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, in multidisciplinary engineering teams or in support of engineers, architects or industrial designers, or they may work independently. They are employed by consulting and construction companies, utility, resource and manufacturing companies, all levels of government and by a wide range of other establishments.
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 grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor 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.
The median employment income for 74% 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
$19.23
Minimum$26.92
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$16,060
Minimum$48,626
Median$75,644
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
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, in multidisciplinary engineering teams or in support of engineers, architects or industrial designers, or they may work independently. They are employed by consulting and construction companies, utility, resource and manufacturing companies, all levels of government and by a wide range of other establishments.
Job duties
Drafting technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Develop and prepare engineering designs and drawings from preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data.
- Operate 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
- Develop and prepare engineering drawings, plans, diagrams or layouts from sketches.
- Operate 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
For these jobs, 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
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of 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.
- Completion of 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, perhaps as a result of increased construction and renovation activity in the summer months. Continued employment in these jobs will require constant learning to keep pace with the rapidly changing technology in this highly computerized field. Because the work is closely related to construction activity, employment levels are sensitive to changes in economic conditions. Mobility 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
Northern
Southern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional Business Services
Construction
Manufactured Mineral Products
Public Administration
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
65+
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
N/ATrades certificate
N/ABachelor's degree
$60,009 median annual incomeHigh school
N/AUniversity certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 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
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
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
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
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.
Employment requirements & contacts
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