Typical job roles

Producing engineering designs and drawings for components, structures and systems used in industrial and commercial construction.

Engineering Design and Draughtsperson will produce designs and drawings for structures, piping, electrical systems, control and instrumentation systems and mechanical components used in industrial and commercial construction. Typically, jobholders work in a wide range of industries of national importance including power and water infrastructure, petrochemical, oil and gas, nuclear, food and drink processing.

There are five main disciplines within the occupation of Engineering Design and Draughtsperson. An apprentice gains an understanding across all these disciplines and will typically specialise in one or more:

  • Electrical Design and Draughtsperson
  • Control and Instrumentation Design and Draughtsperson
  • Mechanical Design and Draughtsperson
  • Piping Design and Draughtsperson
  • Structural Design and Draughtsperson

More Information


Typical Tasks

  • Produces technical/engineering drawings and designs, 3D models, layouts & sketches, to company or industry specifications and standards.
  • Compiles design/work packages including procedures, and calculations.
  • Checks all drawings produced to ensure accuracy and suitability.
  • Ensures compliance with drawing/engineering office document control procedures.
  • Provides general support to discipline engineers.
  • Carries out site surveys and produce reports.

Entry criteria

4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and Mathematics for a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard


Typical duration

42 months


Career/progression opportunities

This Engineering Design and Draughtsperson (Level 3) has been designed to meet the professional standards of the Engineering Council for registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) in partnership with the appropriate institutions as shown below:

  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) (for piping and mechanical)
  • Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
  • Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) (for electrical and mechanical)
  • Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)

Dependent on employer requirements, progression onto higher level qualifications (HNC, HND, Degree) or a Higher/Degree Apprenticeship