Drafting Technologists and Technicians
(NOC 2253)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyDrafting 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
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
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 decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. 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.
The median employment income for 71% of Drafting Technologists and Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $54,666. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$28.85
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$16,060
Minimum$48,626
Median$75,644
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Manufacturing
Construction
Public administration
Retail trade
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
55-64
45-54
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$47,761 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,344 median annual incomeBachelor
$55,139 median annual incomeHigh school
$65,605 median annual incomeMaster
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Architectural drafting and architectural CAD/CADD
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and related construction projects. These programs 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
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
CAD/CADD drafting and/or design technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware to the creation of graphic representations and simulations in support of engineering projects. These programs 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
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Electrical/electronics drafting and electrical/electronics CAD/CADD
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working schematics and representations in support of electrical/electronic engineers, computer engineers, and related professionals. These programs include courses in basic electronics, electrical systems and computer layouts; electrode-mechanical drafting; manufacturing circuitry; computer-aided drafting (CAD); and electrical systems specification interpretation.
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