22212

Drafting technologists and technicians

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 22 › 222 › 2221

Definition

Drafting technologists and technicians prepare engineering designs, drawings and related technical information, such as building information models (BIM), in multidisciplinary engineering teams or in support of engineers, architects or industrial designers, or they may work independently. They are employed by consulting and construction companies, utility, resource and manufacturing companies, all levels of government and by a wide range of other establishments.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Drafting technologists
Develop and prepare engineering designs and drawings from preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data
Create building information models (BIM), using computer software, to provide digital representations of physical and functional aspects of buildings and other engineering projects
Operate computer-assisted design (CAD) and drafting workstations
Develop and prepare design sketches
Complete documentation packages and produce drawing sets
Check and verify design drawings to conform to specifications and design data
Write technical reports
Prepare contracts and tender documents
Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates
Supervise and train other technologists, technicians and drafters.
Drafting technicians
Develop and prepare engineering drawings, plans, diagrams or layouts from sketches
Operate computer-assisted drafting equipment or a conventional drafting station.

Example job titles

•architectural draftsperson
•building information modelling (BIM) technologist
•computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) technologist
•computer-assisted drafting (CAD) technician
•design and drafting technologist
•drafting office supervisor
•drafting technician
•drafting technologist

Overview

Drafting technologists and technicians under NOC code 22212 play a vital role in Canada's engineering, architectural, and construction sectors by preparing technical drawings, schematics, and layouts. Classified under TEER 2 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, these professionals typically operate computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) workstations to develop detailed digital representations of buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. To align with official Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) standards, candidates generally require completion of a two- to three-year college program in engineering design and drafting technology, and some provinces may require certification by provincial associations of engineering technologists or technicians.

Because NOC 22212 is a TEER 2 occupation, skilled workers in this category are eligible for key Canadian economic immigration pathways. Eligible candidates can apply through the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), provided they meet the language, education, and work experience criteria. Additionally, various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) target drafting professionals to address regional labor market demands. Applicants must demonstrate that their previous employment duties closely match the official ESDC occupational description, which includes tasks such as preparing assembly drawings, writing technical specifications, and verifying conformity to design standards.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and general reference purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official regulatory guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.