Benefits of a Drafting Career

Being a drafter is a great career path; if pursued correctly, it can lead to many opportunities. A drafter is an individual who uses design software to convert designs into usable technical drawings and blueprints. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage of drafters is $60,690 in May 2021, and unfortunately, they predict a 3 percent decline in employment between 2021 and 2031. However, being a drafter is still fantastic for those interested in design and who enjoy problem-solving.

How to Become a Drafter?

Becoming a drafter requires a combination of being creative and technical simultaneously. All successful drafters have a keen eye for detail and take pride in their work. Therefore, developing those skills is necessary to stand out among your competition in a highly saturated industry.

Benefits of a Drafting Career

Long-term Career

Being a drafter allows for the opportunity to work in various industries, which include architectural, civil, electrical, electronics, and mechanical. Because there are numerous industries that need drafting, it permits drafters the ability to change industries as they see fit. Furthermore, being able to change industries means you can have a long-term career in drafting. Also, it will cause you to learn about new industry characteristics, such as market trends, clients, and the most optimal ways of working.

Minimal Training

Typically, drafters complete education post-high school. This education consists of an applied science (in drafting) program through a community college or technical school. Once completed, drafters receive a certificate or diploma in drafting. These programs commonly only require two years or less of being a full-time student.

Essential Skills 

In drafting, you learn essential qualities such as creativity, detail-oriented, interpersonal, math, technical, and time management skills. Drafters must be creative because they must have the ability to convert plans/ideas into technical drawings specifically for the project being completed. 

Being detail-oriented is a substantial skill that must be possessed and developed because distinct specifications for each project must be followed. Interpersonal skills are necessary because drafters work closely with all kinds of people, such as architects, engineers, and other drafters; therefore, drafters must be able to communicate adequately and work efficiently with all types of people. 

Math skills are needed because projects require daily calculations of angles, weights, and costs. If these calculations aren’t correct, problems will arise that will cost time and money. 

Drafters must possess technical skills because the majority of projects require the use of computer software tools, such as CAD or BIM. These tools can make projects substantially easier; however, you must know how to use them accordingly. Lastly, time management is a necessity for any drafter regardless of the project. 

Each time a drafter takes on a project, there typically is a deadline for completion. Therefore, drafters must know how to manage their time regularly to meet deadlines.

In all, becoming a drafter has many benefits that can lead to a long-term career, where you learn a plethora of skills that can assist in your growth as a professional. In addition, a drafting career allows you to gain an immense amount of experience. Another benefit of being a drafter is that you can use Drafting Marketplace. Drafting Marketplace is a platform specifically created to help glazing contractors and drafters connect and mitigate many of the issues experienced in the glazing industry. Create your free account here or contact us to learn more about this breakthrough platform!