Anyone interested in a drafting career or working as an architect or engineer should take drafting classes. Students can enroll in drafting classes at a community college or take an online course. Engineering drawing fundamentals and blueprint drafting are common courses in drafting programs.
Drafting courses are available at trade schools and city colleges on a per-course basis or as part of a drafting degree. For people with drafting experience and previous coursework, some technical schools offer certificate programs. There are also online drafting courses available for those who prefer to learn from the comfort of their own home. This is typically aimed at students who are already employed and do not wish to attend a community college.
Technical drafting is one of the most basic drafting courses available at any drafting school. The fundamentals of drafting, including drafting terminology, size and shape, descriptions, and metric conversion, are covered in this introductory course. The professor also demonstrates pictorial drawing and technical sketching during this class.
Computer-aided drafting (CAD) classes are available at most colleges. Students learn how to use computer-aided drawing software, mechanical drafting software, and architectural design software in these classes. Individuals study how to generate images of real and virtual objects, as well as how to determine the appropriate dimensions. People who want to work as architects or engineers must be able to use computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Commercial architectural drafting is another drafting course available to students. Students are taught how to create building models and commercial applications. Students learn about building codes, layouts, and materials from their instructors. Students should be able to design professional commercial blueprints and meet commercial specifications by the end of the class.
Students should take classes that teach them how to draft floor plans and site plans in order to have a well-rounded drafting program. These topics aid the drafter in the design of cabinets, windows, corridors, and doors. Instructors also demonstrate how to draw fixtures and commercial equipment to drafting students.
Animation, virtual drafting, and computer programming are all topics covered in most drafting programs. Exterior drafting classes are common in some degree programs, with an emphasis on legal boundaries, scenery, and landscape. Students who have never worked in a drafting profession should enroll in classes on bidding and negotiation, client relations, and drafting presentations.