Drafters prepare clear, complete, and accurate working plans and detail drawings from rough or detailed sketches or notes for engineering or manufacturing purposes according to specified dimensions. They utilize knowledge of various machines, engineering practices, mathematics, building materials and other physical sciences to complete drawings. There are approximately 1,315-1,610 drafters currently employed in Sacramento and Yolo Counties. About 30-40 job openings are projected per year due to a net increase in occupation size. Most employers require 1-5 years of prior experience.
Some employers are willing to accept training as a substitute for experience.
Some fill openings by hiring referrals from schools and training programs. Some also recruit applicants through internet job listings. With the appropriate education, promotions may also lead to architect or engineer. Almost all employers report that AutoCAD skills are important for job entry. Many employers also report that word processing skills are important.