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Civil Engineering Draftsperson

Civil Engineering Draftsperson
ANZSCO Code: 312211 / Group C

Civil Engineering Draftspersons prepare detailed drawings and plans for civil engineering work in support of Civil Engineering Professionals and Engineering Technologists. Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupation description

Civil Engineering Draftspersons prepare detailed drawings and plans for civil engineering work in support of Civil Engineering Professionals and Engineering Technologists. Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:

  • Civil Engineering Design Draftsperson
  • Plumbing Engineering Draftsperson
  • Road Design Draftsperson
  • Sewage Reticulation Drafting Officer
  • Structural Engineering Drafting Officer
  • Hydraulic Engineering Draftsperson
  • Transport Engineering Draftsperson

Occupations not considered under this ANZSCO code:

  • Architectural Draftsperson
  • Building Associate
  • Civil Engineering Technician
  • Civil Engineer
  • Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
  • Mechanical Engineer Technician

Civil Engineering Draftperson is a VETASSESS Group C occupation

This occupation requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or higher, in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

A positive assessment of both qualifications and employment is required for a positive Skills Assessment Outcome. 

Group C - December 2025

Description of Pathways 

The information below describes the available pathways for a Skills Assessment under Group C. Please note that in order to achieve a successful Skills Assessment Outcome, a suitable assessment for both qualifications and employment is required.

Pathway 1 

This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or higher and in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation. 

Diploma or higher includes AQF Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma, Master Degree or Doctoral Degree.

In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria:

  • at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years,
  • working 20 hours or more per week, and
  • highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Pathway 2

This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or higher and in a field not highly relevant to the nominated occupation. 

Diploma or higher includes AQF Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma, Master Degree or Doctoral Degree.

An additional qualification in a highly relevant field of study at a minimum AQF Certificate IV level is required. Additional qualifications in a highly relevant field of study include those comparable to the AQF Certificate IV. 

In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria:

  • at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years,
  • working 20 hours or more per week, and
  • highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Pathway 3

This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or higher and in a field not highly relevant to the nominated occupation. 

Diploma or higher includes AQF Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma, Master Degree or Doctoral Degree.

In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria:

  • at least two years of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years,
  • working 20 hours or more per week, and
  • highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Pathway 4

This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or higher with or without a highly relevant major field of study to the nominated occupation.

Diploma or higher includes AQF Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma, Master Degree or Doctoral Degree.

In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria:

  • at least four years of employment at an appropriate skill level that includes at least one year of highly relevant employment within the last five years before applying,
  • working 20 hours or more per week, and
  • highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Qualification and Employment Criteria

AQF Diploma or higher

Qualifications in certain engineering fields may be accepted on a case-by-case basis if the program consists of sufficient subjects in Structure, Materials, Drafting / Drawing and core subjects in their respective specialised fields.

Highly relevant major fields of study include:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Engineering Drafting - Civil Design

Employment

Highly relevant tasks may include, but are not limited to:

  • assisting a Civil / Structural Engineer in preparing documentation for works such as drainage, water supply, sewerage reticulation systems, stormwater, roads, airports, dams, bridges and other structures.
  • preparing drawings such as sketches and documentation.
  • prepares specifications.
  • carries out surveys and prepares survey reports.
  • ability to use specific computer software or hand drawings to complete relevant tasks.
  • assists in programming the work, checking materials.
  • may inspect works onsite.
  • may organise and supervise maintenance and repair work of plumbing and water supply systems.
  • designs sanitary plumbing and water supply systems including fire service systems.
  • maintains close contact with construction workers and project managers.

Employment context

Categories of acceptable employment contexts include (but not limited to):

  • Engineering consultancy firm (may specialise in structural / civil works / transport / hydraulic / fire services / environmental / waste management / site preparation / geotechnical / coastal)
  • Construction / Demolition
  • Off-site modular / pre-fabrication company (e.g. precast concrete manufacturer)
  • Landscape design consultancy firm
  • Government authority within a relevant department
  • Utility authority within a relevant department

Employment information

In order to be considered as a Civil Engineering Draftsperson, the position must be involved with the preparation and execution of drawings in the form of sketches and documentation, as well as charts and tabulations under the supervision of a Civil Engineer. The drawings should be created with the intent to allow contractors to prepare a tender price for the works, and be able to use the drawings in order to build civil / structural engineering projects.

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How to apply

If you're a professional choosing to migrate to Australia, chances are you're likely to be assessed by us. We assess 361 different professional occupations, assessing your skills, experience and qualifications.

1

Find

Find the VETASSESS occupation that most closely fits your skills and experience. 

2

Match

Match your skills and experience to your chosen occupation.

3

Prepare

Get ready to apply by preparing all the information and documents you need. 

4

Apply

Apply online when you’re ready. If you’re still unsure, skills assessment support is available when you need it.

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