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Job profile

Technical draughtsman (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, in engineering offices or at packaging manufacturers - wherever engineers or designers specify drawings and plans, draughtsmen and draughtswomen 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, taking into account a wide range of technical specifications. Entire teams often work together over a long period of time to create a plan.

In Switzerland, the technical draughtsman apprenticeship is also known as “EFZ designer” or “EFZ draughtsman”. In Germany, the apprenticeship "technical draughtsman" has been split into the two apprenticeships "technical product designer" or "technical system planner", which is why these terms are now also becoming increasingly common. The technical draughtsman is also often called a CAD draughtsman. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design and refers to the computer programs that technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen use to create their plans and templates.

Are you looking for a job as a Technical Draughtsman?

As a technical draughtsperson, you will bring your expertise in creating technical drawings and plans with the help of modern CAD software to a company. You can choose whether you want to work in architectural and engineering offices, in the design offices of companies, in municipal building authorities or for energy suppliers. A job as a technical draughtswoman is generally future-proof, as this profession always requires you to work with the latest computer programs and special knowledge is required for this. Technical draughtsmen are also sought after in a wide range of industries where machines and products are manufactured and correctly calculated plans are required.

Are you looking for a job as a Technical Draughtsman?

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 Draughtsman?

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 a technical draughtsman?

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 draughtsman?

The technical draughtsman is 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. Schweitzer draughtsmen and draughtswomen can be correspondingly flexible in their choice of employer. They usually work in the manufacturing industry and, with their correct plans, ensure the functioning assembly and simple construction of various devices 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.

In many cases, the occupational field of technical draughtsman also has other designations, such as design engineer, “draughtsman in EFZ” or CAD draughtsman.

Salary: What does a technical draughtsman earn in Switzerland?

The average salary for technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen in Switzerland is CHF 81,000 gross per year. The starting salary for young professionals is around CHF 65,000 in the first two years and increases over the years to up to CHF 89,000 - including a 13th month's salary. However, the salary of technical draughtswomen can vary depending on the place of work and additional training. In principle, additional training for this profession definitely pays off.

Tasks of technical draughtsmen: What does a technical draughtsman do all day?

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. Your 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 draughtsman 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 the technical draughtsman or draughtswoman has changed considerably. Just a few decades ago, they 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 at the cutting edge of technology. Nevertheless, experienced technical draughtsmen and women can also produce accurate plans by hand, for example to provide quick example plans in meetings.

Become a technical draughtsman: Training, studies & further education

The practical route: Apprenticeship as a technical draughtsman

In Switzerland, the profession of technical draughtsman is also known as an “EFZ design engineer” or “EFZ draughtsman”. The apprenticeship to become an “EFZ design engineer” or “EFZ draughtsman” in Switzerland lasts 3 to 4 years and takes place for the most part in a corresponding company, for example in the machine or metal industry. In addition, apprentices attend vocational school for 1 to 2 days a week to continue their theoretical training. The prerequisites for the apprenticeship are completion of compulsory schooling and good grades in subjects such as mathematics or technical drawing.
It is not generally necessary to study to become a technical draughtsman, as this is an apprenticeship. 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.
It is not generally necessary to study to become a technical draughtsman, as this is an apprenticeship. 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 further training.

The demand for retraining as a technical draughtsman has been high for several years now. The retraining lasts at least 2 years.

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 further training.

The demand for retraining as a technical draughtsman has been high for several years now. The retraining lasts at least 2 years.

Skills of a technical draughtsman: hard and soft skills

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

Career as a technical draughtsman: What opportunities do you currently have on the job market?

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 draughtsman or draughtswoman. Appropriate further training and additional qualifications open many more doors for draughtsmen and women, which can lead to a higher salary.

Find your next dream job as a Technical Draughtsman (m/f/d) with Hays

In order to be able to place you in the best possible position according to your interests and expertise, we work according to our innovative "Find & Connect" concept. We compare your applicant profile in detail with the vacancies of companies and their applicant profiles and establish contacts. If both you and the company are interested in working together, the relevant framework conditions are agreed with Hays. You can either be employed directly by the company or as part of a temporary employment contract with Hays. Nothing stands in the way of a good working relationship!

Top job offers: Jobs for Technical Draughtsmen (m/f/d)

FAQ

What do you do as a technical draughtsman?

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.


How much do you earn as a technical draughtsman?

On average, technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen in Switzerland earn a gross salary of CHF 81,000 per year. They can expect a starting salary of around CHF 65,000.

On average, technical draughtsmen and draughtswomen in Switzerland earn a gross salary of CHF 81,000 per year. They can expect a starting salary of around CHF 65,000.


What is the technical draughtsman's name now?

In Switzerland, draughtsmen are also known as EFZ draughtsmen or EFZ design engineers.

In Switzerland, draughtsmen are also known as EFZ draughtsmen or EFZ design engineers.


What kind of qualification do you need as a technical draughtsman?

The apprenticeship to become an EFZ draughtsman or EFZ design engineer takes 3 to 4 years in Switzerland. Building on this, higher qualifications such as the professional examination (BP) or the higher professional examination (HFP) can be completed.

The apprenticeship to become an EFZ draughtsman or EFZ design engineer takes 3 to 4 years in Switzerland. Building on this, higher qualifications such as the professional examination (BP) or the higher professional examination (HFP) can be completed.


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