Drafter Career Video

Summary

Drafters play a crucial role in turning designs for buildings, bridges, and gadgets into detailed technical drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) software. They specialize in various areas such as architecture, civil engineering, electrical systems, electronics, and mechanics, each with unique tasks like preparing construction plans, wiring diagrams, and machinery layouts. While most work in offices, some collaborate directly on job sites. To enter the field, drafters typically need a certificate or associate’s degree from a technical institute or community college.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drafters convert designs for buildings, bridges, and gadgets into detailed drawings for manufacturing and construction.
• 😀 Drafters primarily use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings based on sketches and specifications from architects and engineers.
• 😀 There are several types of drafters, each specializing in different fields, including architectural, civil, electrical, electronics, and mechanical drafting.
• 😀 Architectural drafters focus on creating structural designs for buildings and may specialize in specific materials like steel or reinforced concrete.
• 😀 Civil drafters prepare topographical maps for construction projects such as highways, bridges, and flood-control systems.
• 😀 Electrical drafters design wiring diagrams that guide the installation and repair of electrical equipment and systems in various buildings and plants.
• 😀 Electronics drafters create wiring diagrams and assembly layouts for circuit boards and electronic devices.
• 😀 Mechanical drafters develop detailed layouts for machinery, tools, and devices, outlining assembly requirements.
• 😀 While most drafters work in offices using computers, they occasionally visit job sites to collaborate with architects and engineers.
• 😀 Most drafters work full-time and typically need a certificate or associate's degree from a technical institute or community college to start their careers.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a drafter?

A drafter's primary role is to turn designs for buildings, bridges, and gadgets into fully realized technical drawings that can be manufactured and built.

What tools do drafters typically use in their work?

Drafters typically use computer-aided design (CAD) software to convert sketches and specifications made by architects and engineers into technical drawings.

What types of draftspeople specialize in architectural designs?

Architectural drafters specialize in drawing architectural and structural features of buildings for construction projects.

How do civil drafters contribute to construction and engineering projects?

Civil drafters prepare topographical maps used in construction and civil engineering projects such as highways, bridges, and flood-control projects.

What kind of diagrams do electrical drafters create?

Electrical drafters create wiring diagrams that are used to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in power plants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.

What is the focus of electronics drafters' work?

Electronics drafters produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing and for installing or repairing electronic devices.

What types of projects do mechanical drafters work on?

Mechanical drafters prepare detailed layouts for machinery, mechanical tools, and devices, indicating the requirements needed for assembly.

Do drafters work in an office environment or do they also visit job sites?

While most drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some visit job sites to collaborate with architects and engineers.

What is the typical work schedule for a drafter?

Most drafters work full-time, often in regular office hours.

What kind of education or certification is required to become a drafter?

Drafters generally need to complete a certificate or associate’s degree at a technical institute or community college.