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Technical draftsman (m/f/d)

Technical draughtsman:

Produce detailed plans

Technical draughtsmen create detailed and technically correct plans for machines and many other devices. Whether in aerospace development, in the manufacture of vehicles or in engineering offices - wherever engineers or designers provide drawings and plans, technical draughtsmen use their pen or mouse.

They observe drawing standards, specify the correct dimensions and complete the accompanying technical documentation. With the help of specialized software, they can comprehensively visualize the plans for the design and construction of systems, devices and machines. In doing so, they have to take into account a wide range of technical specifications. Cross-departmental teams often work together over a long period of time to create a detailed plan.

The title of "technical draughtsman" no longer really exists today in Germany, as technological developments in recent years have greatly enhanced the job profile. The computer has replaced the drawing board and two occupational fields have emerged from the "technical draughtsman" training occupation: "technical product designer" and "technical system planner" . These professions overlap in the main areas, which is why the term "technical draughtsman" continues to prevail.

Technical draughtsmen are also often called CAD draughtsmen. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design and refers to the computer programs used by technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen to create their plans and templates.

Are you looking for a job as a Technical Draftsman (m/f/d)?

As a technical draughtsman, you will be in high demand in a wide variety of companies, such as engineering or architecture firms. Find your new challenge with Hays and take a look at our vacancies on the Hays job board.

Are you looking for a Technical Draftsman (m/f/d)?

Do you need a technical draughtsman or draughtswoman with specialist knowledge who can implement plans and specifications for your devices in a technically correct manner? At Hays, we have the right candidates with specialist know-how for your company.

Are you looking for an exciting project as an Technical Draftsman(m/f/d)?

We have the right projects for your expert knowledge! As a technical draughtsman, don't worry about project acquisition and rely on our know-how in placement. What are you waiting for?

What is a technical draftsman?

Technical draughtsman is a profession that is now used as an umbrella term for the two training courses for "technical system planner" and "technical product designer". Technical draughtsmen are responsible for producing technically correct drawings for systems and devices according to the specifications of designers, engineers and architects. Their area of responsibility is very wide-ranging, just like the industries in which they work. They are usually found in the manufacturing industry, where their correct plans ensure the functional assembly and simple installation of various equipment and machines.

Technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen have excellent spatial awareness as well as mathematical and computer skills. They work extremely precisely and ensure that their work is documented accurately so that the specifications of engineers and architects can be implemented correctly.

technical draughtsman Salary: How much does a technical draughtsman Earn?

The average salary for technical draughtsmen is € 37,000 gross per year. As an entry-level salary, you will receive up to € 32,000 per year. With a few years of professional experience, the salary rises to between €41,000 and €63,000 . The highest salaries are paid in the metal industry and electrical engineering. The job profile of technical product designer is paid slightly better than that of technical system planner. However, the differences are small. In general, it can be worth specializing in both areas, for example in a specific industry, in order to increase your salary. The salary of a technical draughtsman or draughtswoman is best in larger cities such as Stuttgart or Munich.

Apprenticeship salary for a technical draughtsman

The salary for a technical draughtsman apprenticeship ranges from up to € 840 in the first year to around € 1011 in the fourth year of training.

What does an technical draftsman do?

The tasks of technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen cover a wide range of topics that are necessary for the successful creation and implementation of technical plans. They create plans and specifications for the construction and assembly of systems, devices and other products in the form of technical drawings. They produce these, document and present their results. Their activities can be summarized as follows:
  • Preparation of technical drawings and assembly plans
  • Revision and correction of technical drawings
  • Making drawings and sketches with a drawing board
  • Creation of 3D models using CAD software
  • Construction of 3D models with 3D printers
  • Derivation of parts lists for production
  • Storage of production plans
  • Data backup

How does a technical draftsman work?

When creating drawings and assembly plans, technical draughtsmen work closely with various specialists and experts, such as mechanical engineers, electrical engineers or construction technicians. They implement their specifications and plans with the help of specialized CAD software and visualize the technical aspects of the plans in detail. The drawings created in this way can then be displayed as 3D models. On this basis, 3D components are designed and modeled using a 3D printer.

Due to technical developments in recent years, the job description of a technical draughtswoman has changed considerably. Just a few decades ago, people were still drawing on a drawing board with a sharp pencil and graph paper. It is therefore very important for representatives of this profession to always be up to date with the latest technology. Nevertheless, experienced technical draughtsmen and women can also produce accurate plans by hand, for example to provide quick example plans in meetings.

your path: Becoming a successful technical draughtsman

Training as a technical draughtsman : The practical route

Training as a technical draughtsman has no longer existed under this name for several years. Since 2011, the traditional training occupation of "technical draughtsman" has been divided into the two training occupations of "technical product designer" and "technical system planner".

 

These are training occupations whose content is almost identical in both areas and only differ in their focus. While technical product designers focus on the fields of mechanical engineering, plant engineering and wood technology, training as a technical system planner focuses on the fields of heating, air conditioning, sanitary engineering, steel and metal construction technology. Both apprenticeships are dual. The content is taught at vocational school and then applied in a company. No special qualification is required to train as a technical draughtsman or draughtswoman.

 

Training to become a technical product designer or technical system planner takes around 3.5 years, although it can also be shortened if you perform particularly well. After successfully completing your training, you can call yourself either a state-approved system planner or a state-approved product designer

Studying to become a technical draughtsman: the academic path

It is not generally necessary to study to become a technical draughtsman or CAD draughtsman, as this is a skilled occupation. Fields of study that can be considered for this profession and are often closely linked to it are mechanical engineering, architecture, civil engineering or automotive engineering.

Further training as a technical draughtsman

In addition to traditional training, it is now also possible to train as a technical draughtswoman in a shorter period of time. This type of further training can be completed online or in person and does not require any specific experience or qualifications. After successful completion, participants usually receive a certificate as a "Technical Draughtswoman with CAD" or "Technical Draughtsman with CAD". In most cases, interested parties have the option of using an education voucher for the approximately 2-year training course. The demand for retraining as a technical draughtsman has been high for several years now.

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What hard Skills and Soft Skills does a technical draftsman need?

A very good technical (and electrotechnical) understanding and spatial awareness are essential for working as a CAD draughtswoman.
The following specialist skills are essential for everyday working life:

  • Excellent handling of the PC
  • Knowledge of the various CAD programs
  • Good math skills
In addition to clearly defined hard skills that can be learned during training, technical draughtsmen should have the following soft skills:
  • Diligence and conscientiousnesOrganizational talentStrong communication skillsExperience in design and developmen
  • Organizational talent
  • Strong communication skills
  • Experience in design and development
  • Creativity
  • Sense of responsibility
  • High affinity for new methods and systems
  • Interest and curiosity in new developments in the technical field
  • Interest in new materials
  • Willingness to attend regular training courses
  • The willingness to get actively involved and take on responsibility

KARRIERE ALS TECHNISCHE ZEICHNER:

WELCHE CHANCEN HABEN SIE ALS TECHNISCHER ZEICHNER AKTUELL AUF DEM ARBEITSMARKT?

As a result of digitalization, design tasks will increase significantly in all areas and sectors. Accordingly, specialists who focus on three-dimensional design are in high demand. Because without their plans, neither machines nor devices could be designed. In addition, technical draughtsmen are needed in a wide variety of sectors. In the metal industry in particular, the job market offers a secure position for you as a technical draftsman or draftswoman. Appropriate further training and additional qualifications open many more doors for draughtsmen and women, which can lead to a higher salary.

Top Vacancies: technical draughtsmen Jobs (m/f/d)

FAQs

Technical draughtsmen or CAD draughtsmen create technically correct plans of machines and devices using special software on the computer. They work closely with other specialists, such as architects and engineers, to fully implement their specifications and produce complete and correctly calculated plans.

Technical draughtsmen or CAD draughtsmen create technically correct plans of machines and devices using special software on the computer. They work closely with other specialists, such as architects and engineers, to fully implement their specifications and produce complete and correctly calculated plans.


On average, technical draughtsmen in Germany earn € 37,000. At the start of their career, the maximum annual gross salary is € 32,000. The highest salaries for technical draughtsmen are paid in Stuttgart and Munich.

On average, technical draughtsmen in Germany earn € 37,000. At the start of their career, the maximum annual gross salary is € 32,000. The highest salaries for technical draughtsmen are paid in Stuttgart and Munich.


Since 2011, the profession of technical draughtsman has been divided into the two occupational fields of "technical product designer" and "technical system planner". Technical draughtsmen are also often referred to as CAD draughtsmen.

Since 2011, the profession of technical draughtsman has been divided into the two occupational fields of "technical product designer" and "technical system planner". Technical draughtsmen are also often referred to as CAD draughtsmen.


No specific degree or school-leaving qualification is required to work as a technical draughtsman. After 3.5 years of dual training (in the company and at vocational school), trainees are awarded the title of "State-certified product designer" or "State-certified system planner".

No specific degree or school-leaving qualification is required to work as a technical draughtsman. After 3.5 years of dual training (in the company and at vocational school), trainees are awarded the title of "State-certified product designer" or "State-certified system planner".


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