CAD Technician/Technologist, Structural Engineering Technician/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.
Steel detailers interpret fabrication requirements for structural steel components based on:
Detailers make the shop drawings and related instructions that steel fabricators use to manufacture components.
Senior steel detailers also may be involved in shop and site work, quality control and project supervision.
Steel detailers usually work in offices but, because the occupation relies heavily on shared data files and networking, office location is flexible.
Detailers generally work standard office hours but overtime may be required to meet deadlines.
Steel detailers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to their work, working in teams, analyzing data, finding innovative solutions to problems and working with precision equipment and instruments.
Steel detailers must be:
Steel detailer is a designated occupation in Alberta. This means that certification is not required but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for a Level 1, 2, or 3 Alberta Occupational Certificate. Apprenticeship and Industry Training does not offer a training program for this occupation.
Applications for certification must include a Registrar's Letter from the Alberta Chapter of NISD confirming that the individual identified satisfies the training, job skills, competencies and the standards of performance that are approved for a desired level:
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.
Steel detailers are specialized drafters who make detailed shop or fabrication drawings that steel fabricators or welders use to manufacture girders, beams, columns, stairways and other steel components of buildings and structures. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta's Tradesecrets website.
In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for steel detailers.
Steel detailers with legislated certification in good standing elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.
Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on "Contact Us" on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).
Steel detailers may be employed by steel fabrication, engineering or drafting companies, or they may be self-employed.
The employment outlook for steel detailers is good for the foreseeable future. Structural steel work is largely dependent on new commercial and industrial construction. It is expected that the large projects planned for Alberta for the next decade will sustain a demand for steel detailers.
Steel detailers do not have to be physically located at a project site so they may participate in projects anywhere in the world. This means that employment opportunities are less dependent on local construction activity but may be affected by global salary expectations and availability of skills.
Experienced steel detailers can move into estimating, quality control or management positions. Or, they may operate their own steel detail drafting and design business. Certified Alberta detailers who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Steel detailers 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 in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 9,300 Albertans are employed in the Drafting technologists and technicians occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 140 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As steel detailers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for steel detailers.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Steel detailers can earn from $40,000 to $80,000 a year at the basic level and senior steel detailers can earn up to $100,000 (2014 estimates).
| 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 |
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* 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 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
National Institute of Steel Detailing website: www.nisd.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2015. 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.