment

  Drafters held about 304,000 jobs in 1994. Over one-third of all drafters worked in engineering and architectural services, firms that design construction projects or do other engineering work on a contract basis for organizations in other parts of the economy; about one-third worked in durable goods manufacturing industries, such as machinery, electrical equipment, and fabricated metals; and the remainder were mostly employed in the construction, communications, utilities, and personnel supply services industries.

  About 10,000 drafters worked in government in 1994, primarily at the State and local level.

• Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

  Employers prefer applicants for drafting positions who have completed post-high school training in drafting, which is offered by technical institutes, junior and community colleges, and the extension divisions of colleges and universities. Employers are most interested in applicants who have well-developed drafting and mechanical drawing skills, a knowledge of standards and a solid background in computer-aided design techniques, and courses in mathematics, science, and engineering technology. In addition, communication and problem-solving skills are required.

  Many types of publicly and privately operated schools provide some form of drafting training. The kind and quality of programs can vary considerably. Therefore, prospective students should be careful in selecting a program. They should contact prospective employers regarding their preferences and ask schools to provide information about the kinds of jobs obtained by graduates, type and condition of instructional facilities and equipment, and faculty qualifications.

  Technical institutes offer intensive technical training but less theory and general education than junior and community colleges. Many offer 2-year associate degree programs, which are similar to or part of the programs offered by community colleges or State university systems. Other technical institutes are run by private, often for-profit, organizations, sometimes called proprietary schools; their programs vary considerably in both length and type of courses offered.

  Junior and community colleges offer curriculums similar to those in technical institutes but include more courses on theory and liberal arts. Often there is little or no difference between technical institute and community college programs. However, courses taken at junior or community colleges are more likely to be accepted for credit at 4-year colleges than those at technical institutes. After completing a 2-year program, many graduates obtain jobs as drafters while others continue their education in a related field at 4-year colleges.

  Four-year colleges usually do not offer drafting training, but college courses in engineering, architecture, and mathematics are useful for obtaining a job as a drafter.

  Area vocational-technical schools are postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize training needed by local employers. Most require a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission. Many offer introductory drafting instruction.

  Other training may be obtained in the Armed Forces in technical areas which can be applied in civilian drafting jobs. Some additional training may be needed, depending on the military specialty, but often this can be gained on the job.

  Those planning careers in drafting should be able to draw freehand three-dimensional objects and do detailed work accurately and neatly. Artistic ability is helpful in some specialized fields, as is knowledge of manufacturing and construction methods. In addition, prospective drafters should have good communication skills because they work closely with engineers, surveyors, architects, and other professionals.

  Both the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) and the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) have established certification programs for drafters. Although drafters are not generally required to be certified by employers, certification demonstrates that nationally recognized standards have been met. Individuals who wish to become certified must pass the Drafter Certification Test, which is administered periodically at ADDA-authorized test sites. Applicants are tested on their knowledge and understanding of basic drafting concepts such as geometric construction, working drawings, and architectural terms and standards.

  Entry level or junior drafters usually do routine work under close supervision. After gaining experience, they do more difficult work with less supervision and may advance to senior drafter, designer, or supervisor. Many employers pay for ongoing education, and with appropriate college degrees, drafters may become engineers or architects.

• Job Outlook

  Employment of drafters is expected to change or grow more slowly than the average through the year 2005. Industrial growth and increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and manufacturing increase the demand for drafting services. However, greater use of CAD equipment by architects and engineers, as well as drafters, may offset this growth in demand. Although productivity gains from CAD have been relatively modest since its use became widespread, the technology continues to advance. CAD is expected to become an increasingly powerful tool, simplifying many traditional drafting tasks and enabling some engineers and architects to do some drafting tasks themselves. Individuals who have at least 2 years of training in a technically strong drafting program and who have experience with CAD systems will have the best opportunities. Although few, if any, jobs will be generated by employment growth, many job openings are expected to arise as drafters move to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons.

  Employment of drafters is highly concentrated in industries that are sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy, such as engineering and architectural services and durable goods manufacturing. During recessions, drafters may be laid off.

• Earnings

  Median annual earnings of drafters who worked year round, full time were about $28,500 in 1994; the middle 50 percent earned between $21,500 and $38,600 annually. The top 10 percent earned more than $50,200, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $16,400.

  According to a survey of workplaces in 160 metropolitan areas, the most experienced drafters had median earnings of about $38,600 a year in 1993, with the middle half earning between about $35,500 and $42,600 a year.

• Related Occupations

  Other workers who prepare or analyze detailed drawings and make precise calculations and measurements include architects, landscape architects, engineers, engineering technicians, science technicians, cartographers, and surveyors.

• Sources of Additional Information

  Information on schools offering programs in drafting and other areas is available from:
  Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201.

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