DRAUGHTSMAN MECHANICAL Training System
The Draughtsman Mechanical trade is conducted under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) of the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The training system is designed to develop skilled professionals capable of preparing mechanical drawings, interpreting technical data, and assisting engineers in manufacturing and production environments. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The vocational training programs offered by the Directorate General of Training are developed to meet the skill requirements of different sectors of the economy and labor market. The Draughtsman Mechanical trade is one of the popular engineering trades delivered through a nationwide network of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). The course structure integrates practical training, theoretical learning, and employability skills to ensure that trainees acquire industry-ready competencies.
Vocational Training under DGT
The Directorate General of Training provides vocational education through two major schemes: the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) and the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS). These programs are designed to create skilled manpower capable of supporting industrial development and technological progress.
The Draughtsman Mechanical trade under CTS focuses on preparing trainees to work in mechanical design offices, manufacturing industries, and engineering organizations. The training program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on practical skills in mechanical drawing and CAD-based drafting.
Structure of the Training Program
The Draughtsman Mechanical course has a total duration of two years. The training is divided into two main components known as the Domain Area and the Core Area.
The Domain Area includes subjects such as Trade Practical and Trade Theory, which focus on technical skills related to mechanical drafting, production drawing, and CAD applications.
The Core Area includes Employability Skills, which are designed to improve communication, teamwork, workplace discipline, and professional behavior. These skills are essential for successful employment in modern industries.
After successfully completing the training program, trainees are awarded the National Trade Certificate (NTC) by the Directorate General of Training. This certification is recognized across India and in many international industries.
Training Hour Distribution
The Draughtsman Mechanical training program is structured with a balanced distribution of training hours for different subjects. Each year of training consists of approximately 1200 notional training hours.
The distribution of training hours across different components is as follows:
- Professional Skill (Trade Practical): 840 hours in the first year and 840 hours in the second year.
- Professional Knowledge (Trade Theory): 240 hours in the first year and 300 hours in the second year.
- Employability Skills: 120 hours in the first year and 60 hours in the second year.
This structured training schedule ensures that trainees gain adequate practical experience while also developing strong theoretical knowledge in mechanical engineering drawing.
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
An important component of the Draughtsman Mechanical training system is On-the-Job Training (OJT). Each year includes approximately 150 hours of mandatory OJT where trainees gain practical experience in real industrial environments.
If industry-based training opportunities are not available, trainees may be assigned group projects that simulate real industrial tasks. These projects allow trainees to apply their drafting knowledge and CAD skills to practical engineering problems.
Assessment and Certification
The training system includes a structured evaluation process to assess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of trainees throughout the course duration. Assessment is conducted through both formative assessment and summative assessment.
Formative assessment is carried out during the training period through internal evaluations. Instructors continuously assess trainees based on assignments, practical exercises, project work, and workshop performance. Training institutes maintain an individual trainee portfolio that records the progress and skill development of each trainee.
The final evaluation is conducted through the All India Trade Test (AITT), organized by the Controller of Examinations under the Directorate General of Training. This examination tests both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies acquired during the training program.
Pass Regulations
The training program follows specific pass regulations to ensure that trainees meet the required competency standards. For two-year courses, each examination conducted during the course carries equal weightage in determining the final result.
The minimum pass percentage for Trade Practical and Formative Assessment is 60%, while the minimum pass percentage for other subjects such as Trade Theory and Employability Skills is 33%.
Only trainees who successfully meet these criteria are awarded the National Trade Certificate upon completion of the training program.
Competency-Based Training Approach
The Draughtsman Mechanical training system follows a competency-based learning approach. This method focuses on developing practical abilities rather than only theoretical knowledge. Trainees must demonstrate their capability to perform drafting tasks accurately using manual tools and computer-aided drafting software.
Through practical assignments and project work, trainees develop the ability to prepare mechanical drawings, assembly drawings, and production drawings used in manufacturing industries.
Career Progression Pathways
After completing the Draughtsman Mechanical course, trainees have several career progression opportunities. They may join manufacturing industries, engineering consultancies, design offices, or mechanical workshops as technicians or draughtsmen.
With experience, trainees can progress to positions such as senior technician, supervisor, or manager in engineering organizations. They may also pursue higher education in engineering or technical fields to enhance their career prospects.
- Work as technician in mechanical industries.
- Start entrepreneurship in design or manufacturing services.
- Pursue higher secondary education through NIOS.
- Take lateral entry admission in engineering diploma courses.
- Join apprenticeship programs leading to National Apprenticeship Certificate.
- Join Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) to become an instructor.
- Pursue advanced diploma vocational courses under DGT.
Conclusion
The training system for the Draughtsman Mechanical trade is carefully designed to provide a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry exposure. Through structured training, continuous evaluation, and hands-on practice, trainees develop the competencies required for careers in mechanical drafting and manufacturing industries.
By producing skilled draughtsmen capable of preparing accurate engineering drawings and supporting mechanical design processes, the Draughtsman Mechanical training program contributes significantly to the development of skilled manpower in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.