- .Regular Army
- .Find a Role
- .Design Draughtsman
- engineering
- Soldier
- Regular
Design Draughtsman
Be the key to successful building projects. Learn to create blueprints and gain skills and qualifications you can use in the civilian world.
Royal Engineers
Starting salary
£27,282
Age range
18 - 36
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 18 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 17 years & 9 months old and 35 years & 6 months old.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
2km run 11 min
Education
GCSE Grade A–C/9-5, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C, in Maths, and GCSE Grade A–C/9-4, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C, in English Language and one other subject.
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers (RE) are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradespeople, providing essential support to all areas of the British Army.
Roads, bridges, airports - as a Design Draughtsman in the Army, you never know what you’ll be building next. You create the blueprints that our teams have to follow, so you need to be highly skilled. Not that that'll be a problem - you’ll get the highest standard of training, covering technical drawing, IT, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and construction. What’s more, you can take qualifications to build your CV, which will be helpful if you decide to leave. Add sports, mates and travel to the mix, and you’ve got an amazing experience.
Design Draughtsman is a Specialist role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.
Key responsibilities
Learn technical drawing
Work with professional computing and IT applications
Gain qualifications in civil and mechanical engineering
Take part in large-scale construction projects
Step 1
You will attend basic military training, which teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
Step 2
You head to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 12 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Finally, you go the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent, for 41 weeks. Here, you learn to create detailed architectural and structural drawings.
You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
Level 3 Award in 2D Computer Aided Design (City and Guilds)
Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
You can expect to travel all over the world as a Royal Engineer. In my nearly 15 years in the military as a serving Royal Engineer I have deployed on operations and exercises all over the the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Belgium.
As a Royal Engineer, you can expect opportunities to work and train in the UK and overseas. Sappers support operations globally, using their skills to solve real-world engineering challenges in different environments and alongside a wide range of Army units.
Rob Needham
Royal Engineers
I’ll usually have physical training in the morning, and for the rest of the day there can be lessons or tasks like servicing vehicles and weapons.
It’s a mix of both. You’ll spend time building your fitness, but just as much time learning new skills, from technical training to teamwork and leadership.
Steven R
Royal Logistic Corps
There are varied periods where you’ll be extremely busy and also periods where you could be having downtime at home with family and friends.
Not at all. Some parts are intense, especially during training or when learning something new, but it’s not like that all the time. You’ll have structured periods where you’re focused and pushed to do your best, but there’s also downtime to reset, socialise and look after yourself. That balance helps you grow without feeling overwhelmed.
Jen C
Adjutant General's Corps
Most people eat in the mess on a pay-as-you-dine basis, but if you live independently you can cook for yourself.
Most meals are provided for you in the mess during training. It’s a social part of Army life, and makes it easier to focus on your training and routine.
Tori C
Royal Army Medical Services
From day one you’re trained, supported and developed - you’re never left to figure things out alone.
You’re very well supported. Instructors are there to guide you, and don't forget, you join alongside others who are just as new, so you learn and settle in as a team.
Carlington R
Royal Engineers
Your future starts here
Every Design Draughtsman started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
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