Drafting and CAD Technology

About the Program

Program Goal: Career

GE Pattern(s): Butte Local

Program Code: 01324.00AS

The Drafting and CAD Technology program is designed to prepare students to meet the drafting requirements of industry. The diversity of the program allows students to pursue a career with a variety of companies that employ drafters. The program can be arranged to earn either a Certificate of Achievement or an AS degree.

In CAD and solids modeling, students will discover real-world connections for their interests in math and science, and through hands-on activities improve their skills and become more confident. A year or more of high school drafting is very beneficial. Students need to be neat, methodical, and have an aptitude for spatial thinking. Students who are still enrolled in high school and who are considering a career as a drafter are encouraged to take courses in trigonometry, physical science, and computer science.

Students who complete this program will be able to prepare drawings for individuals and companies in the architectural, civil engineering, construction, and manufacturing technology fields. Students will gain extensive experience using computer aided drafting (CAD) techniques. Students will also have experience reading construction drawings and interpreting specifications.

Program Learning Outcome(s): Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the role of technical graphics in the engineering design process.
2. Produce dimensioned technical drawings using various techniques including computer-aided drafting (CAD), 3D modeling, and freehand sketching.
3. Read and interpret the information provided by technical drawings in architectural, engineering, construction, and manufacturing applications.
4. Produce a comprehensive project, 3D model, or set of drawings including specifications from a broad instruction set to an industry-based expectation for completeness and correctness.