Industrial drafters are responsible for producing drawings of machines to be manufactured. First, an engineer draws a sketch that fits the client's needs. Then drafting technicians use the sketch to draw each component of the machine, one by one. They may produce detail drawings just as well as assembly drawings or production drawings designed to help clients visualize the entire system. Today drafting experts must put away their pencils, as most of their work is done on the computer.
To perform this occupation, you need to like mathematics since drafting specialists must constantly calculate precise measurements. Given their versatility, these workers are employed by all types of industrial firms in the automotive, aeronautics and manufacturing industries, among others.
Desirable Qualities and Skills
aptitude for mathematics and technical drawing
aptitude for computers
meticulousness, accuracy and patience
attention to detail
ability to work in a team
Did you know?
More and more industrial drafters are self-employed or work as freelancers for a variety of companies.
Persons holding a Secondary School Diploma (SSD) or its recognized equivalent are not subject to any additional admission requirements. OR Persons who are at least 16 years of age on September 30 of the school year in which their vocational training is to begin must meet the following additional admission requirement: they must have Secondary IV credits in language of instruction, second language and mathematics, or have been granted recognition of equivalent learning. OR Persons who are at least 18 years of age must have the following functional prerequisites: they must pass a general development test (GDT) and have the specific prerequisites for the desired program (as stipulated in Schedule I of the Vocational Education Directives 2003-2004), or have been granted recognition of equivalent learning. OR Persons who have earned Secondary III credits in language of instruction, second language and mathematics in the programs of study established by the Minister must continue their general education courses concurrently with their vocational training in order to obtain the credits they are missing in the following areas: Secondary IV credits in language of instruction, second language and mathematics in the programs of study established by the Minister.
