Technical designer

As a technical designer you make the drawings and documents others build and produce from. You convert ideas and requirements into precise technical drawings and 3D models on a computer. It is a trade for those who like being thorough thinking in details and working with both creativity and technology.

You work with CAD software and produce technical drawings and 3D models of, for example, products, buildings or machine parts. You make sure that dimensions, materials and details are correct, so that it can be built or manufactured without errors. You often collaborate with engineers, architects, tradespeople or production, and you create the documentation that ties an idea together with the finished result.

• 01You learn technical drawing and how to work precisely with measurements and details.
• 02You become good at CAD and building 3D models on the computer.
• 03You learn to create documentation that others can build and produce from.
• 04You work closely with engineers, architects and production.
• 05You get a trade where you combine technical understanding with an eye for detail.

You normally start with a basic course at a vocational school and then find a practical placement in a company, a design studio, or production environment. The education alternates between school and practice so you learn the software and use it on real tasks. You get paid during training and build experience with the tools the industry uses.

With your education, you can work in construction, industry, product development and many other industries that need technical drawings. If you want to go further, the profession can be a good foundation for further training, for example towards building constructor or a technical academy education.

“Before anything is built it is drawn — and that is the technical designer's craft.”