Drafters Assistant- TCC

Program Description

All of the courses included in the Drafter's Assistant TCC program are embedded in either the Drafting Technology diploma or Degree programs. The Drafter's Assistant TCC endows students with the prospect to begin 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. This TCC could also serve if needed as an exit point for high school dual enrolled students needing a point of exit for employment purposes.

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.

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 assist in site surveys.
2. Program graduate will assist maintaining documentation of drawings.
3. Program graduate will communicate professionally and effectively with co-workers, supervisors and clients.

Requirements List

DFTG 1101	CAD Fundamentals	4
DFTG 1103	Technical Drawing I	4
XXXX	Occupational Elective	3
Total Credit Hours:		11

Program Length= 1 semester
Total Credit Hours= 11
Program Cost= $2042