Draughtsperson

Draughtspersons prepare technical drawings, maps and illustrations from sketches, measurements and other data, and copy drawings and paintings on to printing plates.

They work in diverse fields such as architecture, engineering, telecommunications, town- and regional planning and mining.

Job Characteristics

Involved in various types of construction projects.

• Operating computer-assisted equipment to create, modify and generate hard-copy and digital representations of working drawings.



• Preparing and revising working drawings from sketches and specifications prepared by engineers and architects.



• Installing and erecting machinery and equipment for the construction, modification, maintenance and repair of buildings, dams, bridges, roads and other architectural and civil engineering projects.



• Preparing and revising illustrations for reference works and technical manuals, dealing with the assembly, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of machinery and other equipment and goods.

Requirements

Secondary Education
A HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is required to be admitted to technikons in South Africa.

A H/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in at least five subjects (including English), as well as 25 points on the Polytechnic’s point evaluation scale is required for enrolment at the Polytechnic.

The candidate must also obtain a minimum score of 18 points on the engineering evaluation scale.

Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science (at some technikons in South Africa)
Mathematics and a Physics - related subject (Polytechnic)

Recommended subject
Technical Drawing (South Africa)

Tertiary Education
Various diploma courses (e.g. N. Dip.: Architectural Technology, N. Dip.: Surveying, N. Dip.: Town- and Regional Planning, N. Dip.: Mine Surveying) can be followed at South African technikons. The N. Dip.: Engineering is offered by the Polytechnic.

Personality
The prospective draughtsperson should possess drawing and designing abilities, visual-spatial aptitude, a high level of manual dexterity and accuracy. He/she must also be able to translate concepts onto paper and to visualise objects in three-dimensional terms.

Work Opportunities
Opportunities exist at consulting engineers, architects, construction companies and in the public service

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