Drafting and Design
“Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence.”
– Henri Matisse
Overview
Are you a perfectionist? Do you like to see an idea brought to life? Do you enjoy implementation? If so, you might consider a career in drafting and design and, hence, an accredited online drafting degree program or a degree in design. Drafters create the technical drawings used to build anything from household and industrial products to residences and office buildings. A drafter doesn’t design, for example, an automobile, nor does he assemble the finished product; instead, he creates the blueprints that add detail to the concept and thus allow it to move into production. Drafters may be required to pass a drafting certification test; they may also find it useful to join the American Design Drafting Association. One thing is for certain, an accredited online drafting degree program or distance learning certification from an accredited career training school is a step in the right direction. Drafting is as competitive a field as the next and the proper career training or a degree program from an accredited online university will help you stand out in the job market.
Drafting and Design: Career Insights
- Drafting and design programs lack standardization and thus vary widely from institution to institution. Do your homework and be sure the program you are considering is right for you.
- Employment opportunities in drafting and design vary geographically and by industry.
Drafters
Drafters have different titles and specialties depending on the industry they are in. in the past, they drafted by hand using tools such as compasses and protractors, but now most use computer assisted design (CAD) programs to increase efficiency and productivity.
Aeronautical Drafters are involved with things that fly. They must have an understanding of aerodynamics, including physics and advanced mathematics. They prepare engineering drawings detailing plans and specifications used for the manufacture of aircraft, missiles, and related parts.
Architectural Drafters are involved with buildings and thus require some of the same skills as architects in order to perform their jobs. Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings and other structures. They may specialize by the type of structure, such as residential or commercial, or by the kind of material used, such as reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, or timber.
Civil Drafters are typically involved in large-scale projects that affect communities, cities and states. They prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in major construction or civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewage systems.
Electrical Drafters need to understand the fundamental principles of electricity, and how to use it safely and efficiently. They prepare wiring and layout diagrams used by workers who erect, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring in communication centers, powerplants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.
Electronic Drafters do huge amounts of work on a very small scale, since their drawings typically describe the workings of a microchip or other small apparatus. They draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic devices and components.
Mechanical Drafters need a great understanding of how machines and other mechanical things relate to each other. Their job is to prepare detail and assembly drawings of a wide variety of machinery and mechanical devices, indicating dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements.
Process Piping or Pipeline Drafters are involved in piping and pipelines. They prepare drawings used for layout, construction, and operation of oil and gas fields, refineries, chemical plants, and process piping systems.
Landscape Architects use CAD and video simulations to prepare plans for outdoor spaces, taking into account user requirements as well as federal and local regulations.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in drafting and design, find out how earning an associate’s degree in computer drafting and design online, a computer assisted drafting and design diploma (CAD), or an architectural drafting diploma can help you begin a career as an architectural drafter, civil drafter, electronic drafter, mechanical drafter, landscape architect, engineer or engineering technician.
Click here for a complete list of accredited online Drafting and Design degree programs