Welcome to the
Workplace Education Manitoba
Online Course "Blueprints and Schematics - Starting with the Basics"

This program is designed to improve your ability to read and interpret technical drawings


Course Overview

Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills or a newcomer eager to gain confidence in blueprint reading, the Blueprints and Schematics course provides a solid foundation in the essential principles of drafting and blueprint visualization. Key features:

  • hands-on approach, starting from the basics and gradually advancing to more complex concepts. You will learn how to convert 3D objects into 2D views through orthographic projections and build upon that foundation by learning to draft isometric views from those 2D perspectives. This process not only enhances spatial visualization but also strengthens your ability to understand and create blueprints in any field, from mechanical engineering to architectural design.

  • Focus on hand-drafting techniques. In an age where digital tools dominate, understanding the fundamentals of manual drafting fosters creativity. This approach provides a strong foundation for transitioning into digital drafting tools, making you a versatile and competent professional in any design environment.

By the end of the course, you will have the confidence and expertise to visualize and interpret blueprints. This valuable skill set will set you apart in your career.

Skills you will learn

These skills are helpful in everyday life, from building an Ikea bed frame to reviewing the schematics for a new-build home.

In the workplace, these skills will improve your ability to visualize the information provided on blueprints and schematics and help you understand how to navigate through the details provided. It will help you understand how objects are built, assembled and function.

  • Ability to visualize a 3D object from 2D views and vice-versa

  • Ability to perform basic drafting tasks and draw objects in orthographic and isometric views

  • Understand the basic components of blueprints

  • Improved ability to read and understand information shown on construction, machine and assembly drawings

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to Blueprints and Schematics: Starting with the Basics

    2. Blueprints and Schematics Pre-Course Self-Assessment

    3. Blueprints and Schematics Course - Participant Handouts [Download to follow along]

    4. Module 1 - Introduction (Part 1)

    5. Module 1 Video - Discover the Skills for Success

    6. Module 1 - Introduction Quiz 1

    7. Module 1 - Introduction (Part 2)

    8. Module 1 Video - Why Blueprints are Blue

    9. Module 1 - Introduction (Part 3)

    10. Module 1 - What you will need for this course

    11. Module 1 - Blank Printable Graph Paper

    12. Module 1 - Blank Printable Isometric Graph Paper

    1. Module 2 - Types of Views (Part 1)

    2. Module 2 - Types of Views - Quiz 1

    3. Module 2 - Types of Views (Part 2)

    4. Module 2 - Types of Views - Quiz 2

    1. Module 3 - Orthographic Projections (Part 1)

    2. Module 3 Video - Orthographic Drawing - Simplified

    3. Module 3 Video - 1st Angle Projection

    4. Module 3 - Orthographic Projections (Part 2)

    5. Module 3 Orthographic - Assignment 1 [Downloadable PDF]

    6. Module 3 - Orthographic Projections (Part 3)

    7. Module 3 Orthographic - Assignment 2 [Downloadable PDF]

    8. Module 3 - Orthographic Projections (Part 4)

    9. Module 3 Orthographic - Assignment 3 [Downloadable PDF]

    10. Module 3 Video - Add the MISSING LINES to Make Each View Correct (Beginner Difficulty)

    11. Module 3 - Orthographic Projections (Part 5)

    12. Module 3 Orthographic - Assignment 4 [Downloadable PDF]

    13. Module 3 Orthographic - Assignment 5 [Downloadable PDF]

    14. Module 3 Orthographic - Assignment 6 [Downloadable PDF]

    15. Module 3 Orthographic - Additional Assignments [Downloadable PDF]

    16. Module 3 Optional Video - ADVANCED MISSING LINES Learning

    17. Module 3 Optional Video - ADVANCED Slanted Lines Learning

    18. Module 3 Orthographic - Advanced Additional Learning - Advanced Orthographic Projections

    1. Module 4 - Isometric Presentation (Part 1)

    2. Module 4 Video - Isometric Sketching Practice (Video 1)

    3. Module 4 Video - Isometric Sketching Practice (Video 2)

    4. Module 4 Video - Isometric Practice Sketches #1

    5. Module 4 - Isometric Presentation (Part 2)

    6. Module 4 Isometrics - Assignment 7 [Download and complete]

    7. Module 4 Video - Isometric Drawing with Horizontal and Vertical Faces (Subtractive Technique)

    8. Module 4 Video - Sloped faces - Isometrics

    9. Module 4 - Isometric Presentation (Part 3)

    10. Module 4 Isometrics - Assignment 8 [Download and complete]

    11. Module 4 Isometrics - Assignment 9 [Download and complete]

    12. Module 4 Isometrics - Assignment 10 [Download and complete]

    13. Module 4 Optional Video - ADVANCED - Drawing obliques and complex isometrics

    1. Module 5 - Conclusion (Part 1)

    2. Blueprints and Schematics Post-Course Self-Assessment

    3. Blueprints and Schematics - Final Quiz

    4. Module 5 - Conclusion (Part 2)

    5. Module 5 Video - Future technology associated with blueprint reading

    6. Blueprints and Schematics - Recommended Readings

    7. Module 5 - Conclusion (Final)

    8. Thanks for your participation, please feel free to leave any feedback.

Modules in this course

Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to build foundational skills in blueprint reading and drafting, with an emphasis on manual techniques. Key objectives include:

  • Blueprint Reading Proficiency

    Learn to read and interpret various types of blueprints, from simple orthographic views to more complex isometric and sectional drawings.

  • Master Orthographic Projections

    Gain the ability to convert and visualize 3D objects into accurate 2D views and vice versa, enhancing your spatial visualization skills.

  • Enhance Hand-Drafting Skills

    Cultivate the ability to draw freehand accurately, understanding the value of manual drafting in fostering creativity and precision, even in a digital age.

  • Understand Isometric Drawing

    Learn the principles of isometric drawing, including how to create isometric views from orthographic projections, providing a comprehensive understanding of 3D representation on a 2D plane.

  • Build Confidence in Technical Drawing

    By completing practical exercises, you will develop confidence in your ability to produce and interpret technical drawings, preparing you for a variety of professional settings.

Benefits and Impacts of Skills Gained in this Course

For you, your team and your organization!

  • Improved blueprint reading skills

  • Understanding blueprints will assist in problem-solving and troubleshooting

  • Improved planning abilities

  • Improved project management skills

  • Improved ability to understand the details of a team project that involved blueprints

Funding Provided by: The Government of Canada, The Manitoba government