Drafting Technologists and Technicians

(NOC 2253)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Drafting technologists and technicians prepare engineering designs, drawings, and related technical information. They work in multidisciplinary engineering teams or in support of engineers, architects, or industrial designers, or they may work independently. They work for consulting and construction companies, utility, resource and manufacturing companies, all levels of government, and a wide range of other businesses.

Job Outlook

average

Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 20 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Drafting Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

Hourly Pay

$19.00

Minimum

$28.32

Median

$39.49

Maximum

Annual Pay

$16,060

Minimum

$48,626

Median

$75,644

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Drafting technologists:

Develop and prepare engineering designs and drawings from concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data.
Use computer-assisted design (CAD) and drafting workstations.
Develop and prepare design sketches.
Complete documentation packages and produce drawing sets.
Check and verify design drawings to conform to specifications and design data.
Write technical reports.
Prepare contracts and tender documents.
Prepare construction specifications, costs, and material estimates.
Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.

Drafting technicians:

Develop and prepare engineering drawings, plans, diagrams, or layouts from sketches.
Use computer-assisted drafting equipment or a conventional drafting station.

Sample job titles

architectural draftsperson
civil draftsperson
computer-aided design (CAD) specialist - drafting
computer-assisted drafting (CAD) technician
design and drafting technologist
drafting technician
drafting technologist
draftsperson
engineering design and drafting technologist
mechanical draftsperson

Skills

You should have talent in drawing and sketching. A neat and systematic approach to projects is important. You must be accurate, precise, and efficient. The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines may also be necessary. Computer skills are usually required.

Job requirements

High school is usually required.
A two- to three-year college program in engineering design and drafting technology or in a related field is usually required for drafting and design technologists.
A one- to two-year college program in drafting or completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or four to five years of related experience plus completion of college or industry courses in drafting are usually required for drafting technicians.
Certification in engineering design and drafting technology or in a related field through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians may be required by employers.
A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.

Other considerations

Jobs tend to be seasonal because of increased construction and renovation activity in the summer months. Because the work is closely related to construction activity, employment levels are sensitive to changes in economic conditions. Continuous learning is necessary to keep pace with the rapidly changing technology in this highly computerized field. Movement is possible to civil, mechanical, electrical, or other engineering design technologies through educational or work specialization. Senior and supervisory drafting and design technology workers require experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

605

employed in 2016

91.7%

employed full-time

9.1%

self employed

22.3%

77.7%

42.3

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%

80%

42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

62.5%

Halifax

$54,562 median annual income

18.3%

North Shore

$41,383 median annual income

6.7%

Cape Breton

$51,831 median annual income

6.7%

Southern

$44,104 median annual income

5.8%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

47.6%

Professional, scientific and technical services

23.3%

Manufacturing

10.7%

Construction

5.8%

Public administration

2.9%

Retail trade

What is the age of Employment?

27.0%

35-44

26.0%

25-34

20.0%

55-64

17.0%

45-54

6.0%

15-24

4.0%

65+

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

65.3%

College Diploma

$47,761 median annual income

11.6%

Trade Certification

$57,344 median annual income

9.9%

Bachelor

$55,139 median annual income

8.3%

High school

$65,605 median annual income

2.5%

Master

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income

29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income

11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income

9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income

6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and related construction projects. They include courses in basic construction and structural design, architectural rendering, architectural-aided drafting (CAD), layout and designs, architectural blueprint interpretation, building materials, and basic structural wiring diagramming.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware to the creation of graphic representations and simulations in support of engineering projects. They include courses in engineering graphics, two-dimensional and three-dimensional engineering design, solids modelling, engineering animation, computer-aided drafting (CAD), computer-aided design (CADD), and auto-CAD techniques.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

admissions@dal.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website