Almost everything around you started off with a design that was produced on a computer. Bridges, cars, buildings, and even spacecraft all start with a plan that was turned into a design and a model that engineers and architects could use to create a final product—whether that’s something huge like a skyscraper or tiny like a microchip. With a little bit of training, you can learn computer-aided design and prepare for a career as a drafter or designer.

What Does a Drafter Do?

A drafter is someone who makes technical drawings for professionals like engineers or architects. The 2D and 3D drawings are created through computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD or Solidworks. They include specific dimensions, measurements, and instructions on what materials to use and what production processes to follow. This information helps the people who will take the technical drawing and use it as a guide to manufacture or develop the final product.

CAD Drafter and Designer Jobs

Computer-aided design is used in a variety of industries. Even artists and fashion designers sometimes use this technology to develop their creativity. Once you complete your CAD training, you could work in any of these jobs:

• Mechanical Drafter: As a mechanical drafter, you’ll create layouts of machinery, tools, and robotics. You’ll also note the instructions needed for assembly of these creations.
• Civil Drafter: In this role, you’ll draft designs for bridges, roadways, pipelines, and sewage systems. Civil engineers will use your drafts to construct and improve the infrastructure of a city or town.
• Electrical Drafter: Electrical engineers create wiring systems for homes, commercial buildings, and power plants. You’ll draft those wiring systems and include instructions for their installation and repair.
• Architectural Drafter: If you’re interested in architecture, you could work as an architectural drafter. You’d draft building designs, specify any structural details, and note the materials that will be used.
• Interior Drafter: Did you know that interior designers use CAD drawings to imagine what indoor spaces might look like? If you choose to work for an interior designer, you’d mock up new floor plans and reimagined spaces that can be used for renovations or repairs.
• Aeronautical Drafter: As an aeronautical drafter, your designs could literally be out of this world. Here, you would draft drawings of missiles, rockets, and spacecraft for aerospace engineers. You could also draft designs of aircraft components such as engines or fuselage.
• Electronics Drafter: If you like electronics, you’d probably like to work as an electronics drafter. In this role, you would create technical drawings of the circuit boards and layouts of electronic devices.
• CAD Designer: After you’ve gained some experience in the industry, you could also work as a CAD designer. A designer is similar to a drafter but is more familiar with the codes and instructions used by the professionals in their industry. They can usually note the instructions, dimensions, and materials to be used without guidance from an engineer or architect.

If you’re ready to draft a new chapter to your career, contact Porter and Chester Institute today. We offer a Computer Aided Drafting and Design program in Connecticut and Massachusetts that can train you to work in the field in as few as 12 months. Fill out the form to request more information.