Technical Careers
Related to Drafting & Design
The Drafting and Civil Engineering Technology departments prepare students for technician-level careers in the fields of engineering and architecture.
Drafting Technology – CAD
1 year certificate or 2 year degree
This program introduces students to a broad range of drafting careers covering mechanical, civil, structural, and architectural drafting fields. It prepares students to work in design offices related to the construction industry (work for architects, engineers, contractors, home designers) or in manufacturing or civil offices.
Example projects:
Prepare building plans, bridge plans, roadway design, cell phone tower design, maintain municipal infrastructure drawings
Drafting Technology – Mechanical Design
This option prepares students to work for mechanical engineers or designers. Students study applied mechanical engineering, drafting and design as well as some hands-on machining.
Example projects:
Design a vise, calculate gearing, design a hydraulic system, prepare detail and assembly drawings of a wide variety of machinery and mechanical devices, indicating dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements.
Drafting Technology – CAD/CAM
Several certificates and 2 year degree
Graduates find work in manufacturing facilities as manual or CNC machine tool operators, CNC programmers or designers. Studies emphasize hands-on machining and programming combined with some drafting and design.
Example projects:
Design and fabricate parts for a machine, analyze process for production runs, CNC programming
Civil Engineering Technology
1 year certificate or 2 year degree
This program prepares students to work in civil engineering or survey offices. Hands-on surveying classes are more comprehensive than any other two-year program available in the state. Students study roadway design, utility layout and design, and surveying.
Example projects:
Design a subdivision including lot layout, roadway, sewer and water system. Survey a piece of property, research land use and boundary information.
Preparation Courses
Individuals planning careers in drafting should take courses in mathematics through Algebra 2, science (especially physics), writing, computer use and keyboarding, and computer graphics, as well as any high school drafting and shop courses available.
Aptitudes
Mechanical ability and visual aptitude also are important. Prospective drafters should be able to draw well and perform detailed work accurately and neatly. Artistic ability is helpful in some specialized fields (architecture, technical illustration), as is knowledge of manufacturing and construction methods. In addition, prospective drafters should have good interpersonal skills, because they work closely with engineers, surveyors, architects, other professionals, and sometimes customers.
Job Description
Entry-level or junior drafters usually do routine work under close supervision. After gaining experience, they may become intermediate-level drafters and progress to more difficult work with less supervision. At the intermediate level, they may need to exercise more judgment and perform calculations when preparing and modifying drawings. Drafters may eventually advance to senior drafter, designer, or supervisor. Many employers pay for continuing education, and, with appropriate college degrees, drafters may go on to become engineering technicians, engineers, or architects.
Working Conditions
Most drafters work a standard 40-hour week; only a small number work part time. Drafters usually work in comfortable offices furnished to accommodate their tasks. Because they spend long periods in front of computer terminals doing detailed work, drafters may be susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems.
CAD/CAM careers often require hands-on machining time on the shop floor.
Civil / Survey work environment varies from 100% office-based to 100% outdoor surveying tasks, often in remote areas.
Earnings
| Entry Earnings | Median Earnings | Top Earnings | |
| Architectural and Civil | $14.30 hourly $28,600 yearly |
$19.60 hourly $39,190 yearly |
$28.80 hourly $57,670 yearly |
| Mechanical | $16.40 hourly $32,800 yearly |
$21.50 hourly $43,000 yearly |
$33.80 hourly $67,650 yearly |
Source for this sheet: US Department of Labor, www.bls.gov
For More Information
Contact Julie Peters, program coordinator: 503-399-6531, petj@chemeketa.edu