Key Characteristics Firms Should Consider When Filling CAD Draftsman Jobs

Computer-aided design (CAD) technicians form an integral workforce within the AEC industry. Whilst the industry has seen a massive paradigm shift towards adopting building information modelling (BIM) processes right from conceptual design to facilities management, many architectural, engineering and contracting firms consider CAD draftsman job positions extremely important. Considering that several firms use BIM tools (such as Revit) in combination with CAD packages (such as AutoCAD) for developing construction design drawing sets, candidates that are proficient with both workflows are ideal to fill in these positions.

Irrespective of their size, service portfolio, and geographical reach, organisations should lay great importance on the following key attributes when selecting CAD personnel:

1.    Foundation in AutoCAD

Considering that AutoCAD is the most popular 2D/3D CAD package in use worldwide, candidates that have a robust foundation and an in-depth know-how of its finer nuances add significant value to the firm. Only when the technical basics concerning essential commands, drawing tools, layers, design specifications, annotation codes, material lists, and authorisation checklists are strong, CAD draftsmen can produce accurate construction design documentation sets for architects, engineers, designers, building services consultants, and contractors. 

2.    Autodesk Certification

CAD personnel that successfully complete Autodesk authorised training courses hold a competitive edge in today’s complex marketplace compared to others. Furthermore, candidates who pass the Autodesk certification exam should be given preference as this accreditation is an industry-accepted validation of CAD skills and proficiency.

3.    Experience in CAD Industry

Whilst AutoCAD basics and academic certifications are valuable from the employer’s perspective, the importance of hands-on industry experience cannot be undermined. Just as formal CAD training develops technical abilities; professional experience makes one adept at handling diverse project tasks by interacting with cross-functional internal teams and external project stakeholders. In addition to this, working live on projects from all around the world helps expand knowledge concerning regional building codes and design workflows.

4.    Versatility with Regards to Specialties

Keeping in view the highly competitive AEC marketplace, organisations require highly versatile CAD draftsmen that can easily adapt to distinct workflows and specialities, including those that suit architects, MEP (M&E) engineers, consultants, and contractors. Recruiting a CAD professional who is equally capable of developing construction drawing sets for homebuilders as he/she is producing schematic MEP (M&E) and penetration drawings should be a key priority for several organisations.

5.    Analytical Ability to Solve Problems

Working as a CAD professional will extensively involve a cycle of mark-ups and suggested design improvements by architects, designers, consultants and building service professionals. This demands an appropriate combination of software application expertise and problem-solving ability to understand the feedback and implement necessary mark-ups in a timely manner. At times, a CAD expert would require to opt for the most efficient alternative out of several of the ones available in order to keep the project on track by reducing the turnaround time.  

6.    Capability to Evolve with Industry and Learn

Whether medium-sized organisations are looking to fill in CAD draftsman jobs to expand in other markets or large multinational firms are hunting for CAD personnel to grow their service portfolio, candidates that are open to learning on the job make a difference. For instance, due to the increasing adoption of BIM tools (such as Revit) and processes for construction design and documentation, many organisations conduct Revit training courses for employees. In such a scenario, firms require CAD professionals, who are open to updating their skills and learning new BIM-based workflows and techniques, to keep up with the current industry practises.