CAD jockey/drafting profession dead?

Tim Neumann
Tim Neumann
in 3D Modeling

Came across this article from the Catalyst site, in which VP of product development for Solid Edge more or less states that the drafting profession is being eclipsed, and that engineers are taking over all the cad related tasks. Funny thing is, all the engineers I work with or come in contact with paint a far different story. Still, maybe I need to consider changing my profession, maybe to CAM, CNC and etc. Chime on in with your thoughts. Here's the link to the article: http://www.cadalyst.com/cad/solid-edge/qa-dan-staples-vice-president-solid-edge-development-26869

Comments

  • Joe Dunfee
    Joe Dunfee
     I don't have extensive exposure to industry, but in most smaller companies, I think it is true.  Larger companies can keep the CAD specialist.  But, I suspect many companies only use a little of their CAD system's power because the engineer does not have the time or desire to keep up with the technology.  

    An engineer has often only graduated with 1 semester of CAD, and that is nor nearly enough to have a good handle on either the art of drafting, or the technical aspects of using a CAD program in any sort of depth. Companies have also adopted a lower standard for drawings.  So, that somewhat compensates.

    -Joe
  • John Gaunt
    John Gaunt
    Some of us have been hearing it for 30 years.
  • Liam Callaghan
    Liam Callaghan
     I guess there are not so many people coming through the ranks to take up the draughting role.  Easy enough to get into uni these days and become an engineer.  Personally I find I can walk out of a job and into a new one on the same day or move countries and have a job there before I land.  Kinda says we'll ok for a while :)

    Maybe we should be charging more now there are fewer of us...
  • Joe Dunfee
    Joe Dunfee
     In general, management often does not value the depth of knowledge that an experienced CAD operator has. That is why so many companies only use a fraction of the abilities of their CAD software.  They don't see that the time investment necessary to use those advanced features is worth it.  Sometimes that is a valid decision. But, I think that is more often that they are not seeing the long-term picture.

    There are local technical schools that offer 2-year degrees in CAD drafting.  But, I really suspect that enrolling in such a program is a bad decision. You can earn a lot more through other2-year training programs.   A 1-year CAD training program is a more appropriate choice.

    I have another observation, from over 25 years in the field.  The draftsman is the secretary of the engineering world.  I.e. With experience, he may actually end up doing the same work that many engineers do. But, he never gets paid as well.

    -Joe
  • Jim Canale
    Jim Canale
    My experience may tell you something...

    I went to college in the early 70's to study electrical engineering.  In my third year poor health contributed to falling grades and I was forced out.  I tried for years to re-gain admission, but no one would accept me due to my "dishonorable discharge".  Not that I ever could get the funding either...

    I got a job as an electronic repair tech, and in a couple years battled my way into a position building prototypes.  I have had to change jobs at least 6 times to keep doing prototype development, as most companies started requiring degrees.    Fun job, but very poor pay progression.   Was grossing $26K in '87, and now only $33K, despite the fact that I have advanced my skills considerably.   It HAS been a struggle.   The industry moved from analog to digital,  through hole to surface mount, discrete to microprocessor.   More health problems  forced me out for a year.   I was lucky to find a job with a small firm designing and building prototype test fixtures, tooling and housings - just the mechanical aspects.   I had to learn 2D CAD.  Four years ago I pushed myself to learn 3D (on my own), and I think/hope this has helped secure my position for a while.    But the engineering staff is now all learning CAD.   I'm pushing 62, and wondering where it goes from here.

    What I am saying is you have to be flexible and gain the skills that will keep you employed.  I think for a few years at least, there will still be some jobs for CAD jockeys, technicians, and other support people.
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