Drafting & CAD Technology

The Drafting and CAD Technology program provides an introduction to the diverse fields of mechanical drafting and AEC (architectural, engineering, and construction). These individualized, competency-based courses are taught in a lab environment and include real-world projects. Students prepare designs, detail drawings, and working drawings with the use of computer-aided drafting (CAD) software which is the principal tool for the drafter, designer, and engineer in today's technical world. The drafting curriculum is certified by the American Design Drafting Association.

The program focuses on enabling the student to acquire technical knowledge and hands-on skills to obtain entry-level positions with local manufacturing companies and construction firms. The diploma required to become a Drafting and CAD Technician, Architectural, Mechanical Drafter or Computer-Aided Illustrator may be earned in 12 to 16 months. The exact completion time depends on each student's work pace.

Nature of Work – Drafters translate ideas, sketches, specifications and calculations of engineers, architects and designers into working plans and detailed drawings for manufacture or construction.

Job Opportunities - Drafters usually work for architectural, engineering, or construction firms; utilities, resource and manufacturing industries; private sector design, surveying, mapping, and other organizations. Training opens many doors to management, supervision, and inspection type positions.

Salary:
Average Salary in Tennessee: $13.70 per hour, source TN Dept. of Employment Security

CAD Technician

Certificate – 356 hours
This certificate is intended for persons with draftng or related background who may enroll for CAD training or upgrading of CAD skills. Available online!

Detail Drafter

Certificate - 864 hours
This certificate contains the “core” curriculum which is the prerequisite for the following diploma levels. The course focuses on the principals of 2D technical drawings. Emphasis is placed on Computer- Aided Drafting (CAD) and an introduction to 3D solid modeling is presented. Available online!

Drafting & CAD Technician

Diploma - 1,296 hours
This exit level is devoted to several special fields of drafting, which are intended to offer the student versatile employment opportunities or to further education. Available online!

Architectural Drafter

Diploma - 1,728 hours
This course focuses on the design and preparation of plans for the construction of residential living units. Emphasis is placed on the needs of the client, design principles, building codes and covenant requirements. The course continues with - construction practices, utilities, working drawings, and specifications.

Mechanical Drafter

Diploma - 1,728 hours
This course is intended for persons who wish to become drafters in the manufacturing and machine related fields. Topics covered are: solid modeling, GD&T, mechanical processes, threads, sheet metal development, and tool design.

Computer-Aided Illustrator

Diploma - 1,728 hours
This is an additional 432 hour course that is intended to advance the student's visualization skills for creating 3-dimensional images, moving illustrations and presentation techniques for construction and industrial design.