HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical pathway starts in secondary school with courses in art, design, math, computer studies, and sciences, plus any shop or technology classes available. Many students then go on to post-secondary study in industrial design or a closely related design field, though exact programs can vary by school and province. During studies, students often build a portfolio, learn sketching, modelling, drafting, and design software, and gain practice with materials and manufacturing methods. Co-op, internships, or other work experience can help students learn from clients, engineers, and production staff and prepare for entry-level design work.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Consult with client, engineers or production specialists to establish product requirements
- Analyze the intended use of product and user preferences
- Conduct research into cost, properties of production materials and methods of production
- Prepare design concepts, sketches or models for approval
- Prepare manufacturing drawings, specifications and guidelines for production and construct prototype of design
- Consult with engineers and production staff during manufacturing stage.
SKILLS TO BUILD