What Does a Mechanical Draftsperson Do?

Mechanical Draftspersons prepare engineering designs, drawings and related technical information working independently, in multidisciplinary engineering teams or in support of engineers, architects or industrial designers.

Job Related Skills, Values and Interests

     
  • developing and preparing engineering designs and drawings
  • operating computer-aided design and graphics drafting stations
  • developing and preparing drawings of industrial machines, engines, tools and mechanical equipment
  • developing and preparing design sketches
  • completing documentation packages and producing drawing sets
  • writing technical reports
  • checking and verifying design drawings to conform to specification and design data
  • checking prepared contract and tender documents

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Mechanical Draftsperson you must complete your secondary school diploma, particularly with credits in mathematics, and preferably design and drafting courses, before entry into an apprenticeship of 6,000 to 8,000 hours, including in-class and on-the-job experience. Completion of a three-year or equivalent program for drafting technologists, or a two-year or an equivalent program for drafting technicians is usually required. In Ontario, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) certifies drafting technologists and technicians. The certification process includes a period of supervised work experience, usually up to two years, and a professional practice examination. Certificate of qualification for draftspersons is also available through Ontario's Apprenticeship Program

What’s Your Future as a Mechanical Draftsperson?

Draftspersons generally work in an office setting, usually working 40-hour weeks. Due to the nature of the job, they spend prolonged periods of time working at a computer. Employers who hire draftspersons include:

  • Architectural and Engineering firms
  • Surveying and Mapping companies
  • Governments
  • Electrical industrial equipment manufacturers

Job prospects for Mechanical Draftspersons are currently limited. Employment for this occupation is expected to decline through 2007 because of the greater use of highly effective computer-aided design equipment by architects and engineers, as well as drafters. Most job openings will result from the need to replace workers who retire.

Wage Rate

Apprentices usually start at a wage rate less than that of a journeyperson, but this rate increases gradually as you gain compentency and skill. In 1995, the average annual employment income for a fully-qualified and certified draftsperson was approximately $40,000. Hourly wages can range from $13 to $20.

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is working as a Mechanical Draftsperson for You?

Do you enjoy doing your work at a computer?

Yes      No

Do you have a good eye for detail, and the ability to spot flaws?

Yes      No

Would you be comfortable working indoors in an office setting?

Yes      No

Do you have experience with computer-assisted design (CAD) software programs?

Yes      No

Do you have a mathematical background for calculating measurements and design specifications?

Yes      No

Can you work independently or in a group to get a job done on deadline?

Yes      No

If you answered yes to most of these questions, a career as a Mechanical Draftsperson may be for you!

You may want to explore other jobs that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Draftsperson - Plastic Mould Design
  • Draftsperson - Tooling & Die Design