Confused about AutoCAD Careers? Here’s a Look into Canada’s Drafting Industry

What is AutoCAD?

While many people in the industry know how essential knowledge of AutoCAD is, the rest of us have no idea what training in AutoCAD leads to, what AutoCAD employment entails or even, what AutoCAD is. AutoCAD is a software application for Computer Aided Design. Designers and Drafters use it to make the intangible tangible. With this software, 2D and 3D images are conjured up with careful precision.

Within this industry, we found that 78.7%[1] of workers had attained a diploma or certificate from a post-secondary institution, just like Brighton College! After training for an AutoCAD career one can work in industries like Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. Proper industry training is required, but AutoCAD remains the one constant.

Outlook for the Drafting Technologists and Technicians Sector:

Overall, CAD employment has a good outlook for the next few years, especially due to the retirement of the baby boomer generation[2].

Skills and Training:

To get an AutoCAD career in the drafting and design industry, one can expect requirements such as a solid knowledge of major technical drafting software (AutoCAD, for example), easily adapts to technological changes within the industry, and a good spatial vision.

Job Duties:

Since this industry is associated with so many job prospects, it is important to realize that any variety of the following duties are encompassed, however here’s an idea of what one can expect:

• Working within CAD and drafting work stations
• Developing and preparing design sketches
• Preparing  engineering designs and drawings from mere concepts
• Writing technical reports
• Verify that design specs correlate with specifications and design data
  

AutoCAD Salaries:

Working within this industry, one can expect average annual income to be around $47,882[3]. Those starting out in the industry can expect an annual income of anywhere between $25,000 and $35,000, and those with further experience within the industry can look to earn anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000. Senior and management AutoCAD salaries can be up to $75,000 a year!

At Brighton College, we offer two AutoCAD training programs including the AutoCAD Drafting and Design Specialist Diploma and the Computer Aided Design with AutoCAD Certificate; both include practicums with local Vancouver companies as well.