A Day in the Life of a Design Drafter

Name: Felicia Bennett
Title: Design Drafter
Department: Corporate Engineering, Systems Group

What is your position at McKee?

Design Drafter

How long have you been in this role?

1 year

Did you start in this role at McKee or did you do a different job within the company prior to this?

I started out as a drafting intern in the engineering department for 10 months. After I graduated from college I was offered a full time position.

How would you describe your career to someone unfamiliar with it?

My job is to create a 3D design based on our plant needs; from platforms, piping routes, carts, and full system designs then create drawings to have either our company fabrication department or contractors fabricate the design and oversee the install.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different but when creating these designs I usually have to begin with gathering information and dimensions. To have this work I usually go into our facility and take measurements using calipers, measuring tapes, 3D scans of the rooms and laser distometers. Not every project that I do needs all of these tools but usually a measuring tape will do the trick. To create the model design I use Solidworks and if I need to create a building or room layout I use AutoCAD. McKee takes drafting a bit further and allows me to have responsibility over ordering / purchasing parts, and installation oversight of my designs.

What do you enjoy most about your career?

I enjoy seeing my designs come to life. Seeing it as a 3D model is one thing, normally it looks small on the screen but after the design is completely finished and installed its very large in comparison. It is so satisfying to see the finished product and know that I made that.

What kind of education or training opportunities did you take to become successful?

Certification for Solidworks associate version which is a general knowledge of the software

Certified in Microsoft Word and Power-Point

Associates Degree in Engineering Systems Technology that came with a certification for Mechanical Drafting, Civil Drafting, and Architectural Drafting

On the job training and learning how things function in an industry setting

What would you tell a high school student or adult considering a career similar to yours?

I would tell them that it is a really interesting field to pursue that no matter what you’re working on whether it’s an architectural building, a civil landscape, or a mechanical design it will not have a dull moment. There is always something different that gives you challenges and it’s very interesting to try and decide how to overcome this obstacle. I know when I started at McKee there were mistakes but as I continued I learned from every mistake and started getting better and better at my job.

What training do you feel is most valuable to someone considering a career similar to yours?

The most valuable training for me would be taking courses that prepared me for operating the software’s but also having on the job training. There’s only so much that you can learn in a school setting compared to the kind of experience and knowledge that comes with on the job training. I have learned so much from doing hands on training that continues to grow every day I come into work. Classes that catered to understanding Solidworks and AutoCAD were the most beneficial courses that I took that prepared me for the industry.9A. How did that training prepare you for your job now?

It made it a lot easier when I started my job because I already had a working knowledge of the software. There was still a lot to learn but it gave me a really good jumping off point so that I could learn how McKee’s drawings, models, and diagrams are setup.

What’s it like working for McKee Foods?

McKee Foods is a great place to work. Since I started working for McKee I have learned a lot from my coworkers and have been given a chance to grow and learn how to be better at my job.

What do you enjoy the best about working at McKee Foods?

Everyday it’s always something different. One day you might be making a platform and the next working on piping routes. There is always something new that keeps you on your toes.

My favorite thing is the people. It doesn’t matter where you are between the offices or the plant you always feel like you’re around family.

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