Do you want to become a CAD Draughtsperson? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
Print Page
CAD (computer-aided design) draughtspeople play an important part in designing everything from buildings and road systems to washing machines and wallpapers.
They use special computer programs to create on-screen drawings needed in a whole range of sectors, including architecture, building services, construction, civil and structural engineering and manufacturing. CAD designs can often be turned into the engineering or architectural drawings that are used for eventual construction.
CAD draughtspeople usually work in a team with others, where each person works on part of the project. A junior draughtsperson works on technical drawings for components or small sections of a product or project. Senior draughtspeople, however, may have responsibility for major sections or the overall design and might contribute to decisions about the project.
The basic week is 37 to 40 hours, Monday to Friday, but there may be overtime or shift work required in some companies or on some projects. Draughtspeople work at a CAD workstation or PC in a design or drawing office. Senior draughtspeople might need to visit sites to see a building or machinery that relates to the project.
Salaries range from around £15,000 up to £40,000 a year.
CAD draughtspeople need
All manufacturing and construction companies need designs and technical drawings to work from. CAD draughtspeople may also work for engineering design consultancies or on a self-employed contract basis. There are engineering and design companies in almost every part of the country.
To train, young people usually need GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in maths, science and technology. One way in is to try and find work as a technician apprentice, or it is possible to take a full-time course before starting at technician level.
Adults with a background in engineering or design may be able to move into CAD draughting, perhaps studying part time for a relevant qualification.
On an apprenticeship, the more theoretical aspects of the work are usually covered on day or block release study at a local college.
Depending on the size of the company, it may be possible to progress to senior or team leader positions. It can be possible to work through the system from apprentice to technician, and ultimately to train further as an architect or chartered engineer.
Do you know of a useful and relevant website that would be helpful to our users? Tell us about it by emailing 
