Architectural technologists and technicians research and prepare drawings and contracts for professional architects and civil design engineers. Industrial designers create and produce designs for consumer, industrial and business products. Survey technologists and technicians conduct or participate in field surveys to determine exact locations and positions of natural features and other structures. Education, Training and Experience People in this group usually require a college, technical institute or university education, or specialized training.
Many recent entrants have a community college diploma.
They may require certification by a professional or technical association and other memberships. The proportion of self-employed workers in these occupations has increased significantly over the last ten years. This rate is among the highest for occupations in the natural and applied sciences sectors. Over the next five years, this outlook is not expected to change, as the number of job openings is expected to be matched by the number of qualified job seekers. Increasing use of computerized design and engineering technology, and of computerized mapping systems and satellite positioning systems, is transforming these occupations.