Job Roles and Responsibilities in Canada Drafters

Drafting Technologists and Technicians

Acknowledgments
Winnipeg Technical College and the Department of Labour and Immigration of Manitoba wish to express sincere appreciation to all contributors. Special acknowledgments are extended to the following individuals: Manola Barlow, Independent Contractor Sarah McDowell, Independent Contractor Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, Winnipeg Technical College Grace Leduc, Curriculum Development, Winnipeg Technical College Bill Jurens, Technical Drafting Instructor, Winnipeg Technical College Gerald Lepine, Technical Drafting Instructor, Winnipeg Technical College Funding for this project has been provided by The Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration.

Disclaimer
Statements and opinions in this document do not reflect those of Winnipeg Technical College or the project funder, Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration. The information is gathered from a variety of sources and is current and accurate as of the revision date noted. This information is subject to change and will not be further updated. It is the responsibility of the reader to seek current statistics and information. Please contact the Winnipeg Technical College at 989-6500 or www.wtc.mb.ca if you have questions about the contents of this document

Table of Contents
Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Description -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Where They Find Work ----------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Language Requirements --------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Skills ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Main Duties -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Terms & Conditions ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Earnings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8 Education/Training ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Employment Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------- 10 Career Paths----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Employment Opportunities ----------------------------------------------------------- 11 Professional Associations ------------------------------------------------------------ 11 References ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Appendix I Occupational Comparisons ----------------------------------------- 12

Introduction
Although drafting technicians/technologists, architects, engineers and interior designers/decorators all develop drawings and designs, the types of drawings and designs they develop are quite different. All of these trades may work together, but their job duties, responsibilities and education are different. It is important to understand how these occupations differ when choosing a career.

See Appendix 1 at the back of this package for a detailed comparison of drafting technicians/technologists, architects, engineers and interior designers/decorators.

Description
Drafting technologists and technicians prepare engineering designs, drawings and related technical information, in multidisciplinary engineering teams or in support of engineers, architects or industrial designers, or they may work independently. They are employed by consulting and construction companies, utility, resource and manufacturing companies, all levels of government and by a wide range of other establishments. Drafting technicians are classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) # 2253. Example Titles

Architectural draftsperson Computer-aided design and drafting technologist Computer-aided drafting (CAD) technician Design and drafting technologist Drafting technician Drafting technologist

Draftsperson Electrical draftsperson Electromechanical draftsperson Electronic draftsperson Engineering design and drafting technologist Mechanical draftsperson Structural draftsperson Structural steel drafter-detailer Supervisor, drafting office

Where They Find Work

A proportionally larger number of these positions are located in Winnipeg, although job opportunities are likely to occur throughout the province. Across industries, employment is concentrated in professional, scientific and technical services (34%), followed by manufacturing (30%), utilities (11%), public administration (9%) and construction (8%).

Language Requirements
Drafting technicians should be able to communicate clearly in English to do their job well. It is very important to employers that you have good oral communication skills so you can communicate with them and with your co-workers. It is important to note that language entrance requirements and test requirements vary in different colleges. Contact the colleges to see what is required.

Recommended Canadian Language Benchmark Levels for Technical Drafting1 Speaking Listening 7 7 Reading 7 Writing 7

Recommended TOEFL scores2 Paper Based 550 Computer Based 213 Internet Based 80

For those individuals where English is an Additional Language (EAL), it is recommended that you take a Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test to determine your level of English, and to see which English classes are available to you. Contact the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre for an appointment: Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre 400 - 275 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3 Phone: 204-943-5387

Skills
Engineering design and drafting technologists need the following skills:

Drafting and mechanical drawing experience Mathematics and physics Ability to visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings and the relationships between parts in machinery and systems

Knowledge of the qualities of metals, plastics, wood and other materials, of manufacturing processes and of construction methods and standards

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Note: This occupation has not been formally benchmarked. These are the current TOEFL entrance requirements at some colleges.

Computer-aided design (CAD) and design techniques Problem-solving skills Ability to communicate and work with engineers, architects, tradespersons, and clients

Artistic ability (optional) Good colour vision and hand-eye coordination Ability to work under pressure

Do you have many of these skills?

Main Duties
Drafting technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

Develop and prepare engineering drawings, plans, diagrams or layouts from sketches

Operate computer-aided design (CAD) equipment or a conventional drafting station

Drafting technologists perform some or all of the following duties:

Develop and prepare engineering designs and drawings from initial ideas, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data

Operate computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting work stations Develop and prepare design sketches Complete documentation packages and produce drawing sets Check and verify design drawings to conform to specifications and design data

Write technical reports Prepare contracts and tender documents Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates Supervise and train other technologists, technicians and drafters

Do you think you would enjoy doing the work described above?

Terms & Conditions

Drafting technologists and technicians usually work in an office environment, but may be required to spend time in manufacturing plants or construction sites. They may be susceptible to eye strain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems from spending long periods of time at a computer work station. Most work during regular business hours, although some may work longer hours, in the evenings and on weekends to meet project deadlines. Most drafting technologists and technicians work full-time. A minority is selfemployed (12%).

Earnings
In Manitoba3 $23,900.00 per annum - starting $37,500.00 per annum - average $50,000.00 per annum high

www.mb.jobfutures.org

Average in Canada4 Hourly wage: $19.88

Education / Training

Assiniboine Community College offers a 10-month Civil Technician Certificate Program. This is the first year of the six diploma programs that are offered at Red River College

Red River College offers a Civil/CAD Technology Program that requires a common first year of study in civil technology, followed by entry into one of eight options: Building Design CAD Technology, Mechanical Systems CAD Technology, Manufacturing Design CAD Technology, Design and Construction Technology, Environmental Protection Technology, Geomatics Technology, Municipal Technology and Structural Technology

Design Drafting Technician Diploma and Drafting/CAD Certificate Programs are offered through Red River College's Continuing Education Division

Winnipeg Technical College offers a 10-month technical drafting program. Graduates will receive credit towards a Civil Technology Diploma from RRC

University College of the North offers a three-year Civil/CAD Technology Diploma Program. This is a joint program with Red River College

University College of the North offers a one-year Civil/CAD Technician Certificate Program

Industry Specific Training of Manitoba, a private vocational institution, offers a program in Basic CAD/CAM/CNC. Some high schools in Manitoba offer a program in building and trades technology and drafting

www.jobfutures.ca

Employment Requirements5
In general, you need a high school diploma To be a drafting and design technologist, you usually need to finish a twoto three-year college or technical school program in engineering design/drafting technology or in a related field To be a drafting technician in Manitoba, completion of a one- to two-year college program in drafting or engineering design is usually required You may need certification in electrical or electronics engineering by a provincial/territorial association, which is obtained after two years of supervised work experience With additional education or experience, you may specialize in civil, mechanical, electrical or other engineering design technologies

Career Paths
Most drafters begin at a junior level, and may progress to designers or technologists as they gain experience and develop greater competency. There is not much mobility among specializations, e.g., aircraft, architectural, machine, electronic and mechanical. Experienced technologists can advance to supervisory and management positions, or establish their own design and drafting companies. International employment opportunities exist with engineering consulting firms operating in global markets. Drafters may move to civil, mechanical, electrical or other engineering design technologies through continuing education or work specialization.

www.jobfutures.ca

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Employment Opportunities
Employment prospects for drafting technologists and technicians are expected to be good in the period 2006 to 2010. A significant share of employment in this occupational group is dependent on the success of Manitoba's engineering consulting firms that, in turn, serve the construction industry. Public and private investment in major construction projects and infrastructure renewal over the next few years should have a positive effect on the employment prospects for this occupation group. Manufacturing firms will require the services of drafting technologists and technicians to enable them to improve their production and quality standards. Opportunities will be best for those with upto-date skills in computer-aided design (CAD) technology.

Professional Associations

Architectural & Building Technologists Association of Manitoba, 290 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 2A7, (204) 781-1342

Certified Technicians & Technologists Association of Manitoba, 602-1661 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 3T7, www.cttam.com

Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, 285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1, www.cctt.ca

References
Manitoba Job Futures. Retrieved Feb. 14, 2007, from http://mb.jobfutures.org

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Appendix

Occupational Comparisons

Note: Bolded words are used to show some of the differences between the occupations

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JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Drafting Technicians/Technologists
Drafting technologists and technicians prepare engineering designs, drawings and related technical information, in multidisciplinary engineering teams or in support of engineers, architects or industrial designers, or they may work independently. They are employed by consulting and construction companies, utility, resource and manufacturing companies, all levels of government and by a wide range of other establishments.

Interior Designers/ Decorators

Interior designers conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and industrial buildings. They are employed by architectural firms, interior design firms, retail establishments, construction companies, hospitals, airlines, hotel and restaurant chains and other establishments or they may be self-employed. (Note: These designs and drawings are NOT technical.)

Engineers: Civil/ Mechanical/Electrical

Civil engineers plan, design, develop and manage projects for the construction or repair of buildings, earth structures, powerhouses, roads, airports, railways, rapid transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, canals, dams, ports and coastal installations and systems related to highway and transportation services, water distribution and sanitation. Civil engineers may also specialize in foundation analysis, building and structural inspection, surveying, geomatics and municipal planning. Civil engineers are employed by engineering consulting companies, in all levels of government, by construction firms and in many other industries or they may be self-employed.

Architects

Architects conceptualize, plan and develop designs for the construction and renovation of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. Architects are employed by architectural firms, private corporations and governments, or they may be self-employed.

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DUTIES
Drafting Technicians/Technologists
Drafting technicians duties:

Interior Designers/ Decorators

Consult with clients to determine
needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space.

Engineers: Civil/ Mechanical/Electrical

Supervise technicians, technologists and other
engineers and review and approve designs, calculations and cost estimates.

Architects

Prepare or supervise
drafting technicians and technologists (and other contractors/trades persons) in the preparation of drawings, specifications and other construction documents.

Develop and prepare engineering

drawings, plans, diagrams or layouts from sketches.

Operate computer-aided design

(CAD) equipment or a conventional drafting station. Drafting technologists duties:

Develop detailed plans and 3-D

models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures using computer-aided design (CAD) software and graphics software.

Confer with clients and other members of the engineering

team and conduct research to determine project requirements.

Plan and design major civil projects like buildings,

roads, bridges, dams, water and waste management systems and structural steel fabrications

Develop and prepare engineering

designs and drawings from initial ideas, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data.

Monitor activities on
construction sites to ensure compliance with specifications.

Develop plans, elevations,

cross sections and detailed drawings.

Develop construction specifications and procedures. Act as project or site supervisor for land survey or
construction work.

Consult with clients to

determine type, style and purpose of renovations or new building construction being considered.

Operate computer-aided design

(CAD) and drafting work stations.

Advise on selection of colours,

finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards.

Interpret, review and approve survey and civil design

work.

Develop and prepare design

sketches.

Ensure construction plans meet guidelines and

specifications of building codes and other regulations.

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Complete documentation packages

and produce drawing sets.

Evaluate and recommend appropriate building and

construction materials.

Conceptualize and design

buildings and develop plans describing design specifications, building materials, costs and construction schedules.

Check and verify design drawings to

conform to specifications and design data.

Estimate costs and materials

required.

May advise on leasing, real

estate and marketing.

Conduct field services for civil works. Establish and monitor construction work schedules. Conduct feasibility studies, economic analyses, municipal
and regional traffic studies, environmental impact studies or other investigations

Write technical reports. Prepare contracts and tender

documents.

Prepare sketches and

models for clients.

Prepare plans and

specifications for the final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes.

Monitor air, water and soil quality and develop

procedures to clean up contaminated sites

Prepare bidding
documents, participate in contract negotiations and award construction contracts.

Prepare construction specifications,

costs and material estimates.

Conduct technical analyses of survey and field data

for development of topographic, soil, hydrological or other information and prepare reports

Supervise and train other

technologists, technicians and drafters.

Work in a multidisciplinary
environment.

May direct site work crews and

sub-contractors.

Prepare contract documents and review and evaluate

tenders for construction projects

Conduct feasibility studies

and financial analyses of building projects.

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EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Drafting Technicians/Technologists
To be a drafting technician in Manitoba, completion of a one- to two-year college program in drafting or engineering design is usually required. To be a drafting and design technologist, you usually need to finish a two- to three-year college or technical school program in engineering design/drafting technology or in a related field. * With additional education or experience, you may specialize in civil, mechanical, electrical or other engineering design technologies.

Interior Designers/ Decorators

Creative ability and artistic talent as demonstrated by a portfolio of work is required. A university degree or college diploma in interior design may be required.

Engineers: Civil/ Mechanical/Electrical

A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required in research positions. Licensing by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGPM) is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

Architects

A bachelor's degree from an accredited school of architecture or completion of the syllabus of studies from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is required. Graduates must complete a threeyear internship under the supervision of a registered architect and complete the architect registration examination. Architects in Manitoba must be registered with the Manitoba Association of Architects.

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EDUCATION
Drafting Technicians/Technologists
Ten- month Civil Technician Certificate Ten-month Technical Drafting Certificate

Interior Designers/ Decorators

A three-year university degree or college diploma in interior design may be required.

Engineers: Civil/ Mechanical/Electrical

Architects

A bachelor's degree from an accredited school of architecture or completion of the syllabus of studies from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is required.

Updated: April 2008

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