Occupation Description

Most designers today use computer aided design (CAD) systems in preference to conventional (by hand) drafting methods. Computer aided design (CAD) is used extensively in many sectors of manufacturing including the design of cast, light and heavy metal products, structural and mechanical detail drafting, component design and prototyping. It is also used in the chemicals, plastics and hydrocarbons sectors.

Computer aided designers may work across almost every sector of manufacturing, and at a variety of occupational levels from a drafting operative to drafting assistant, drafting supervisor, patternmaker, designer, design manager and engineering draftsperson. They might even work as a CNC (computer numeric control) or robotic systems designer, or as a design engineer.

Personal Requirements

You should

Environment

Computer aided designers will more than likely spend the majority their time at the computer in an office or design office. They may however also spend some time in the field and - or in the factory, foundry or workshop.

Training

Computer aided designers may work at a drafting technical operative level with a Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology, and can also work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector. They can with experience, and possibly further training, work as a drafting technical assistant with a Certificate IV in Manufacturing Technology or a manufacturing supervisor with a Diploma of Manufacturing Technology, or as a manufacturing manager with an Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology .

Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of other senior management positions.

Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology
Certificate IV in Manufacturing Technology
Diploma of Manufacturing Technology
Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.