Need advice from engineers and project managers

[u/Careless_Emotion5946]

Writing

Hi Aussie engineers! 👋
I have a few questions for those working in consulting firms as civil/structural engineers or architects.
I’ve recently started a Diploma of Civil Construction Design and want to build a career in construction design here in Australia. Before moving into this field, I worked as a graphic designer overseas in a fast-paced, design-focused team. I have strong design skills, am comfortable working under pressure, and am confident I can learn software like AutoCAD and Revit.
However, I’m a little unsure about the job market and whether completing this diploma will be enough to land my first job in the industry.
I’d love to hear from people working in the field:
How often do your firms hire drafters or junior design technicians?
How many drafters would you typically have in a team?
What does a drafter’s day-to-day work usually involve?
What technical skills and personal qualities do you look for when hiring a drafter?
What would make a candidate stand out and become genuinely useful to your team from day one?
I’m not looking to join a firm just to learn the basics. My goal is to develop the right skills so I can contribute real value to a team from the beginning, rather than needing constant supervision.
Long term, I’m also considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree if I’m able to secure PR in Australia.
I’d really appreciate any honest advice about the industry, job opportunities, and the skills I should focus on developing during my diploma.

[u/omarlobo]

Diploma is useless. And draft technicians aren’t really a thing. AI is making drafters more and more redundant but there is still a bit of a market in a drafting team. Don’t expect to be managing or undertaking any real design as a drafters.

To be a design engineer in Aus you need a 4 year bachelors that’s a Washington accord engineering degree.

[u/Loud_Caramel_8713 → u/omarlobo]

Then after degree?
Where to find job as everyone looking for experience person, at least in Adelaide.

[u/Glass_Hooter → u/omarlobo]

On top of this, many larger international consultants also will look to also outsource drafting to their international design centres, often in India, South Africa or SE Asia to varying degrees of success.