YEAR 13 only - Trainee Draftsperson (Structural)

Westlake Boys; Auckland; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive entry‑level salary

Modern hardware & software tools

Supportive senior team

Job summary

DHC in Auckland is seeking a Trainee Draftsperson (Structural) to kick‑start a career drafting and BIM on real projects from day one. You’ll turn engineering concepts into clear 2D drawings and 3D models under guidance from senior engineers and drafters.

This role emphasizes learning modern digital workflows, QA standards, and collaboration with the design team to coordinate details for easy pricing, fabrication and construction.

Qualifications

• Detail‑oriented, organized and able to produce tidy, accurate work.
• Genuine passion for buildings, construction and how things are made.
• Motivated to learn, take feedback and improve quickly.
• Comfortable with computers, keen to embrace new tools and workflows.
• Strong visual/technical communication: interpret sketches into clear drawings.
• Relevant school subjects: graphics/tech drawing, design, maths, physics or similar.

Responsibilities

• Produce and update 2D drawings and 3D models (plans, sections, elevations, details) under supervision.
• Develop and maintain Revit families/blocks and drawing templates to DHC standards.
• Set up sheets, annotation, tags, schedules; keep model/drawing metadata clean and traceable.
• Assist with BIM coordination: link/monitor consultant models, run basic clash checks, manage issue logs.
• Prepare clearly marked sketches for RFI responses, site queries and shop‑drawing coordination.
• Follow QA processes, naming conventions and revision control; keep tidy file structures.
• Communicate proactively with engineers and the wider design team to close out details.

Job description

Year 13s only please. We are an engineering consultancy who believe there's a better way forward than "good enough."

Trainee Draftsperson (Structural)

Location: Auckland
Employment type: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Senior Structural Engineers & Drafting Manager
Start: 2026

DHC is a New Zealand structural, civil and fire engineering consultancy focused on cost‑effective, buildable solutions. We partner closely with contractors and developers, and our team has delivered some of Aotearoa’s more complex commercial, residential, health and education projects. We operate throughout NZ, with offices in Auckland and Christchurch, and we’re growing.

Role Purpose

Kick‑start a career in structural/civil drafting and BIM. As a Trainee Draftsperson you’ll turn engineering concepts into clear, accurate drawings and 3D models, learn modern digital workflows, and help coordinate details so projects are easy to price, fabricate and build. You’ll be hands‑on with real projects from day one and supported by experienced engineers and drafters.

What You’ll Do

• Produce and update 2D drawings and 3D models (plans, sections, elevations, details) under supervision.
• Develop and maintain Revit families/blocks and drawing templates to DHC standards.
• Set up sheets, annotation, tags, schedules; keep model/drawing metadata clean and traceable.
• Assist with BIM coordination: link/monitor consultant models, run basic clash checks, manage issue logs.
• Prepare clearly marked sketches for RFI responses, site queries and shop‑drawing coordination.
• Follow QA processes, naming conventions and revision control; keep tidy file structures.
• Communicate proactively with engineers and the wider design team to close out details.

What You’ll Bring (Must‑Haves)

• Detail‑oriented, organised, and proud of producing tidy, accurate work.
• Genuine passion for buildings, construction and how things are made.
• Motivated to learn, take feedback, and improve quickly.
• Comfortable with computers; keen to embrace new tools and workflows.
• Strong visual/technical communication: can interpret sketches and turn them into clear drawings.
• Relevant school subjects or courses: graphics/tech drawing, design, maths, physics, or similar.

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Foundational skills in any CAD or 3D package (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp etc) — school or self‑taught is a bonus.
• Revit fundamentals (views, levels/grids, families, sheets) and/or AutoCAD basics.
• Interest in AI and new tech (e.g., using scripting, Dynamo, Python, or AI tools to speed up tasks).
• Sketching, model‑making, 3D printing, or a small portfolio of personal projects.
• Structured onboarding and a 90‑day learning plan covering DHC standards, Revit/AutoCAD, BIM basics and QA.
• Weekly check‑ins with your mentor; quarterly growth reviews with clear skill milestones.
• Access to formal training (e.g., Revit/CAD courses) and internal tech sessions.

Study pathway:

After ~12 months (subject to performance and business need), DHC may sponsor part‑time BTech (Civil) study (2‑year course over 4 years) — including a tuition contribution and study time by agreement.

Exposure to a variety of sectors (commercial, residential, health, industrial, infrastructure) and delivery models (Design–Build and Traditional).

What We Offer

• Competitive entry‑level salary with growth as you progress.
• Modern hardware, software licences, and productivity tools.
• Supportive, hands‑on senior team that cares about buildability and your development.