Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Create schematics for electrical equipment, such as wire diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRONICS DRAFTER CAREERS

Wiring and circuitry are the technological nervous systems of our modern world, from toys to skyscrapers. Electrical and electronics drafters are the professionals who turn design engineers' ideas into comprehensive technical drawings. Drafters might operate independently or in groups. Many people specialise in specific industries. 

Wiring and layout diagrams are created by electrical drafters. Workers who install and repair electrical equipment and wire structures follow these plans. Electronics drafters design wiring and circuit board assemblies by creating schematics, layouts, and diagrams. These are used in the production, installation, and maintenance of electronic parts and devices. 

CAD, or computer-aided drafting and design, is rapidly replacing hand-drawn blueprints and drawing boards. CAD systems electronically save drawings for easy reproduction, review, and adjustment. Hours in front of a computer screen, like many other computer jobs, can cause eyestrain and backaches. 

Most companies require new recruits to have at least an associate's degree. Electrical and electronics drafters must also be knowledgeable in their employer's CAD software. A thorough understanding of an industry's drafting standards is advantageous. 

Growth in this profession is being slowed by technological developments. Less-skilled drafters will have fewer opportunities as drafting software becomes more proficient. Some businesses outsource drafting work to countries with lower wages. A strong understanding of math, science, and engineering technologies will help you land and keep a drafting career.

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Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Know More
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Know More
Getting Information Know More
Interacting With Computers Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

Clerical Know More
Computers and Electronics Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Design Know More
Engineering and Technology Know More
English Language Know More
Mathematics Know More
Production and Processing Know More

Degrees

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Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Complex Problem Solving Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Operations Analysis Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Speaking Know More
Writing Know More