Employment Opportunities in CADD Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Learning Objectives 1. List some of the different types of drafting occupations. 2. Explain how to become a drafter. 3. Identify the levels of advancement for drafters. 4. Explore employment opportunities in drafting. Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Terms to Know Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design Aeronautical drafterElectrical drafter Architectural drafterElectronic drafter Civil drafterMechanical drafter Drafter

From pencil and paper to CADD Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Occupations 3 General Categories of Drafting: 1.Architecture 2.Engineering 3.Manufacturing Further classifications made by type of drafting: ◦Examples: aeronautical, architectural, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Occupations Aeronautical Drafter ◦Prepares engineering drawings of aircraft planned by aeronautical engineers ◦Specializes in development or production airplanes and missiles and ancillary equipment  Ex. Launch mechanisms, scale models of prototype aircraft Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Occupations Architectural Drafter ◦Draws artistic architectural and structural features of buildings and structures ◦Verifies compliance with building codes ◦May specialize in planning architectural details according to the building materials used Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Occupations Civil Drafter ◦Prepares construction drawings and topographic profiles for planning and construction of highways, bridges and other civil engineering projects ◦Drafts drawings of installations  Examples: culverts, dikes, wharfs and breakwaters ◦Prepares graphs and hauling diagrams used in earth-moving operations Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Occupations Electrical Drafter ◦Prepares working drawings used by construction and repair crews  Used to erect, install and repair electrical equipment ◦Prepares wiring diagrams ◦Used in wiring communications centers, power plants, industrial establishments, electrical distribution systems and commercial and domestic buildings Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Intiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Occupations Electronic Drafter ◦Drafts schematics, layouts and wiring diagrams  Used in the manufacture, assembly and repair of electronic equipment  Examples: computers, television cameras, radio transmitters ◦Prepares drawings of racks, panels and enclosures ◦May prepare charts and maps related to television and radio surveys Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Occupations Mechanical Drafter ◦Prepares working drawings of machinery and mechanical devices ◦Drafts multi-view assembly and subassembly drawings needed for the manufacture and repair of mechanisms Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Becoming a Drafter Drafter: person who prepares technical drawings and plans used by production and construction workers to build everything from manufactured products to commercial and residential structures Considering drafting? ◦Mechanical and visual aptitudes ◦Specialized training Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Becoming a Drafter Aptitude ◦Potential drafters should be:  Mechanically minded  Able to visualize what is to be drawn  Willing to work in cross- functional teams  Able to learn new concepts  Able to adjust to changing work conditions  Detail oriented  Neat and accurate in their work Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Becoming a Drafter Training ◦Most industries fill drafting positions with graduates with specialized training in drafting and design from  Junior colleges  Community colleges  Technical institutes  Vocational schools Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Becoming a Drafter Training includes ◦Basic and advanced drawing ◦Mathematics (geometry, algebra, trigonometry) ◦Physics or chemistry ◦Humanities ◦English ◦Technology courses ◦Courses in specific fields  Examples: aeronautics, architecture, cartography, electronics, sheet metal drafting Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Becoming a Drafter Training and competency in computer- aided drafting (CAD) is essential for the job market! Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Levels of Advancement Advancement based on educational background and practical experience To qualify, companies require two-year college or trade school degree in a specific area ◦An equivalent or greater amount of experience may also work Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Levels of Advancement General classifications of drafters: ◦Entry-level or junior drafter  Routine tasks under close supervision ◦Intermediate-level drafter  More difficult work with less supervision ◦Senior drafter ◦Designer ◦Supervisor Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Levels of Advancement Continuing education and appropriate college degrees or experience lead to positions as architects, engineers or engineering technicians. ◦Many companies pay for continuing education. Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Jobs Available jobs depend on national and local economies. Drafting is tied closely to construction and manufacturing. ◦Downturns or upturns affect the number of drafting jobs available. Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Jobs Indicators suggest that demand for drafters with two-year degrees will be strong. Types of drafting jobs differ from area to area. ◦Metropolitan: Mechanical drafting jobs near manufacturing ◦Suburban: Structural and civil drafting jobs Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design

Drafting Jobs Advancement opportunities are usually excellent. ◦Often depends on:  Drafter’s initiative  Ability  Product knowledge  Willingness to get continuing education Drafting is often a stepping stone to jobs in engineering, design and management. Illinois CTE Curriculum Revitalization Initiative - Drafting and Design