AC51 Advanced CAD Technician- TCC
Description
All of the courses in the Advanced CAD Technician TCC are embedded in the Drafting Technology diploma and degree programs. The Advanced CAD Technician TCC endows students with the prospect to continue on the career pathway toward advancement in the drafting profession. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in drafting practices and software.
Occupational Trends
Though drafting is still a solid career choice, many drafting positions remain tied to industries that are sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy, notably construction and manufacturing. Drafters often now find employment on a temporary or contract basis as more companies turn to the employment services industry to meet their changing needs. More powerful CADD systems now allow many drafting tasks to be done by other technical professionals and some drafting work which can be done by sending CADD files over the Internet is outsourced offshore to countries that pay lower wages. There were over 251,000 drafters employed in the US in 2008 and about 2200 working in Georgia. About one half of these drafters were architectural or civil specialists. More than half of the drafters worked in engineering and related service firms while 24% were employed in manufacturing industries. The drafting occupation is predicted to grow overall by about 4% in the next 10 years, but architectural and civil drafting job growth may be closer to 9%. Job prospects will be best for individuals with at least 2 years of postsecondary training that provides strong technical skills and considerable experience with Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems.
Education Programs
Drafting programs can be taken at the secondary and postsecondary levels but employers prefer applicants who have completed training at a community college or 4-year university. Technical institutes offer intensive technical training, but provide little or no general education. Technical colleges and community colleges typically offer certificates, diplomas and degrees that may require general education courses for program completion. Associate degree level drafting programs can often lead to a 4-year degree in engineering or architecture at a university.
Job/Career Description
Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans which are used by production and construction workers to build everything from micro chips to large buildings. Drafters utilize technical handbooks, tables, calculators, computers and specialized software to complete their work assignments. Drafting work has many specialty areas, but the most common specialties are architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil. Drafters usually work in comfortable offices and spend much of their time doing detailed work using a computer. Entry level or junior drafters do routine work under close supervision, while intermediate or senior drafters progress to more difficult work and less supervision. Most drafters work 40 hour weeks though a small percentage works part time.
Admissions Requirements
Must be 16 years of age
Completion of high school diploma or GED and submission of official transcript required to apply
Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, English, and Math
Transfer of previous post-secondary credits will be determined by the Office of Enrollment Services
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements
Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and complete all required courses to graduate.
Curriculum
Program Outcomes
1. Program graduate will competently conduct site surveys.
2. Program graduate will assist in preparing architectural drawings using appropriate software.
3. Program graduate will assist in preparing mechanical drawings using appropriate software.
4. Program graduate will assist maintaining documentation of drawings.
5. Program graduate will communicate professionally and effectively with co-workers, supervisors and clients.
General Courses
| DFTG 1101 | CAD Fundamentals | 4 |
| DFTG 1103 | Technical Drawing I | 4 |
| XXXX xxxx | Guided Elective (Choose any Trade and Tech, BUSN, CIST, IDSY, or MGMT course) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 11 |
Choose One of the Following Specializations
Architectural Drafting Specialization
Mechanical Drafting Specialization
Program Length= 3 semesters
Total Credit Hours= 31
Program Cost= $4926