Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

The Work

There are two main types of draughtsperson: design and detail.  
 
Design draughtspeople use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to create models of the design, or work at a drawing board to produce the initial 'scheme' or general outline drawing. These days the finished product is rarely hand drawn and more and more firms are concentrating only on computer designs.  
 
Detail draughtspeople receive the finished scheme drawing. They break the scheme down into a series of drawings to show the products' individual components. Their drawings show the item at various stages of its production or assembly.  
 
Both design and detail draughtspeople use mathematical calculations and formulae in their work. They also do routine office tasks like making parts, keeping records and filing. Draughtspeople usually work in a team with others where each person works on part of the project.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
• Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
• Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
• Review and analyse specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
• Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
• Design scale or full-sise blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
• Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
• Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
• Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

In order to become a Draughtsperson, a candidate must follow a course of study in an appropriate discipline. There are a number of relevant courses, such as computer aided design or mechanical engineering, available at colleges of Further Education and Institutes of Technology throughout the country. Candidates should check the prospectuses of their local institution for specific course on offer.  
 
With a combination of qualifications you could progress to become an Engineering Technician with Engineers Ireland.  

Training & Development 

Many colleges run specialised Draughtspersons courses. Or ordinary bachelor degrees in disciplines.  

FET Centre Traineeship: CNC (Computer Numeric Control) Operator, Engineering OEM, Computer-Aided Design, Architectural Technology & Computer-Aided Design in centres around Ireland NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Engineering, Architecture, Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, CAD - Computer Aided Draughting and Design,  CAD - Computer Aided Draughting and Design, Construction technology & draughting at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Surveying, Engineering Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Architectural Technology, Construction Technology, Design. Enegineering courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Design & Innovation, Construction Technology, Architecture, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Construction NFQ level 9

Engineers Ireland 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €60k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Brightwater/ Sigmar / CPL/ Lincoln

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment levels grew strongly between 2023 and 2024 (by 6,300 persons), resulting in above average annual employment growth over the five-year period. Almost half were employed in the professional activities sector with a further quarter employed in industry. At 29%, the share of non-Irish citizens was above average which is borne out in the employment permit data, with over 1,300 new permits issued in 2024 primarily for electrical, mechanical, automation and project engineers.

Skills for Growth data highlighted issues in the utilities and manufacturing sectors, particularly relating to mechanical, electrical and lead instrumentation engineers; with automation, mechanical and electrical engineers also identified as roles which were difficult-to-fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey. Experience (usually at least 2 years) was a key demand along with technical (biomedical, electrical/power engineering, life sciences etc.), finance, leadership, and digital (including data analysis and AI) skills.

These skills play a critical role in Ireland’s industrial sector, particularly in the life sciences, and in the transition to a digital and green economy. As such, demand is likely to persist for these roles. Although the supply of skills from the education and training system appears strong, the recent employment growth and the demand for specific skills and experience means that skills shortages are persisting.

Skills shortage:

Engineers (mechanical, electrical, automation)

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
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