Steel Structure Drafter
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Job description
These individuals produce engineering drawings of structural steel elements. These elements are frames which carry a stress or load for projects that have a public safety impact (buildings, bridges, etc.). They are self-employed, work for drafting services firms, or for sheet metal and structural steel manufacturers.
Environment
- Controlled ambient temperature
Main tasks
- Interpret plans.
- Incorporate details of engineer’s or architect’s calculations into drawings.
- Correct existing drawings.
- Clearly represent the assembly of parts.
- Apply structural drawing techniques and conventions to produce clear and accurate drawings.
- Produce lists of conforming and quality materials.
Training and requirements
Formation
Most training programs are offered in French only.
College
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Sometimes required
- Experience with 3D drawing software is often required.
- Related college education may be required.
WAP
This occupation is targeted by a Workplace Apprenticeship Program
Main skills and characteristics
Skills
- Data collection
- Active listening
- Critical thought
- Reading comprehension
- Oral expression
- Judgment and decision-making
- Information processing
- Coordination
- Active learning
- Result evaluation
- Written expression
- Time management
- Mathematics
- System analysis
- Solving complex problems
Abilities
- Near vision
- Visualization
- Awareness of issues
- Oral comprehension
- Deductive reasoning
- Written comprehension
- Information organization
- Inductive reasoning
- Processing flexibility
- Digital dexterity
- Classification
- Idea generation
- Originality
- Hand-arm stability
- Distance vision
- Written expression
- Mathematical reasoning
- Perception speed
Knowledge and attributes
- Critical thinking
- Autonomy
- Spoken and written bilingualism (French and English)
- Capacity to work in a team
- Sense of initiative
- Knowledge of computer science, digital and electronics
- Creativity
- Commitment to quality
- Knowledge of buildings and construction
- Knowledge of design
Interests
- Draft, communicate, and inform
- Create, design
- Collect, verify, sort, and classify data or information
- Make technical plans and drawings
Personality profiles (RIASEC)
- Artistic
- People with this profile prefer to express their emotions and thoughts through various art forms. They like to use their imagination.
- Investigative
- People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
- Realistic
- People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)
Drafting technologists and technicians (CNP 22212)
Skill type
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
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Last update: January 29, 2026