Drafting and AutoCAD |
Who Are Drafters and CAD Operators?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Drafters and CAD Operators Do? Using CAD systems, drafters provide the visual guidelines to show how products or structures are to be constructed. The guidelines include drawings of the technical details and specify the dimensions, materials, functions and construction procedures. Drafters and CAD Operators complete the technical details of each project using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations that are provided to them by project engineers, surveyors, architects or scientists. Even though CAD Systems are the standard, drafters still need knowledge of traditional drafting techniques since manual drafting is still needed in some instances. Drafters use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and computers to complete their work. Drafters and CAD Operators Training Formal drafting and CAD training is mandatory for anyone wanting to pursue a career in drafting. Computer aided drafting training is offered by technical institutes, trade schools, vocational colleges, proprietary schools, community colleges and some 4-year colleges and universities. CAD courses assist students to develop drafting and mechanical drawing skills; knowledge of drafting standards, mathematics, science, and engineering technology; and a solid background in CAD techniques. CAD schools offer a computer aided drafting degree, certificate or diploma upon completion of CAD training. Many technical institutes providing computer aided drafting training offer a 2-year computer aided drafting degree that can be transferred to a four year CAD school. CAD School programs vary in length and in the type of CAD courses offered. Some public vocational-technical schools focus their CAD training and CAD courses on skills preferred by local employers. Drafters and CAD Operators Certification Those who complete CAD school training and earn their computer aided drafting degree or certificate is eligible for certification through the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA). The ADDA established a certification program for drafters to demonstrate their credentials, knowledge and an understanding of standard drafting and CAD practices. Drafters wanting certification must pass the Drafter Certification Test, which includes exams on basic drafting concepts, geometric construction, working drawings, and architectural terms and standards. Some CAD schools offer training programs for the test. Drafters and CAD Operators Job Prospects Most drafters and CAD system operators find employment with architectural engineering, and technical design firms creating plans and technical drawings for manufacturing industries, machinery, metalwork, structural metals; computer and electronic products, transportation equipment manufacturing, aerospace products, parts, components as well as ship and boat building. Drafters and CAD Operators Job Security and Salary Demand for drafters and CAD has remained steady and employment opportunities continues to rise. According to the Bureau of Labor, those who complete their school CAD courses have the best prospects for employment. Drafters and CAD System operators are earning between $27,000 and $63,000 per year. Drafters have opportunities to advance to senior drafter, designer, or supervisor. Drafters may also progress to careers as engineers or architects with appropriate college computer aided drafting degrees. |