Which Subjects Are Required For Draughtsman

Which Subjects Are Required For Draughtsman

If you want to become a draughtsman, it is important to know which subjects to focus on in school. A draughtsman makes detailed technical drawings used in places like construction, manufacturing, architecture, and engineering. These drawings help builders and engineers understand how to make or build things. The job mixes creativity with careful attention to detail. To do well as a draughtsman, you should take subjects that improve your skills in mathematics, science, and drawing.

These subjects give you the knowledge you need to create accurate and clear plans. For example, Mathematics helps you understand measurements, shapes, and calculations. Engineering Graphics and Design teaches you how to make technical drawings by hand and using computers. Science, especially Physical Science, is useful because it helps you understand how materials work and how things are built. Knowing how different forces affect structures or machines can be important in your drawings. English is also important, so you can read instructions well and explain your work clearly.

Some schools and colleges may have specific subject requirements for draughtsman courses. Usually, having a good mix of mathematics, science, and design subjects will give you a strong start. Taking Computer Applications or Information Technology can also help because many draughtsmen use computer programs like Computer-Aided Design in their work.

CHECK THIS: Is A Draughtsman A Professional

Which Subjects Are Required For Draughtsman

The following are some subjects that you might be learning:

Physics: (Understanding the principles of physics is important for draughtsmen, as they often work with technical drawings and need to understand how forces and materials interact.)

• Physics provides draughtsmen with a deeper understanding of the physical properties of materials and how they behave under different conditions. This knowledge is important when creating technical drawings that need to accurately represent the structural integrity and functionality of a design.
• Understanding concepts such as forces, motion, and energy can help draughtsmen make informed decisions about the materials and construction methods to be used in their drawings. Additionally, a grasp of physics can aid in predicting how a design will perform in real-world scenarios, ensuring that the final product meets safety and performance standards.

Mathematics:

• Precision is the draughtsman’s mantra. With mathematics, particularly algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, drafters can make exact measurements, perform necessary calculations, and understand geometric intricacies.

Engineering Drawing:

• This subject teaches draughtsmen how to create and interpret technical drawings, including orthographic projections, isometric drawings, and assembly drawings. Engineering drawing is a fundamental subject for becoming a draughtsman. It teaches individuals how to create and interpret technical drawings, which are essential for communicating design ideas and specifications.
• Draughtsmen learn various techniques, such as orthographic projections, isometric drawings, and assembly drawings, to correctly represent the dimensions, shapes, and features of a design. This subject also covers topics like dimensioning, tolerances, and symbols, which are essential to ensure that the drawings are clear and understandable to other professionals involved in the design and manufacturing process.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD):

• In today’s digital age, proficiency in CAD software is important for draughtsmen. This subject teaches them how to use software programs to create and modify technical drawings. CAD software allows draughtsmen to create precise and detailed drawings with ease. It offers a range of tools and features that streamline the design process and enable the creation of complex designs.
• Draughtsmen learn how to use CAD software to create 2D and 3D models, apply dimensions and annotations, generate bills of materials, and perform simulations and analysis. They also learn how to collaborate with other professionals by sharing and exchanging CAD files. Proficiency in CAD software is highly valued in the industry, as it allows draughtsmen to work efficiently and produce high-quality drawings that meet the requirements of clients and manufacturers.

Technical Graphics:

• This subject focuses on the principles of technical drawing, including line types, scales, and symbols. It helps draughtsmen develop their drafting skills and understand industry standards. Technical Graphics is an essential subject for becoming a draughtsman as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of technical drawing. Students learn about different line types, scales, and symbols used in technical drawings.
• This subject helps draughtsmen develop their drafting skills and understand industry standards for creating accurate and precise drawings. By mastering Technical Graphics, draughtsmen can create drawings that effectively communicate design ideas and specifications to clients and manufacturers.

Building, Construction, and Standards:

• Architectural drafters must familiarize themselves with the world of construction. From methodologies to codes, understanding the practical aspects of building ensures that designs are feasible and compliant.

Specialized Knowledge:

• Depending on the niche, a draughtsman might need expertise in specific areas like electrical circuitry, mechanical assemblies, or topographical planning. Staying updated with industry-specific software and tools is also paramount.

READ ALSO: N4 Draughting

Draughtsman Subject Structure| Which Subjects Are Required For Draughtsman

Several engineering specialties, including building, mechanical, piping, electrical, and structural steel detailing, are covered in this course. Draughting software is used on most computers for these disciplines. The MDDOP course is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of draughting in a variety of academic fields. The following knowledge units are included in the N4 and N5 levels:

• Mechanical Draughting N4
• Electrical Draughting N5
• CAD N5 (AutoCAD 2D Software)
• Mechanical Orientation N4
• Building Draughting N5
• Structural Steel Detailing N5
• Pictorial Draughting N4
• General Draughting N4

Admission Requirements For Draughtsman

Although it is ideal for students to have studied technical drawing, mathematics, and physical science at the matriculation level, we have specially created bridging courses to help those who have not. Students who complete these three-month bridging courses will have the necessary fundamentals to start their studies in draughting.

Where to Study Draughting in South Africa

South Africa offers several institutions where you can study draughting, including public TVET colleges and private institutions. These schools provide hands-on training and focus on practical skills, often using CAD (computer-aided design) software.

Public TVET Colleges

TVET colleges offer affordable, accredited draughting courses that prepare students for the workplace. Options include:

• Northlink College (Western Cape): Offers Engineering and Related Design courses with drawing components.
• False Bay TVET College (Western Cape): Provides CAD training for entry-level drafting jobs.
• College of Cape Town (Western Cape): Offers technical courses with drawing and design modules.
• Tshwane South TVET College (Gauteng): Includes draughting in engineering-related programmes.

Private Colleges

Private institutions offer specialised or flexible draughting programmes, often at a higher cost.

• Academy of Draughting: Offers certificates and diplomas in various draughting fields.
• CTU Training Solutions: Provides CAD-based national certificates.
• Damelin: Offers the National Certificate in Multi-Disciplinary Drawing Office Practice (MDDOP).
• Inscape Education Group: Focuses on digital design and technical drawing.

The path to becoming a skilled draughtsman involves combining conventional knowledge with cutting-edge methods. The aforementioned topics can help aspiring drafters put themselves on the right track for success in this dynamic field. Visit the official Website of the College or University you are interested in for more details.

RELATED LINKS