The information collected by civil designers can be used in the construction of bridges.
Writing jobs are available in any industry that needs skilled artists to make illustrations and diagrams that communicate the visual details and technical specifications of design ideas. Copywriters can work in fields such as aerospace, aircraft, and space design. Some may work in architectural firms, drawing plans and layouts to the builder’s specifications. Mechanical designers often use their expertise to make electrical system drawings and wiring diagrams for machines and buildings. A civil draftsman can map the topographical features of the terrain and create drawings for civil engineering projects.
Some copywriters specialize in drafts made with computer-aided design software.
A drafter makes use of mathematical knowledge, engineering principles, and artistic skills to create drawings, usually using a computer program such as computer-aided drafting and design (CADD). Most draftsmen work in the field of architectural design, creating drawings that are used in the construction or renovation of residential or commercial buildings.
Aerospace design jobs require the design of everything from small individual mechanical components used in the aircraft to entire aircraft systems, control surfaces, and airframe structures. An aerospace copywriter must communicate well with engineers and have a thorough understanding of aeronautical, electrical, and mechanical engineering concepts. Some work for the government on military planes and require security clearance.
A draftsman must know how to use a plotter, the special large-format printers used to print plans, schematics, and reference designs.
Civilian draftsmen may create topographical maps and topographical drawings and other public information. This information can be used in the construction of roads, bridges, railways, buildings, flood control projects, and pipelines. Writing jobs in the civil engineering field may require knowledge of obtaining public information, surveying skills, and sometimes field work, in addition to writing skills.
Thanks to CAD technology, a draftsman can now do his job faster and produce more designs than in years past.
Electronic and mechanical draftsman jobs require knowledge of wiring, machinery, and manufacturing processes in factories and power plants. These projects are used to install, troubleshoot, and repair systems, equipment, and machines. Electrical and mechanical designers can work in a variety of industries that often overlap with other design specialties. This includes firms in architecture and engineering, ship and boat building, control manufacturing, pipeline transportation, and aerospace.
Educational requirements for writing jobs vary, but generally require a technical training program or a two-year degree program. Some require a four-year degree. The field of writing lends itself well to online distance learning and is becoming a common way to obtain the basic requirements to land your first job.
Drawing jobs in general can be expected to grow more slowly than other fields due to the use of computer-aided design programs instead of hand drawings. Computers allow designers to handle heavier workloads than if they were doing all the drawing and calculations manually. Some fields of design, such as architectural and civil, tend to grow in response to regional construction trends and the state of local economies.