Drafting Programs

From Technology to Job Data, find out what Drafters do on a regular basis

The basics to get drafters-to-be in the right direction for their dream job.

Ever wonder who works with architects, engineers, and construction workers? Drafters – people who draw up a plan to build toys and buildings. Drafters work with their own drawings of manufactured products or drawings from workers who need exact measurements and more precise, to scale drawings.

 Before technology took over just about every job, drafters used pens, pencils, compasses, protractors, and other equipment in order to produce their drawings for the products. Now, with the help of computers, drafters are able to use a program, Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) to create their drawing proposals. A drafter’s proposal shows exact measurements, materials, and instructions for a product. Even with computer programs, drafters still use their hands for drawings, especially when they are working with a drawing from another person, it can help them by re-drawing all or parts of their original proposal in order to find specifics.

 This job requires a lot of training with certain courses beyond high school. Of course students can get a heads up by taking enhanced math courses during their high school years, but employers are going to look more closely at the courses one took during their post-secondary classes. Mathematics and computer courses are most important, along with sciences and drawing. Drafters need to have mechanical abilities and engineering skills to be able to work with any type of draft work. All of the courses needed to become a drafter can be found in a two year college, a trade school, and even some traditional four year colleges. The challenge is finding the right one for each individual. A way to decide is to know what area someone would like to specialize in, and from there find the schools that are most reputable for their choice. Also, another way to help ensure a good placement after a degree would be to call a company (if someone already knows where they would like to work, contacting that specific company would be ideal, if not, contacting a company for drafters would help give potential drafters an idea of what schools are high on the list for employers). These employers will give someone a right push in the direction they need to head into for their education in order to become drafters.

 When heading into the drafting programs, students need to choose between a number of different specialties that drafters work specifically with. Some of the areas of study include Aeronautical drafters, who deal with aircraft engineering, civil drafters, who work with construction, and Pipeline drafters, who work with oil and gas.  Each different area has different courses that are recommended, but all require the basics as mentioned above.

 Now, with all this information, it’s time to think about the types of jobs people can get with drafting programs. Some jobs people can get include architectural work, engineering, and manufacturing industries. In 2006, there were around 253,000 jobs in the United States and it’s projected to increase 6% by the year 2016. It is now 2009, about midway through 2006 and 2016, a time for students to enter their drafting programs and enter a good workforce.

If you are interested in Drafting Programs, you may also be interested in finding more information on Architecture Programs, Industrial Design Programs, Interior Design Programs and Graphic Design Programs. Feel free to browse these art school profiles and securely submit your information to request information.