What Does a Drafter Do?

When looking into any career, you have to ensure that you have a solid understanding of how the job works.  Those looking forward to an education and career in drafting will need to find out what a drafter actually does. Prior to venturing into your brand new drafting training, take a look here to discover what you can expect in the future!

In simple terms, a drafter is responsible for the creation of building plans and designs.  These plans and designs are actually used in order to build buildings of all types!  Those with the right training in specific drafting specialties even have the ability and opportunity to design giant skyscrapers and buildings that will be around for 50 years or more!

Drafters used to have to draw out all of their plans simply by using their free hand and a sharpened pencil.  Nowadays, you will use computer software called CAD or AutoCAD.  You should know the basics of CAD software and how it all works prior to starting your training.  Most drafters even use this software when they are making their own designs at home.  Get used to using this software during your training, while you will still freehand some points of your designs, your computer with CAD is your best friend.

The knowledge that you learn through your training as a drafter will help to teach you to use common building methods in order to design and draw out all of your details to your buildings.  These details are necessary in order for the construction team to start and complete the designed building.  In order for a drafter to mark down these details, he or she will require the right tools for the job.

Besides your computer, you will have other tools that you will need to rely on as a drafter.  Daily tools used will include: calculators, tables, and even technical training handbooks that you can refer to.  Those tools are usually stored away in your desk at work so they are easy to reach.  These tools are needed in order to prepare, create and finalize the designs, and finally print out the blueprints.

As you might already know, there are different drafting specialties that you can look into.  Once all of your training has been completed and you finally have your degree, you can begin furthering your education.  Architectural drafters help to draw out structures and building features for the residential and commercial buildings in a city or town.  This is a very important role to play in the community and nearly 47% of all drafters work in the architectural field today.  From there, you can look into drawing relief maps as a Civil Drafter, or you can prepare all wiring diagrams for a commercial building as an Electrical Drafter.

A typical drafter works a 40-hour work week within a very comfortable office.  Your only issue as a drafter will be sore hands or wrists as well as lower back problems.  Make sure that you get as comfortable as possible so that you can get your work done freely without any hassle!   You can expect to get your weekends off as well as the major holidays as long as the work is up to date and near completion.  Start your training today and you will be well on your way to becoming a great drafter!