In the Air Force:
Electrical Systems; Electrical Systems Apprentice; Electrical Systems Craftsman; Electrical Systems Helper; Electrical Systems Journeyman; Engineering; Engineering Apprentice; Engineering Craftsman; Engineering Helper; Engineering Journeyman; Engineering Superintendent
In the Army:
Construction Engineering Technician; Engineer; Interior Electrician; Technical Engineer; Unit Supply Specialist
In the Coast Guard:
Electrician's Mate; Electronics Specialty; Marine Safety Specialist Engineer; Naval Engineering Specialty
In the Marine Corps:
Electrician; Engineer Equipment Electrical Systems Technician
Drafters turn designs for buildings, bridges, and gadgets into fully realized drawings that can be manufactured and built. Drafters use computer-aided design software to convert the sketches and specifications made by architects and engineers into technical drawings. They typically specialize in one area: Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings for construction projects. These workers may specialize in a type of building, or in a particular type of material, such as steel or reinforced concrete. Civil drafters prepare topographical maps used in construction and civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and flood-control projects. Electrical drafters create wiring diagrams that other workers use to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in power plants, electrical distribution systems, and residential and commercial buildings. Electronics drafters produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing and to install and repair electronic devices. Mechanical drafters prepare detailed layouts for a wide variety of machinery and mechanical tools and devices. These layouts indicate requirements needed for assembly. Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some visit jobsites to collaborate with architects and engineers. Most drafters work full time. Drafters generally need to complete a certificate or associate’s degree at a technical institute or community college.
What they do:
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
On the job, you would:
Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
Engineering and Technology
design
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
geography
Business
administrative services
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Verbal
read and understand what is written
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Initiative
Cooperation
Analytical Thinking
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Epicor Vantage ERP
SoftBrands Fourth Shift Edition
bachelor's degree or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.