I do mechanical design work, CAD (Computer Aided Drafting), I use Autocad and now I am using MicroStation. I am currently drawing HVAC units showing duct routing and machine installs, I know nothing about HVAC but know how to draw and give direction on how to install and the parts and stands used when installing. I have been doing drafting work most of my life, but would much rather have a manufacturing job or a fabrication job where I was building stuff. I just get tired of sitting behind a desk all day, that part doesn't interest me anymore.
I was hired right out of this course and got into doing commercial roof plans.
However they hired me because i new CAD not because i would be using it there really. They sent me off for training on there software program designed for roofs. Long story short did this for a few years, got laid off, and went into a differant field. Never went back to CAD. Sometimes i wonder if it ever really was what i wanted to do. I liked the drawing but to be honest....im not a desk guy. I need to be moving.....and I dont mind getting dirty! Anyway CAD is some cool stuff and is used in LOTS of fields. If you are thinking about a job in fabrication then you are one up on alot of guys just by knowing the program and how to use it. Who wouldnt want to hire a guy that can make a drawing for a part and then produce what he drew. Thats a win, win in my eyes. Ive been out of the field for along time now so im not sure what the demand is for building, etc right now. But fabrication....well that will go on forever!