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CAD Technician, CAD Technologist, Engineering Design and Drafting Technician, Structural Engineering Technician, Structural Engineering Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $26.75 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $35.72 |
| Top | $48.64 |
Interest in compiling data on dimensions, locations, elevations, cross-sections, projections and other details to verify completeness and accuracy of final drawings
Interest in assisting technologists and engineers to prepare engineering drawings, diagrams and layouts
Interest in precision working to operate computer-assisted drafting equipment and conventional drafting stations, and to use measuring instruments
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Drafting technicians use CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) software and scientific calculators. They also do manual (traditional) drafting. They prepare:
The plans they create can be for many disciplines. Engineering plans can be for structural, mechanical, electrical, and process piping. Architectural plans can be for residential, industrial, institutional, commercial, and interior design.
Drafting technicians may also be involved in related activities, such as:
Drafting technicians may work for companies that specialize in:
Drafting technicians often work standard weekday hours in an open office setup. They spend a lot of time working with computers. They may work outside of standard hours to meet project deadlines. They may also need to visit construction sites.
Drafting technicians need to possess:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 26 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 29, 2020 and Apr 13, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Prepare engineering designs and drawings | 21 |
|---|---|
| Complete documentation packages and drawing sets | 21 |
| Develop and prepare design sketches | 19 |
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: AutoCAD | 17 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 16 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 15 |
| Type of Drafting: Detailing drafting | 15 |
| Examine drawings for conformity and errors | 15 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 13 |
| Read and interpret blueprints | 12 |
Many employers require a year of related post-secondary education. They may accept an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some programs can be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
A Certified Technician (C.Tech.) is an applied science, information or engineering technology professional who performs routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Technician (C.Tech.). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.
Registration requires:
Other requirements may include:
For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact ASET.
Certified Technicians who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory body in another province may transfer to Alberta if the two jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies. To do this, they must complete a transfer form and pay the associated fee. For detailed information about transfer requirements, see ASET. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada?
To learn about the certification process for internationally educated certified technicians, see Mechanical Engineering Technician Certification Process.
The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600 - 9888 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6
Canada
Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca
Drafting technicians work for:
Drafting technicians’ work is similar to that of architectural technologists or engineering design and drafting technologists. However, their work is always supervised. They must work for several years before they can take on as much responsibility as technologists.
Drafting technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2253: Drafting technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2253: Drafting technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 136 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $39.00 | $26.75 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $24.04 | $54.96 | $35.72 | $36.06 |
| Top | $28.72 | $90.00 | $48.64 | $48.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Construction | $76,325 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $75,387 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $73,542 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $72,157 |
| Manufacturing | $68,193 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $67,765 |
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.