Drafting Training | Drafting Classes and Programs Online

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There are a number of types of drafters: Architectural drafters create drawings of houses, buildings and factories. Aeronautical drafters create drawings of missiles, aircraft and their various parts. Electrical drafters create drawings for electrical wiring and equipment. Civil drafters create drawings used for major construction, highways and bridges. Electronics drafters create drawings used to repair, make and install electronics. Pipeline drafters create drawings used in chemical plants and in oil and gas fields. Mechanical drafters create drawings of machinery.

• Nature of the Work - The drawings provided by a drafter show how to construct a structure or product and provide visual guidelines. The technical details provided by these drawings specify procedures, dimensions and materials. Scientists, engineers, architects and surveyors make the calculations, drawings, specifications and rough sketches which are used by drafters to create the technical details. The details of a structure are drawn by a drafter utilizing their knowledge of building techniques.
• Drafting Training - Classes and Programs - Community colleges provide a general education whereas intensive technical training can be obtained through technical institutions. A diploma or a certificate may be awarded upon completion of the program. A two year associate degree program is available at a number of technical institutes, similar to those offered by State universities or community colleges.
• Certification - A certification program has been established by the ADDA (American Design Drafting Association). This certification allows employers to recognize drafters who have an understanding and demonstrates their knowledge of nationally recognized practices. In order to become certified, individuals must pass he ADDA administered Drafter Certification Test, offered through authorized sites.
  
  

Drafting Training | Drafting Classes and Programs Online

The drafting classes and programs offered through technical institutes include more liberal arts and theory education. In some programs there is very little difference between the community college programs and those offered at the technical institutes. Four year colleges are more likely to accept credit for courses earned through community colleges. For those interested in the two year degree, graduates may enter the workforce as drafters, or alternately continue their education in a four year college. It is rare that any of the four year colleges offer drafting training, but do have classes and training in mathematics, engineering and architecture, all of which are extremely useful for the drafting profession.

Those who have earned training in the Armed Forces may apply that technical training to civilian drafting jobs. Depending on the military specialty or technical area, additional training may be required.

The drafting specialties have somewhat different training although the basics such as mathematics do remain. An example if within drafting electronics program, students spend time learning how to depict circuits and electronic components in their drawings, and architectural specialties learn technical specs of buildings.

Drafting Training - Graduate - Job Outlook

In the year 2006, drafters held approximately 250,000 jobs. Civil and architectural drafters held 46 percent, mechanical drafters 31 percent, electronics and electrical drafters held 14 percent.

Approximately 49 percent of all employment held by drafters were in engineering, architectural and firms related to construction project design, or to those working on a contract basis within other industries. An additional 25 percent were in industries related to manufacturing such as general machinery and metalworking, electronic products manufacturing, fabricated metal products manufacturing and transportation equipment manufacturing. The majority of the remainder were employed within wholesale trade, employment services, utilities, construction and government. Self-employed drafters were reported to be approximately 5 percent.

Two years of postsecondary training will provide the best opportunities. Individuals with considerable CADD experience and strong technical skills should thrive. Drafting applications are more complex with the addition of the requirement for CADD skills, and have enhanced the nature of drafting by creating more possibilities for drafting and design. Employers will seek those with a strong background in the principles of drafting, an ability to apply knowledge to a broad range of responsibilities and a high level of technical ability.


Drafting Training - Graduates - Earnings Statistics

In 2006, the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reported drafter's earnings varied by level of responsibility, specialty and location, with median annual earnings of civil and architectural drafters being $41,500, the middle 50 percent earned between $33,500 and $52,000, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $27,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $63,000.

In 2006, average annual earnings of mechanical drafters were $43,500, with the middle 50 percent earning between $34,500 and $55,000, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $28,000, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $67,500. Average annual earnings for mechanical drafters in engineering, architectural and related services were $44,000.

In 2006, the average annual earnings of electronics and electrical drafters were $46,500, with the middle 50 percent earning between $36,500 and $60,000, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $29,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $74,000. In engineering, architectural and related services, average annual earnings for electronics and electrical drafters were $44,000.

Related Occupations: Related workers who prepare and analyze drawings and make precise measurements and calculations include landscape architects and architects (except navel); engineering technicians and engineers; surveying technicians and surveyors, photogrammetrists and cartographers; and industrial and commercial designers.


Drafting Training | Drafting Classes and Programs Online - Colleges and Universities

There are an excellent number of choices if you want to attend courses for drafting training. Online schools and colleges now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for colleges and universities where you can register for drafting training.

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