Beijing Paradise BBS Backup/PARADISE.ISO/software/BBSDOORW/JOB4.ZIP/OOHB0125.HBK

Text File | 1995-10-24 | 10.9 KB | 226 lines

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Drafters

(D.O.T.  001.261-010, -014; 002.261; 003.131, .261 except -010, 281;
005.281; 007.161-010, -014, and -018, .261, and .281; 010.281 except
-022; 014.281; 017 except .261-010 and .684; and 726.364-014)

Nature of the Work

Drafters prepare technical drawings used by production and
construction workers to build spacecraft, automobiles, industrial
machinery and other manufactured products, as well as structures
such as office buildings, houses, bridges, and oil and gas
pipelines.  Their drawings show the technical details of the
products and structures from all sides, with exact dimensions, the
specific materials to be used, procedures to be followed, and other
information needed to carry out the job.  Drafters prepare and fill
in technical details, using drawings, rough sketches,
specifications, and calculations made by engineers, surveyors,
architects, and scientists.  For example, working from rough
sketches, drafters use knowledge of standardized building techniques
to draw the details of a structure, or employ knowledge of
engineering and manufacturing theory to arrange the parts of a
machine and determine the number and kind of fasteners needed.  For
this, they may use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and
computers.

   There are two methods by which drawings are prepared.  In the
traditional method, drafters sit at drawing boards and use
compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting
devices to prepare the drawing manually.  Drafters also use
computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems.  They use computer work
stations to create the drawing on a video screen.  They may print
the drawing on paper but also store it electronically so that
revisions and/or duplications can be made more easily.  These
systems also permit drafters to easily prepare many variations of a
design.

   When CAD systems were first introduced, some thought a new
occupation CAD operator would result.  It is now apparent that a
person who produces a technical drawing using CAD is still a
drafter, and needs all the knowledge of traditional drafters as well
as CAD skills.

   Because the cost of CAD systems is dropping rapidly, by the year
2005 it is likely that almost all drafters will use CAD systems
regularly.  However, manual drafting probably will still be used in
certain applications, especially in low-volume firms that produce
many one-of-a-kind drawings with little repetition.

   Many drafters specialize.  Architectural drafters draw architectural
and structural features of buildings and other structures.  They may
specialize by the type of structure, such as schools or office
buildings, or by material, such as reinforced concrete or stone.

   Aeronautical drafters prepare engineering drawings used for the
manufacture of aircraft and missiles.

   Electrical drafters draw wiring and layout diagrams used by workers
who erect, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring in
powerplants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.

   Electronic drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly
diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture,
installation, and repair of electronic equipment.

   Civil drafters prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps
used in civil engineering projects such as highways, bridges,
pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewage systems.

   Mechanical drafters draw detailed working diagrams of machinery and
mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and
other engineering information.

   Computer-aided design systems enable drafters to make revisions to
designs more easily.

Working Conditions

Drafters usually work in offices or rooms with lighting appropriate
to their tasks.  They often sit at drawing boards or computer
terminals for long periods of time doing detailed work, which may
cause eyestrain and back discomfort.  Drafters who spend the
majority of their time using a computer keyboard for CAD work risk
repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Employment

Drafters held about 314,000 jobs in 1992.  Over one-third of all
drafters worked in engineering and architectural services, firms
that design construction projects or do other engineering work on a
contract basis for organizations in other parts of the economy;
about one-third worked in durable goods manufacturing industries,
such as machinery, electrical equipment, and fabricated metals; and
the remainder were mostly employed in the construction,
communications, utilities, and personnel supply services industries.

   About 11,000 drafters worked in government in 1992, primarily at the
State and local level.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Employers prefer applicants for drafting positions who have
post-high school training in technical institutes, junior and
community colleges, or extension divisions of universities.
Employers are most interested in applicants who have well-developed
drafting and mechanical drawing skills, a solid background in
computer-aided design techniques, and courses in mathematics,
science, and engineering technology.

   Many types of publicly and privately operated schools provide
drafting training.  The kind and quality of programs can vary
considerably.  Therefore, prospective students should be careful in
selecting a program.  They should contact prospective employers
regarding their preferences and ask schools to provide information
about the kinds of jobs obtained by graduates, instructional
facilities and equipment, and faculty qualifications.

   Technical institutes offer intensive technical training but less
theory and general education than junior and community colleges.
Many offer 2-year associate degree programs, which are similar to or
part of the programs offered by community colleges or State
university systems.  Other technical institutes are run by private,
often for-profit, organizations, sometimes called proprietary
schools; their programs vary considerably in length and types of
courses offered.  Some are 2-year associate degree programs.

   Junior and community colleges offer curriculums similar to those in
technical institutes but may include more theory and liberal arts.
Often there may be little or no difference between technical
institute and community college programs.  However, courses taken at
junior or community colleges are more likely to be accepted for
credit at 4-year colleges than those at technical institutes.  After
completing the 2-year program, some graduates qualify for jobs as
drafters while others continue their education in a related field at
4-year colleges.

   Four-year colleges usually do not offer drafting training, but
college courses in engineering, architecture, and mathematics are
useful for obtaining a job as a drafter.

   Area vocational-technical schools are postsecondary public
institutions that serve local students and emphasize training needed
by local employers.  Most require a high school diploma or its
equivalent for admission.

   Other training may be obtained in the Armed Forces in technical
areas which can be applied in civilian drafting jobs.  Some
additional training may be needed, depending on the military skills
acquired and the kind of job, but often this is gained on the job.

   Those planning careers in drafting should be able to draw freehand
three-dimensional objects and do detailed work accurately and
neatly.  Artistic ability is helpful in some specialized fields, as
is knowledge of manufacturing and construction methods.  In
addition, prospective drafters should have good communication skills
because they work closely with engineers, surveyors, architects, and
other workers.

   In 1992, the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) established
a certification program for drafters.  Although drafters are not
required to be certified, certification demonstrates to employers
that nationally recognized standards have been met.  Individuals who
wish to become certified must pass the Drafter Certification Test,
which is administered periodically at ADDA-authorized test sites.
Applicants are tested on their knowledge and understanding of basic
drafting concepts such as geometric construction, working drawings,
and architectural terms and standards.

   Entry level drafters usually do routine work under close
supervision.  After gaining experience, they do more difficult work
with less supervision and may advance to senior drafter, designer,
or supervisor.  With appropriate college courses, they may become
engineers or architects.

Job Outlook

Employment of drafters is expected to grow more slowly than the
average for all occupations through the year 2005.  Industrial
growth and the increasingly complex design problems associated with
new products and processes will increase the demand for drafting
services.  However, greater use of CAD equipment by architects and
engineers, as well as drafters, is expected to offset some of this
growth in demand.  Although productivity gains from CAD have been
relatively modest since CAD use became widespread, CAD technology
continues to advance.  CAD is expected to become an increasingly
powerful tool, simplifying many traditional drafting tasks.
Nevertheless, as in other areas, the ease of obtaining
computer-generated information stimulates a demand for more
information, so there will continue to be growth in the occupation.
Individuals who have at least 2 years of training in a technically
strong drafting program and who have experience with CAD systems
will have the best opportunities.  Although growth in employment
will create many job openings, most job openings are expected to
arise as drafters retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.

   Drafters are highly concentrated in industries that are sensitive to
cyclical swings in the economy, such as engineering and
architectural services and durable goods manufacturing.  During
recessions, when fewer buildings are designed, drafters may be laid
off.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of drafters who worked year round, full time
were about $27,400 in 1992; the middle 50 percent earned between
$20,600 and $35,100 annually; 10 percent earned more than $43,500;
10 percent earned less than $15,900.

   According to a survey of workplaces in 160 metropolitan areas,
experienced drafters had median earnings of about $30,200 a year in
1992, with the middle half earning between about $27,100 and $34,000
a year.

Related Occupations

Other workers who prepare or analyze detailed drawings and make
precise calculations and measurements include architects, landscape
architects, engineers, engineering technicians, science technicians,
photogrammetrists, cartographers, and surveyors.

Sources of Additional Information

   State employment service offices can provide information about job
openings for drafters.