Hi,
Can't help with the IP advice, (I'll be looking for that myself over the next couple of years).
But, I am lead draftsman for one of the biggest shop detailers in Melbourne. We are always on the look out for good, hard working drafters and you seem to have a great attitude from your posts.
I can't say we have any openings at the moment, but please feel free to PM me a little bit of info about what you do, who you currently work for, what software you use and the kind of projects you have drafted. A CV would be great if you have one.
Don't do yourself down as a draftsman, it is a great career and I know of companies in Melbourne that pay $100k plus for top drafters if they can drive the right software and have the right experience. It's also a job that can take you all over the world if you so wish, (it got me here from the UK).
So, as I say, if you're intersted in seeing what else is out here as far as job prospects go, then PM me some more detalis about yourself.
If you're not interested, no worries. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Tone.
I was going to say something along those lines. A friend of mine is on almost 100k.
I too would like to study this at TAFE next year (after i finish my science degree this year). After a couple of years working, there is no doubt that I would be looking at registering myself with the builders practitioners board as licensed drafty. This on the side as well as paid employment could net at least 20k extra a year i think.....