Draftspersons are responsible for creating detailed and accurate drawings for the construction, engineering and manufacturing industries. Although the traditional board-and-pencil way of working still survives, the work of a draftsperson is becoming increasingly reliant on Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, or CADD.
It is usual to specialize in a specific industry, which can be done through both training and experience. Typical employers are engineering firms and municipal and architectural offices. Opportunities have also recently opened up in the computer graphics business, particularly in the selling of CADD systems. With your own CADD system, it is also possible to work on a freelance basis.
There are several career routes for this type of work. These include: a two-year diploma in drafting; a four-year drafting apprenticeship; or four to five years of relevant experience combined with a community college course or industry course in drafting. Depending on the province, further certification with engineering or architectural associations may also be available. Typical salaries are in the range of C
$33,000 and C
$43,000.