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Degrees and Schools
Training is offered at vocational schools, community colleges and by the armed forces. Drafters must have expertise with CADD systems. Many mechanical drafters have an 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 computer science, mathematics and engineering. These courses are useful for the occupation. A lot of the colleges include CADD classes in their engineering and computer science curriculums.
The American Design Drafting Association provides 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
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 to hire drafters who have completed formal training in drafting and have expertise with CADD systems. The primary employers are major manufacturers such as automobile companies and semiconductor manufactures, 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 students select the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program provide 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?
- School's Reputation - Is the school recognized for its drafting programs? What kind of reputation does the school have with manufacturing companies and engineering services firms?
- Job Placement - Are students provided job placement services? Do representatives of manufacturing companies and engineering services firms recruit students at the school? Does the school provide job fairs?
- Curriculum - 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 - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Mechanical Drafters Job Description
Mechanical drafters are highly skilled professionals. They have the important task of developing drawings needed to manufacture a wide array of mechanical devices and machinery. These days a mechanical drafter uses Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems to create their drawings. The occupation is a good choice for individuals who are mechanically inclined and detailed oriented.
Shown below are some of the responsibilities of mechanical drafters:
- Create detailed design drawings and specify technical devices, equipment and parts
- Design, layout and detail components and systems
- Evaluate factors related to component designs
- Produce schematics which show the functional relationships of various components, assemblies, systems and machines
- Provide detailed instructions and documentation
- Modify designs
- Determine if processes abide by regulations, standards and laws
Resources
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
- American Design Drafting Association
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