CADD

The Next Dimension: Designing a Future BUILT Career in Digital Drafting

 

When you think of the hard-working folks planning and building our community’s industry and infrastructure, you may think of engineers, architects and construction workers. But without the meticulous and fascinating work of computer-aided design and drafting, these critical structures would literally never get off the ground.

Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans used by production and construction workers to build everything from shoes, cars, headphones, and spacecraft parts to hospitals, homes, planes, and skyscrapers. Literally everything produced by man has a set of CADD drawings that defines it. The digital planning provided by these professionals sets visual guidelines for manufacturers, showing the technical details of the products and structures and specifying the correct dimensions, materials, and procedures.

With the advent and expansion of 3D Printing technology, the role of CADD professionals has taken on a new dimension, creating unprecedented demand for college-educated individuals with up-to-date training.

The day-to-day work of CADD technicians combines art, science, and technology, and requires a level of adaptability and communication-savvy somewhat unique to industrial fields. Because their work is relied upon by architects, engineers, civic planners, manufacturers, and more, professionals in this field are critical to the development, improvement, and innovation of products and processes that drive our economy.

Program Details

CADD Degrees & Certificates

Digital drafting is a versatile and a future-proof occupation, with career opportunities available across virtually every economic sector. Golden West College is proud to offer an Associate in Arts degree and two certificates in this field:

Technical Drafting Option – Certificate of Specialization:
This fast-track certificate program provides workplace-relevant instruction on digital and manual drafting methods, as well as 2D and 3D software modeling using the latest industry hardware, software, and terminology of the ANSI Y14.5 industry standards. Only four CAD classes and the math equivalent will open new doors and career opportunities for you. Drafting CADD Certificate of Specialization Requirements: Drafting G101, 090, 105, 110 and Math G010 Elementary Algebra.

Computer Aided Design and Drafting – Certificate of Achievement:
This Certificate of Achievement covers all aspects of digital drafting, from the practical to the philosophical. Coursework includes hands-on instruction around concepts like project planning, concept modeling, rendering, presenting, 2D and 3D modeling software, and more. Drafting CADD Certificate of Achievement Requirements: Drafting G101, 090, 105, 110, 170 and Math G010 Elementary Algebra.

Drafting Technology: Computer Aided Design and Drafting – Associate in Arts (AA) Degree:
Graduates of this Career Education program enter the workforce with the practical drafting, mechanical, and software skills to pursue employment or higher academic achievement in CAD drafting and 3D design. AA Drafting CADD Degree Requirements: Drafting G101, 090, 105, 110, 170 and Math G010 Elementary Algebra, plus GE requirements for the AA degree.

For additional program details, see the CADD Program Main Page or the Golden West College Catalog.

Why Golden West College?

GWC is one of only two community colleges in Orange County to have earned a Strong Workforce Star from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for its Drafting Technology program.

Our knowledgeable and accessible faculty are chosen for their real-world industry experience. This ensures that Computer Aided Design and Drafting students learn the latest in software, technology, and industry philosophy.

Golden West cares! GWC is an energetic and welcoming community of learning, committed to supporting your higher education aspirations. Learn more about Golden West College’s student services and support resources by clicking here.

Golden Opportunities in CADD

As long as products are being manufactured and buildings are being built, domestic needs, land, sea, air, and space travel all provide demand for skilled drafting and digital design professionals. As a “Green Increased Demand” occupation, according to O-NET Online, experts from this field are expected to help fuel industry’s evolution toward sustainable technologies.

Golden West College Computer Aided Design and Drafting grads are earning great salaries in these positions and more!

  • Architectural Designer/Drafter
  • CAD Designer
  • CAD Operator
  • CAD Technician
  • Civil Designer/Drafter
  • Drafting Technician
  • Mechanical Designer/Drafter
  • Product Designer
  • Project Designer
  • Project Manager
Affording the Opportunity

Golden West College is proud to provide excellent-quality Career Education at a low cost. Our goal is to remain accessible to ALL community members seeking to enrich their future. Tuition: $46 per unit for California residents. Information on College Service Charge and additional fees available at: http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/register/.

For Financial Aid information or to find out if you are eligible for Free Tuition through our
Golden Promise Program, visit http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/goldenpromise/.

Accolades for Drafting Technology at Golden West College

Golden West College’s Drafting Technology department is honored to be the recipient of a 2018 Strong Workforce Star from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. The program earned a Bronze Star for excellence in earning outcomes, with the accolade noting an impressive 70% average increase in earnings among program alums.

Future BUILT Support

Golden West College is committed to providing students with affordable, accessible Career Education pathways, along with responsive staff to assist and guide you on your way!

Career and Employment Center:
GWC’s Career Center is a hub for services related to the career development needs of students and the general public. Our friendly staff can assist you in exploring career fields with a comprehensive library of up-to-date, computerized and published resources.

Learning Resource Center:
Featuring facilities and materials for general assistance in math, reading, writing, and more, GWC’s Learning Resource Center is a one-stop destination for student support. Take advantage of tutoring services, computer lab access, library resources, and more!

Special Programs:
Golden West hosts a variety of career-oriented programs and services, including CalWORKS, Cooperative Work Experience (CWE), and many others.

Advising and Counseling:
Make sure you’re in the right classes… and on the right course! GWC’s Planning and Guidance Services cover a broad range of student needs, including degree advising, career counseling, and transfer assistance.

Special Programs:
Golden West College is committed to assisting our underserved and challenged students in any way possible. GWC offers specific resources for DACA students, Former Foster Youth, students requiring Basic Needs Assistance, and more.

Gainful Employment Information

For more information regarding the Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) program costs and employment outcome averages, click here.

Program Learning Outcomes

Computer Aided Design and Drafting (Two-Year) Certificate of Achievement :

  • Describe the purpose, process, and value of interpreting and developing drafting project drawings for all facets of the project.
  • Use computer-aided and manual drafting methods to create a variety of presentation drawings as found in industry.
  • Use engineering organization standards, technical vocabulary, and industry conventions of working drawings for mechanical, structural, and industrial project types.
  • Use current CAD and 3D CAD software applications to create drafting drawings, presentation graphics, and 3D design image models.
  • Describe manufacturing material systems, sustainable trends, and manufacturing machinery for a variety of project types.
  • Explain professional career and transfer options available for a wide variety of economic applications in many design fields and related disciplines.
  • Conduct project research, historical comparison, sketching, rendering, color media, and 3D concept model-building to industry quality standards.
  • Demonstrate professional abilities in written, verbal, and graphic skills.

Drafting Technology: Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Associate in Arts :

  • Develop competency in basic drafting, enabling students to pursue careers in engineering, professional arenas, or to further their academic pursuits.
  • Have practical experience in computer aided drafting and design.
  • Demonstrate an understanding engineering and mechanical CAD drafting and 3D design.

Technical Drafting Option (One-Year) Certificate of Specialization :

  • Use computer aided and manual drafting methods to create a variety of presentation drawings as found in industry.
  • Use engineering organization standards, technical vocabulary, and industry conventions of working drawings for mechanical, structural, and industrial project types
  • Develop viable computer skills by using current CAD and 3D CAD software applications to create drafting drawings, presentation graphics, and 3D design image models for project solutions.
  • Develop resource skills to understand manufacturing material systems, sustainable trends, and manufacturing machinery for a variety of project types.

Program Contact

Diana Rochat

Division Office

Average Salary in this Field

$55,462 –
$61,891

Bronze
Star

California Community College Strong Workforce Star Recipient

Careers in this Field

CAD Designer
Drafting Technician
Product Designer

Ready to Get Started?

Orange County industry depends on Future BUILT professionals with the next-level knowledge and skills learned in Golden West College’s Career Education programs.
Apply today and start building your  bolder future!

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