- Our Client, is looking for a Microvellum CAD Drafter based out of the Calgary office. This is a highly technical position with tremendous growth opportunities. We are looking for a collaborative, autonomous, and ambitious candidate. This is fast paced place of work with exciting and industry leading designs. If you have Microvellum experience, we want to speak with you!Advantages- Competitive Salary- Strong Benefits Package- Growth Opportunities- Fast PaceOur Client, is looking for a Microvellum CAD Drafter based out of the Calgary office. This is a highly technical position with tremendous growth opportunities. We are looking for a collaborative, autonomous, and ambitious candidate. This is fast paced place of work with exciting and industry leading designs. If you have Microvellum experience, we want to speak with you!Advantages- Competitive Salary- Strong Benefits Package- Growth Opportunities- Fast Pace
- We are seeking a Mechanical Drafter for a long term contract opportunity with a well established client of ours in the Vancouver are. The ideal candidate will be able to go to the field when needed (field experience an asset, but not required) to support the development of Pressure Vessel Inspection Isometrics along with updating existing Piping Inspection Isometrics. Advantages-Excellent hourly rate-Long term contract opportunity with potential for permanWe are seeking a Mechanical Drafter for a long term contract opportunity with a well established client of ours in the Vancouver are. The ideal candidate will be able to go to the field when needed (field experience an asset, but not required) to support the development of Pressure Vessel Inspection Isometrics along with updating existing Piping Inspection Isometrics. Advantages-Excellent hourly rate-Long term contract opportunity with potential for perman
- Our Civil Consulting client has partnered with Randstad Engineering in their search for an Civil 3D Drafter to join their growing, yet established, engineering team! In this role, you will be responsible for designing infrastructure and heavy civil projects, working with designers, engineers and project managers to produce complete drawing deliverables.AdvantagesThis is a permanent opportunity with a specialized heavy construction and engineering organizatOur Civil Consulting client has partnered with Randstad Engineering in their search for an Civil 3D Drafter to join their growing, yet established, engineering team! In this role, you will be responsible for designing infrastructure and heavy civil projects, working with designers, engineers and project managers to produce complete drawing deliverables.AdvantagesThis is a permanent opportunity with a specialized heavy construction and engineering organizat
all about drafter jobs.
If you have an eye for detail and a meticulous nature about your personality, you may enjoy a career as a drafter. Drafters provide the technical drawings that form the foundation of so many projects, from electronics prototypes to major civil projects. You will be responsible for providing the basis that all other work on that project going forward will be based.
what do drafter jobs entail?
Drafters make use of specialist design software to create technical drawings from the plans and designs of other professionals, such as engineers and architects. The software in question is usually CAD, which stands for Computer Aided Design, and is a special kind of software built to work to precise tolerances and output.
what is a typical work schedule for drafters
Drafters typically work standard business hours—around forty hours a week through the workweek. You may be required to work longer hours in situations where deadlines are involved, but these are uncommon, and unsociable work hours outside of this kind of unplanned overtime are basically unheard of. There is also not a great deal of travelling involved in this line of work, which further reduces the chances of you being required to work outside of normal office hours. Generally speaking, being a drafter is a very reliable job in terms of the hours you work.
what are the pros of drafter jobs?
- Comfortable working conditions: As a drafter, you will spend most of your time at your desk, working at a computer and reviewing the plans and designs that you will be drafting. These technical drawings will involve using specialist software, so you will rarely be required to work away from your computer.
- Valued part of the process: The role of a drafter in a project is often crucial, as it is the bridge between the potential and reality. Architects and engineers can design amazing things, and construction workers and fabricators can build amazing things but it is the job of the drafter to ensure those early designs are given to those responsible for realizing the project in a form that makes sense.
- Plenty of options regarding industry: One of the more appealing aspects of a career as a drafter is the fact that it is a role that is needed in many different industries, giving drafters a wide range of industries to choose from when looking for a job.
- Generally low-stress work: While it’s not unheard of for drafters to face tight deadlines, the work is generally quite low stress. As long as you work at a decent pace, you will usually find yourself free of crunch-time situations. This is not to say that there are no deadlines—there are—it’s just that they should not be a problem for most drafters.
what are the cons of drafter jobs?
- Not very active: The comfort of working in a climate-controlled office all day can be a double-edged sword for some. If you are the kind of person who likes to be outside or likes to move around a lot, you may find this position a little restrictive.
- Not much variation: It’s true that a qualified drafter will have a wide range of industries to choose from, but it is also the case that the work itself is
- very similar from one industry to the other. If you are the kind of person who likes some variety in your work life, this role could start to seem repetitive.
- High standards: While drafters may not often face stressful deadlines, there is a very high quality of work that is expected. The technical drawings produced by a drafter will be used in meticulous detail to create things, and things like a misplaced symbol, incorrect unit of measurement, or typo could lead to very expensive mistakes down the line.
what are common drafter interview questions?
An interviewer may have questions that are specific to the industry you are applying to work in, but some interview questions you are likely to encounter regardless of the specifics of the job you are applying for, and it pays to have put some thought into your answers. Here are some questions you should expect to hear from your interviewer:
- What is your most significant weakness? It may seem counterproductive to talk about your flaws to someone you are trying to convince to hire you, but your employer will want to know that you are both aware of your weaknesses, and are actively working to improve on them.
- Tell us more about you? This may seem like an invitation to start talking about anything that interests you but resist the urge to do that. Instead, you should focus on things in your life that are relevant and couch them in a way that highlights how useful these experiences or skills will be in the employment setting you are applying to be part of.
- Why do you want this job? Unless your interviewer specifically asks about why you have chosen this profession, you should assume they are looking for information on why you chose their company specifically. Be sure to highlight why you feel you will fit in with the organization.
drafter resume and cover letter requirements
Your resume should include the following information when applying for a role as a drafter:
- Name and contact information
- Brief summary of experience/skills
- Employment history
- Education/qualifications
- Awards/certifications
- Examples of accomplishments
- Social media accounts (if work-related)
Regarding your cover letter, you should look to expand on the things you have included in your resume, such as any valuable experience you have acquired. Talk a little about why you are interested in working for the company in question and be sure to include why you think you are a good fit for them.
what is the job outlook for drafters?
Given the widespread need for drafters, the job outlook is relatively secure in that there are thousands of new job openings, something that is expected to continue for years to come despite a slight decline in other parts of the world. As for progression, there are no roles to be promoted to, as such, but there are many lucrative careers that experience and qualifications as a drafter would help you transition to, such as aerospace engineering, industrial designers, surveyors, and more.
what are the different types of drafter jobs?
- Architectural drafters: These drafters draw up the structural and architectural features of buildings in preparation for construction projects, taking into account the type of building and the materials used. Some architectural drafters may even specialize in a certain type of building.
- Electrical drafters: this type of drafter will prepare wiring and layout diagrams for use when installing electrical systems, whether they are going into existing structures or as part of a new construction.
- Aeronautical drafters: Drafters in this line of work provide technical drawings that are used in the manufacturing of a range of things, from missiles to aircraft.
- Civil drafters: Essentially responsible for the technical drawings that go into major construction projects, such as bridges, sewage systems, highways, and more.
- Mechanical drafter: These drafters put together drawings that show, not only the details but the assembly method of machinery and other constructions used in engineering.
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what is the average salary for a drafter?
The average salary for a drafter in Canada is currently a little over $43,000 a year based on an hourly rate of around $22. The average is around the lower end of the range in Canada, which starts at $39,000 for entry-level positions and tops out at $60,000 for experienced drafters. Unfortunately, the higher end of the scale is relatively uncommon, with the majority of drafters earning $50,000 or under.
average drafter salaries in canada
- annual: $43,000
- monthly: $3,520
- weekly: $880
- hourly: $22
Top paying areas for drafters in Canada include: British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
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what are the duties and responsibilities of drafters?
Drafters have a number of responsibilities that, for the most part, can be traced back to their primary role—creating technical drafts from less coherent information that the relevant professionals can use to continue the project. Here are some of the responsibilities and duties they will have as part of that role:
- Create accurate drafts: While the information that a drafter works from may be rough—sometimes as little as a sketch on a piece of paper—the results they produce need to be clear and accurate. Mistakes at this stage of the process can be extremely costly if not caught.
- Work to deadlines: While “crunch time” deadlines aren’t too common in the world of drafting, deadlines themselves still exist, and you will be expected to meet them.
- Stay up to date with software: The software used by drafters and other designers in these fields is constantly being updated and improved. Your employer may expect you to stay up to date with any changes so that you can take advantage of workflow improvements and additional features.
where do drafters typically work?
Drafters almost exclusively work in an office environment on a computer. The majority of the work they do involves using the CADD software they use to make their drafts, so you will likely spend almost all your time there. This makes it important to think about things like ergonomics when working to avoid long-term health problems. Overtime is not uncommon but will likely not be a common occurrence unless you are working for an especially busy company.
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what skills and competencies do drafters need?
A drafter will need a range of skills to be good at their job, and while lacking any of the skills we mention below does not mean you cannot make a good drafter, it does make life easier if you have them.
- Attention to detail: The very core of what you do as a drafter centres around detail, so it makes sense that you would have to have an eye for it yourself. If you were to overlook seemingly small details, it can result in delays as engineers, construction workers, or whoever is using your drawing has to seek clarification. Or worse, it could result in costly mistakes.
- An ability to focus: Being a drafter involves many hours at a desk working on technical drawings, which invariably needs plenty of focus. If you are the kind of person whose mind begins to wander if not stimulated enough, you may find this career path more challenging.
- Communication skills: While you shouldn’t have to field many questions about your drawings—after all, your job is to make sure they are clear and have all the information needed—you will likely have to deal with others when creating your drawings. Whether it’s unclear diagrams or missing information, you will need to be able to communicate effectively to find out what you need to find out.
- Ability to work to a deadline: It is important to remember that you will essentially be one of the first rungs on a long ladder, meaning that there will be many people and teams who are unable to proceed with the project if you have not met your deadlines for completing technical drawings.
what training and certifications do drafters need?
Drafters will typically need to have a degree in a relevant field before they can get employed. It should be noted that, while there are plenty of industries to choose from once you have become an experienced engineer, your initial qualifications may limit your choices. This is because the most common degrees chosen by drafters are not Drafting Technology or CAD and Architectural Drawing (which are both an option), but things like Architecture or Mechanical Engineering. These alternatives are fine, of course, but they may restrict your entry-level options. For example, a drafter who has a degree in civil engineering may struggle to get a job as an aerospace drafter. The level of education needed is an associate degree at the minimum, though a bachelor’s degree is a very popular option and will see you being more qualified than candidates who have an associate degree or less.
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FAQ
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FAQs about drafter jobs
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about drafter jobs.
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how to get a job as a drafter?
There are very few opportunities to get into an entry-level position as a drafter without at least an associate’s degree in a related field, though a bachelor’s degree would give you a better chance. The obvious choices for the subject are CAD and Architecture or, of course, Drafting Technology. However, degrees in Architecture and Mechanical Engineering are also popular in this career.
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how to find drafter jobs?
There is certainly no shortage of job sites available that will show you the latest drafter jobs available throughout Canada. Indeed, Randstad regularly has positions listed on our job seeker section, as well as a host of related positions, such as engineering and architecture.
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how to apply for a drafter job?
After you have had a good look through the jobs we have listed (you can find them over on our job seeker page, simply sign up with Randstad to make your application. It will only take a matter of minutes to create an account and sign in; from there, you just apply for the position that has piqued your interest.
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how can I be the first to find out when there are new drafter jobs?
Finding new drafter listings can be difficult. Fortunately, in our interconnected world, there are many ways to go about it. There are still job boards, of course, but you can also check your own personal networks. Failing that, the social media accounts of companies you are interested in or people who work for them are also a good place to start. If you want to be among the first to know when we have new jobs listed, sign up for our newsletter.
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what does a drafter do?
A drafter takes the drawings, diagrams, plans, and sometimes just rough sketches from designers and engineers and produces a detailed technical drawing that can be used by others to construct the subject of the drawing, whether it be a civil engineering project, architecture, or even a vehicle or electrical system.
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is a drafter a good career?
Being a drafter is a good career move for the right person, as they will get a lot of satisfaction from the work they do. That being said, the relatively low salaries and lack of progression opportunities make it less appealing. However, experience as a drafter provides an opportunity to springboard into other more lucrative careers.
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what does a drafter get paid?
The range of salaries paid to drafters starts at around $39,000 and tops out at roughly $60,000. That being said, the average drafter earns around $43,000 per year on an hourly wage of approximately $22. This means that the majority of drafters are in the lower range.