Program Description

This program is designed to provide students with entry level skills in the fields of mechanical, electrical, civil and architectural drafting.

Additional Program Information

You will learn the techniques involved in creating an important instrument of communication–a drawing to show the exact dimensions of an object to someone who will make, use or maintain it.  You will gain experience in freehand sketching and pictorials, working drawings, sections, layout and lettering techniques, auxiliary views, materials and both drafting and construction standards.  If you enroll in Drafting Technology, you will explore various pictorals; fused, and threaded and mechanical fasteners, gears, cams, tolerancing and working drawings; as well as, electromechanical design.  Also you will explore original design of living units, including plot plans, foundations, elevations, as well as perspective views.  As a key member of the technical team you will become an expert in the universal system of pictorals representation.  You will be the middleman between a dream and a reality, taking notes, figures sketches and translating them into systematic drawings which are used in the manufacturing and construction processes.

Opportunities

Several thousand drafting technicians are employed in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Your Associate in Science Degree or Certificate of Achievement can help you to find an opening in manufacturing, construction, utilities, business and professional services, or with the federal, state or local government.  A junior drafting technician just entering the field may expect a starting salary of about $350-400 per week.  Advancement may lead to a job as a senior technician at a salary range from $700-900 a week.  One may then advance into design drafting positions with additional salary increments.  Working conditions are generally clean, attractive and comfortable.  Some firms employ junior or trainee drafting technicians or tracers with high school diplomas, but those with college training are offered a wider choice, better pay and more opportunities for advancement.  With the use of computers and computer software, opportunities for creative and challenging assignments are increasing every year.

Cost

Students enrolled in the Drafting Technician Program must purchase about $259 worth of books and drafting equipment. Registration fees are additional. For more information, call (707) 864-7201.

Go to your catalog to find the requirements to achieve the:

• Associate in Science Degree
• Certificate of Achievement
• Job Direct Certificate/Drafting Technology