Draughtsman
Job overview
Draughtsmen transform the ideas of engineers, architects and others into designs or drawings on paper or on a computer screen.
What people do in this job?
Draughtsmen are involved in every type of construction project in a number of disciplines, including architecture, mechanical, civil and structural engineering, piping, town planning and mine surveying.
The requirements of the various disciplines differ and therefore necessitate specialisation.
Draughtsmen fall into two categories:
Design draughtsmen usually handle work of a more advanced nature than detail draughtsmen.
Many drawing offices also employ tracers who prepare final drawings and assist the draughtsman and draught assistants who assist draughtsmen more generally.
Draughtsmen can use the traditional manual and tracing methods, but today computer designing is ever more commonly used.
What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Draughtsmen must have drawing and designing ability, but it is not necessary for them to be artists.
They must be able to translate concepts on to paper and to visualize things in three-dimensional terms.
The work requires accuracy and manual dexterity.
They need plenty of patience because their work involves a great deal of detail.
An interest in computers stands draughtsmen in good stead in these days of fast-developing technology.
What qualifications are needed?
School certificates in art or technical drawing are an advantage, plus post-school qualifications in draughtsmanship.
