Assistant Draughtsman Career Description
The functions of assistant draughtsman include assisting in the preparation of detailed plans and maps, as well as the production of drawings and sketches which have been prepared by designers, cartographers, draughts men or professional persons for contract, reproduction or record purposes.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Assistant draughtsman's functions depend to a large extent on the organization in which they are employed. They perform the tasks in collaboration with draughts men assisting in portraying projects by means of plans and charts. Drawing is usually done in two steps. The draughtsman first draw the lines in pencil and then the assistants trace the lines in ink in order to get clear pictures that will not fade in time. Depending on their experience they may be asked to undertake original, but less complicated, drawings. Modern day drawings are done with computers and therefore assistant draughtsman are required to attend computer courses that enable them to generate drawings by means of computers.
The coloring of drawings and maps, freehand lettering, lettering by stencils and drawing equipment, etc. are also the responsibilities of the assistants. Lastly they have to file these drawings according to a well-organized system.
Many of these duties have been computerised and therefore assistant draughtsman have to be computer literate in order to execute these duties.
As assistants are not expected to undertake journeys away from office, the work is particularly suitable for women, but men are also employed.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Assistants should have the ability to work neatly and accurately, as the final product should make a neat impression and be correct to the smallest detail. A talent for drawing is a recommendation, but they need not necessarily be artistic because the work does not require extensive creativity.
Patience and perseverance, however, are assets, as assistants are required to work at their drawing tables for long periods. They should also be able to handle a reasonable amount of routine work.
Where can I work?
Larger municipalities also employ assistant draughtsman in their Civil Engineering sections. Assistant draughtsman are employed by different government
departments, inter alia, the Departments of Post and Telecommunications, Land Affairs, Transport and Public Works, Water Affairs, Economics and Marketing, Forestry, Agriculture, Tourism, Environment Affairs and Development Aid, as well as municipalities and private firms such as architects and consulting engineers.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
It is not possible for assistant draughtsman to work for themselves.
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