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Become a Draughtsman (AutoCAD) in Sri Lanka

Last updated: 15 Jul 2026

Avg Monthly Salary
LKR 35,000–160,000
Demand
⭐⭐⭐⭐ High
Min Qualification
GCE O/L + AutoCAD Diploma
Study Duration
6 months – 2 years
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Job Growth: Medium-High · Overseas opportunities available

Career Overview

A Draughtsman prepares detailed technical drawings — floor plans, sections, elevations, structural details and MEP layouts — that architects, engineers and contractors use to build. It is one of the fastest routes into the construction industry in Sri Lanka: you can start earning after a 6–12 month AutoCAD diploma, and skilled draughtsmen are in strong demand locally and in the Middle East.

The role is a great launchpad for further study in architecture, engineering or BIM.

What Does This Career Do?

Draughtsmen take architects' and engineers' concepts and turn them into precise, dimensioned drawings using AutoCAD, Revit and other CAD software. They prepare working drawings, revise them for site changes, produce material schedules, and support the design and construction team.

Daily Responsibilities

✅
Prepare architectural, structural and MEP working drawings in AutoCAD
✅
Convert hand sketches and design concepts into scaled drawings
✅
Revise drawings for site changes and RFIs
✅
Produce door / window / material schedules
✅
Print, plot and file drawing sets for site distribution
✅
Support BIM modelling in Revit
✅
Ensure drawings comply with local authority standards
✅
Coordinate with architects, engineers and site staff

Skills Required

Technical Skills

  • AutoCAD 2D & 3D
  • Revit Architecture / Structure
  • SketchUp
  • PDF / plotting workflows
  • Drawing standards (ISO / BS)
  • Basic BIM
  • MS Excel schedules
  • Reading structural drawings

Soft Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Patience
  • Accuracy
  • Time management
  • Following instructions
  • Communication
  • Willingness to learn

Education Pathway

  1. 1
    Route 1: NAITA / CIDA Draughtsman Course
    • Complete GCE O/L
    • Enrol in NAITA Draughtsmanship or CIDA-approved AutoCAD course
    • Complete industrial placement
    • Get NVQ Level 4 certification
    • Apply for junior draughtsman roles
  2. 2
    Route 2: HNDE / HND in Civil / Architecture
    • Complete O/L or A/L
    • Enrol at SLIATE / ATI for HNDE Civil / Architecture
    • Master AutoCAD and Revit during coursework
    • Complete 6-month industrial training
    • Enter industry as draughtsman / technical officer
  3. 3
    Route 3: Private AutoCAD + Revit Diploma
    • Enrol at ICBT / IDM / ESOFT for AutoCAD + Revit diploma
    • Build a portfolio of 5–10 drawing projects
    • Apply for freelance or in-house draughtsman jobs
    • Upskill to BIM Modeller in year 2–3
    • Move into overseas roles

Entry Requirements

GCE O/L pass with credits in Maths and English is enough to start a draughtsmanship diploma. Some employers prefer A/L or a technical NVQ Level 4 / 5 qualification.

Recommended Courses

Diploma in Construction Management

BSc in Quantity Surveying / Civil Engineering

HND in Construction Technology

NVQ Level 5 in Construction

Advanced Certificate in Site Management

Career Progression

  1. 1
    Trainee Draughtsman (0–1 yr)
  2. 2
    Junior Draughtsman (1–3 yrs)
  3. 3
    Senior Draughtsman (3–6 yrs)
  4. 4
    BIM Modeller / Coordinator (5–8 yrs)
  5. 5
    BIM Manager (8–12 yrs)
  6. 6
    Design Technician overseas (any stage)

Industries Hiring

Architecture Firms
Construction Companies
MEP Contractors
Interior Design
Real Estate Developers
Steel Fabricators
Furniture Manufacturers
Freelance / Outsourcing

Salary Summary

ExperienceMonthly Salary (LKR)
Trainee (0–1 yr)24,000 – 40,000
Junior Draughtsman (1–3 yrs)36,000 – 64,000
Senior Draughtsman (3–6 yrs)64,000 – 104,000
BIM Modeller (5–8 yrs)104,000 – 176,000
BIM Coordinator (8+ yrs)176,000 – 280,000
Overseas (Middle East)200,000 – 480,000
Disclaimer

The salary information on this page is intended as a general guide for students and job seekers in Sri Lanka. Actual salaries may vary depending on qualifications, experience, employer, industry, location, job responsibilities, company size, performance, market demand, and additional benefits. The figures shown are estimated monthly salary ranges and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered guaranteed earnings.

Certifications That Increase Salary

NVQ Level 4/5 Draughtsmanship
TVEC Sri Lanka
Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User
Autodesk
Autodesk Revit Certified Professional
Autodesk
SketchUp Pro Certification
Trimble
BIM Level 2 Awareness
BRE Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need A/L to become a draughtsman?
No. GCE O/L with credits in Maths and English is enough to start a 6–12 month AutoCAD or draughtsmanship course.
How much do draughtsmen earn in Sri Lanka?
Trainees start at LKR 30,000–50,000. Senior draughtsmen earn LKR 80,000–130,000, and BIM modellers can earn LKR 130,000–350,000 per month.
Where can I learn AutoCAD in Sri Lanka?
NAITA, CIDA, ICBT, IDM, ESOFT, SLIATE and many private institutes offer short courses (3–12 months). Some are free through NAITA.
Is Revit / BIM replacing AutoCAD draughtsmen?
Not replacing — but the market is moving to BIM. Draughtsmen who upskill in Revit and Navisworks earn significantly more.
Can I work from home as a draughtsman?
Yes. Many draughtsmen work as freelancers for local and overseas clients through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
Can draughtsmen work overseas?
Yes. UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia hire large numbers of Sri Lankan draughtsmen, especially those with Revit / BIM skills.

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