DIPLOMA

Drafter, Architectural/Residential ........................................................1728 hours

Drafter, Civil ..........................................................................................1728 hours

Drafter, Mechanical ..............................................................................1728 hours

Structural Drafter ...................................................................................1728 hours

Computer-Aided Illustrator ...................................................................1728 hours

Drafting & CAD Technician ..................................................................1296 hours

CERTIFICATE

Drafter, Detail ........................................................................................... 864 hours

CAD Technician ....................................................................................... 356 hours

Certificate levels of completion are exit points of less than full competency and are awarded at the

discretion of the instructor.

The mission of the Drafting and CAD Technology program is to prepare individuals for employment as

drafters in a specialized field of his/her choice. The curriculum is certified by the American Design

Drafting Association and maintains compliance with engineering and industrial practice.

Drafting or technical drawing, the graphic language of industry, is used to communicate the information

required to manufacture a product, erect structures, or describe land features. Drafters interpret and

translate data and sketches to create scaled detailed drawings that provide visual representations,

specify technical features and dimensions, materials to be used, procedures and processes to be

followed. Traditionally, drafters sat at drawing boards and used pencils, pens, and drafting instruments to

prepare drawings manually. Many drafters now use computer-aided drafting (CAD) software and

computer workstations to create a drawing on a video screen and store it electronically. These systems

permit drafters to quickly prepare design variations or revisions. CAD is only a tool; while drafters are

sometimes referred to as CAD operators, persons who produce technical drawings using CAD still

function as drafters. They need conventional drafting knowledge in addition to CAD skills. Regardless of

the wide use of CAD systems, manual drafting still is used in certain applications. Drafters are employed

by architects, civil engineering firms, contractors, manufacturing and machine related industries,

surveyors, and in city, county, state, and federal government engineering departments depending upon

their area of expertise. They have a broad range of responsibility and the ability to accomplish complex

work. Training involves learning and understanding of drafting principles and standards, drawing skills

development, visualization, mathematics, good technical aptitude, and knowledge of CAD (Computer-

Aided Drafting) programs.

The Detail Drafter curriculum contains the „core‟ materials and competencies which must be mastered

before pursuing the diploma areas. Through a combination of reading assignments, hands-on exercises

and drawing problems, this competency-based course teaches both manual drafting and CAD skills to

prepare the student for entry into the drafting occupations. To enhance skilled laboratory training,

cooperative education or internships may be included during the student‟s training program.

The CAD Technician Certificate level course is offered for experienced drafters who return for CAD

instruction or to update training.

Actual student completion time may vary due to articulation credit, the student‟s skill levels prior to

enrollment, and the utilization of individualized, competency-based training.

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