Job Summary:
Electronic Drafters draw wiring diagrams. To prepare drawings for circuit boards clearly giving the number of diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, step-up and step-down transformers etc. the complete assembly diagram for the circuit boards as well as schematics. A detailed bill of material, how and where the power connection is to be made etc., are to be given. Should be adept in drawing diagrams for every kind of electronic gadget right from home appliances to computer and game related equipments. If it is a refrigerator, complete wiring diagram, the capacity of condenser, the capacity of compressor, the entire cooling tubes, the fan, the radiator etc., together with schematics. Should be able to read and redraw accurately with modifications if any of PCB’s.

Not long ago, draftsmen used to rely on drawing boards, T-squares, pencils, pens, triangles, protractors, compasses, calculators etc. Nowadays they are trained to use Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD).

In the CADD system you can design any complicated part. You don’t use an eraser to erase anything, which is not correct as was done previously. You can do it by deleting the wrong portion by using the mouse and can see this happening in the monitor. You can store all the completed as well as jobs under progress in the computer and can recall any of these at will for further working. Revisions become possible with relative ease. Duplications become easy.

Generally, a blue print should indicate the size, format, exact location, bill of material, drawing number, scale, drawn by whom, checked by whom and an indication of direction.

Qualification:
Minimum post-secondary school. Draftsman training of 2 years duration. Draftsman diploma of 4 years after passing secondary school is quite good. There are early, middle and advance levels. Specialization is a must.

Salary Range:
Ranges from $24,000 per annum to $60,000 per annum.

Prospects:
The scope for specialist draftsmen of electronics has wonderful opportunities. Electronics gadgets being found everywhere, the employment opportunities for a good draftsman specialized in these areas are excellent. There are home appliances, industrial equipments, IT related PCB’s, automobiles where PCB’s are used with schematics – the field is unlimited. People with good experience and proven track record are in good demand.