A draughtsperson, often known today as a CAD draughtsperson, uses technology to produce technical blueprints and plans for a wide range of construction and engineering projects. Lets have a look at what a career as a draughtsperson actually involves and where your career as a draughtsperson can take you.
Working as a Draughtsperson
Your career as a draughtsperson involves a great deal of accuracy and attention to detail in addition to being able to communicate all that clearly to clients. In terms of construction, your role as a draughtsperson would include:
- Being highly computer literate and familiar with the latest in CAD technology
- Having a good knowledge of architecture and the principles of construction
- Having an acute eye for both detail and design and how they will impact on the overall construction project
- Being very patient in terms of design and redrafting designs in line with the project requirements and any revisions from the client
- Communicating your designs, revisions and how they will benefit the overall project in a clear, concise and easily understandable way.
Career Path
A draughtsperson will work closely with those working within the planning phase of any project. Some of the other roles you would be expected to work alongside include:
- CAD technician
- Architect
- Site manager
- Estimator
- Foreperson
- Civil engineer
- Structural engineer
- Building services engineer
- Purchaser
- Documents controller
- Mechanical engineer
- QA/QC Engineer
- Project engineer
- Finance manager
- Design manager
Professional Qualifications
This is a highly technical role, with significant training involved in order to have a successful career as a Draughtsperson. A computer design element of a degree in engineering or construction science provides we you with the right background for a career in this industry, allied to your technical drawing skills. The software packages that a draughtsperson uses are evolving constantly so if you are considering a course in this area, make sure that the course you are considering is using software relevant to the industry. These software packages include AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Architectural, CATIA, PRO/Engineer, Solidworks and many more. You should also be confident to rely on practical technical drawing skills with pencil and paper, which may be required on occasion, when technology is not accessible.
How your Career can Develop
A career in this area, once established, can lead to you working with a leading consultancy in this area, so make sure you focus on learning and keeping abreast of the relevant technologies. There are many more career opportunities available for a draughtsperson, and it is advised to continue to upskill and hone your technology skills and build your professional network in order to expand your career opportunities as a draughtsperson.