Job profile
Technical draughtsman (m/f/d)
Technical draughtsman: Produce detailed plans
Technical draughtsmen create detailed and technically correct plans for machines and many other devices. Whether in aerospace development, in the manufacture of vehicles, in engineering offices or at packaging manufacturers – wherever engineers or designers specify drawings and plans, technical draughtsmen use their pen or mouse. They observe drawing standards, specify the correct dimensions and complete the accompanying technical documentation. With the help of specialized software, they can comprehensively visualize the plans for the design and construction of systems, devices and machines. In doing so, they have to take into account a wide range of technical specifications. Cross-departmental teams often work together over a long period of time to create a detailed plan.
In Austria, technical draughtspeople generally complete a three-year apprenticeship. In Germany, the apprenticeship "technical draughtsmen" has been split into the two apprenticeships "technical product designer" or "technical system planner", which is why these terms are now also becoming increasingly common. The technical draughtsperson is also often referred to as a CAD draughtsperson. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design and refers to the computer programs used by draughtsmen and draughtswomen to create their plans and templates.
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What is a technical draughtsman?
Technical draughtsmen are responsible for producing technically correct drawings for systems and devices according to the specifications of designers, engineers and architects. Their area of responsibility is very broad. Technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen can be correspondingly flexible in their choice of employer. They usually work in the manufacturing industry and use their correct plans to ensure that different equipment and machines can be assembled and set up easily.
Technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen have excellent spatial awareness as well as mathematical and computer skills. They work extremely precisely and ensure that their work is documented accurately so that the specifications of engineers and architects can be implemented correctly.
What is the salary of a technical draughtsman in Austria?
The salary as a technical draughtsman in Austria is around € 27,000 gross per year when you start your career. After a few years of professional experience, the salary rises to up to € 37,000 per year. On average, technical draughtspeople with an apprenticeship qualification earn between €1,790 and €2,250 per month, although they can further improve their salary through suitable additional qualifications and further training.
Apprenticeship salaries in Austria range from around € 900 in the first year of the apprenticeship to € 1,870 gross per month in the fourth year. An exception is made here for apprentices who have already completed their A-levels or who start their apprenticeship after reaching the age of 18: They already receive a gross monthly salary of €1,118 at the start of their apprenticeship.
Tasks of technical draughtsmen and women: What does a technical draftsperson do all day?
· Preparation of technical drawings and assembly plans
· Revision and correction of technical drawings
· Making drawings and sketches with a drawing board
· Creation of 3D models using CAD software
· Construction of 3D models with 3D printers
· Derivation of parts lists for production
· Storage of production plans
· Data backup
How does a technical draughtsman work?
Technical draughtsmen work closely with various specialists and experts, such as mechanical engineers, electrical engineers or construction technicians, to create drawings and assembly plans. They implement their specifications and plans with the help of specialized CAD software and visualize the technical aspects of the plans in detail. The drawings created in this way can then be displayed as 3D models. On this basis, 3D components are designed and modeled using a 3D printer.
Due to technical developments in recent years, the job description of a technical draughtsman or draughtswoman has changed considerably. Just a few decades ago, they were still drawing on a drawing board with a sharp pencil and graph paper. It is therefore very important for representatives of this profession to always be up to date with the latest technology. Nevertheless, experienced technical draughtsmen and women can also produce accurate plans by hand, for example to provide quick example plans in meetings.
Become a technical draughtsman: Apprenticeship, studies & further education
Apprenticeship as a technical draughtsman: The practical way
In Austria, the profession of technical draughtsman or draughtswoman is an apprenticeship. The only requirement for this is the completion of 9 years of compulsory schooling. During the 3.5-year apprenticeship, apprentices spend the majority of their time at their training company. Vocational school takes up around 20% of the time for prospective draughtsmen and draughtswomen. After completing their training, apprentices are able to carry out correct calculations, create and present technical plans and drawings and use modern CAD technology.
An apprenticeship as a technical draughtsman has been a popular choice among prospective apprentices for many years. On average, around 360 people start this apprenticeship in Austria every year.
Studying to become a technical draughtsman: the academic route
Further training as a technical draughtswoman
In addition to traditional training, it is now also possible to train as a technical draughtswoman in a shorter period of time. This type of further training can be completed online or in person and does not require any specific experience or qualifications. After successful completion, participants usually receive a certificate as a "Technical Draughtswoman with CAD" or "Technical Draughtsman with CAD". In most cases, interested parties have the option of using an education voucher for further training.
In Austria, retraining to become a CAD draughtsman or CAD draughtswoman takes around 24 to 27 months.
Skills of a technical draughtsman: hard and soft skills
A very good technical (and electrotechnical) understanding and spatial awareness are essential for working as a CAD draughtsman. The following specialist skills are essential for everyday working life:
· Excellent handling of the PC
· Knowledge of the various CAD programs
· Good math skills
A very good technical (and electrotechnical) understanding and spatial awareness are essential for working as a CAD draughtsman. The following specialist skills are essential for everyday working life:
· Excellent handling of the PC
· Knowledge of the various CAD programs
· Good math skills
In addition to clearly defined hard skills that can be learned during training, technical draughtsmen should have the following soft skills:
· Diligence and conscientiousness
· Organizational talent
· Strong communication skills
· Experience in design and development
· Creativity
· Sense of responsibility
· High affinity for new methods and systems
· Interest and curiosity in new developments in the technical field
· Interest in new materials
· Willingness to attend regular training courses
· The willingness to get actively involved and take on responsibility
In addition to clearly defined hard skills that can be learned during training, technical draughtsmen should have the following soft skills:
· Diligence and conscientiousness
· Organizational talent
· Strong communication skills
· Experience in design and development
· Creativity
· Sense of responsibility
· High affinity for new methods and systems
· Interest and curiosity in new developments in the technical field
· Interest in new materials
· Willingness to attend regular training courses
· The willingness to get actively involved and take on responsibility
What opportunities do you currently have on the job market as a technical draughtsman?
TOP VACANCIES: JOBS FOR TECHNICAL DRAUGHTSMEN IN AUSTRIA (M/F/D)
FAQs
Technical draughtsmen or CAD draughtsmen create technically correct plans of machines and devices using special software on the computer. They work closely with other specialists, such as architects and engineers, to fully implement their specifications and produce complete and correctly calculated plans.
Technical draughtsmen or CAD draughtsmen create technically correct plans of machines and devices using special software on the computer. They work closely with other specialists, such as architects and engineers, to fully implement their specifications and produce complete and correctly calculated plans.
The average salary of a technical draftsman in Austria is between € 1,790 and € 2,250 per month.
The technical draughtsman is also known as a CAD draughtsman. Since 2011, the technical draughtsman apprenticeship has also been divided into the two occupational fields of "technical product designer" and "technical system planner".
After a 3.5-year apprenticeship, including successful completion of the final apprenticeship examination, you will be awarded the title of technical draughtsman. Building on this, there are numerous further training options, such as the 2-year master craftsman school or a 3-year finishing course.
After a 3.5-year apprenticeship, including successful completion of the final apprenticeship examination, you will be awarded the title of technical draughtsman. Building on this, there are numerous further training options, such as the 2-year master craftsman school or a 3-year finishing course.
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