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Degrees and Schools
Training is available at vocational schools, community colleges and by the armed forces. Drafters must have expertise with CADD systems. Many drafters have a two-year associate degrees in drafting. The quality of training at these schools may vary.
Most four-year colleges do not offer degrees in drafting. However, many four-year colleges offer courses in architecture, computer science, mathematics and engineering. These courses are useful for the occupation. Many of the colleges include CADD classes in their engineering, architecture and computer science curriculums.
The American Design Drafting Association offers professional certification for drafters. Candidates have to pass the Drafter Certification Test.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Engineering technology
- Mathematics
- Computer aided design and drafting
- Computer graphics
- Computer technology
- Architecture
Online Classes and Programs
Currently there are no accredited online drafting degree programs. However, many on-campus programs include online courses.
Employment Requirements
Most employers prefer candidates that have completed formal training in drafting and have expertise with CADD systems. The major employers are architect firms, construction companies, engineering services firms and companies that have engineering or development departments.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help student select the appropriate school:
- Training - Do students get plenty of hands on training with the latest CADD equipment? Does the program include an externship that includes working with CADD systems? Do students have a variety of externship choices? How long are the externships?
- School's Reputation - Is the school recognized for its drafting programs? What kind of reputation does the school have with local architect firms, construction companies and engineering services firms?
- Job Placement - Does the school provide job placement services? Do representatives of architect firms, construction companies and engineering services firms recruit students at the school? Does the school provide job fairs?
- Curriculum - Is it comprehensive? What type of electives are offered? Can students select an area of specialization?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school qualified to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Has the school been provided accreditation by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Architectural and Civil Drafters Job Description
Drafting has many specialties. Architectural and civil drafting are two of the popular specializations. Architectural and civil drafters are highly skilled professionals. Both occupations are a good fit for people who are mechanically inclined, detailed oriented and have visual aptitude. Architectural and civil drafters hold over 40% of the total number of drafting jobs.
Architectural drafters produce detailed drawings for construction projects. The drawings they produce need to be complete and accurate because structures are built exactly as shown on the drawings. Some architectural drafters specialize in commercial or residential buildings or in a particular type of material such as steel, reinforced concrete, masonry or timber.
Civil drafters produce topographical and relief maps that are vital to major construction and civil engineering projects, including water and sewage systems, highways, flood control projects, pipelines and bridges. They also determine the strength, cost, quality and quantity of the materials used in projects.
Shown below are some of the responsibilities of architectural and civil drafters:
- Create technical drawings
- Produce cost estimates
- Operate CADD equipment
- Determine instructions and procedures
- Analyze building codes and by-laws
- Study the technical implications of architects' design concepts
- Check dimensions of materials
Resources
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
- American Design Drafting Association
- American Institute of Architecture Students
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