Overview
Drafting technologists and technicians prepare engineering designs, drawings and related technical information, such as building information models (BIM), 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.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate computer-assisted design (CAD) and drafting workstations
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.
Drafting technicians
Develop and prepare engineering drawings, plans, diagrams or layouts from sketches
Operate computer-assisted drafting equipment or a conventional drafting station.
Drafting technologists
Develop and prepare engineering designs and drawings from preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data
Create building information models (BIM), using computer software, to provide digital representations of physical and functional aspects of buildings and other engineering projects
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$68,303
$93,852
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
981expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a two- to three-year college program in engineering design and drafting technology or in a related field is usually required for drafting and design technologists.
Completion of a one- to two-year college program in drafting or completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or four to five years of related experience plus completion of college or industry courses in drafting are usually required for drafting technicians.
Additional information
Mobility is possible to civil, mechanical, electrical or other engineering design technologies through educational or work specialization.
Senior and supervisory drafting and design technology workers require experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Drafting technologists and technicians in B.C.
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - Drafting technologists and technicians
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - Drafting technologists and technicians
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a drafting technologist or technician in B.C., you may choose to register with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an accredited diploma program and 24 months of progressive work experience, 12 of which must be at the technologist profile or higher in a Canadian work environment.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.