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Drafting Technology

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.

To achieve the:

Associate in Science Degree - Completion of a total of 60 units, including the 30-unit major, nine additional units in drafting, general education requirements and electives.

Certificate of Achievement - Completion of 30-unit major.

Required Courses

DRAFT 45 - Intro to CAD  3 Units
DRAFT 46 - Advanced CAD 3 Units
DRAFT 50 - Basic Drafting 3 Units
DRAFT 55 - Mechanical Drafting I 3 Units
DRAFT 60 - Architectural Drafting I 3 Units
DRAFT 75 - Electronic Drafting 3 Units
DRAFT 80 - Civil Drafting I 3 Units
IT 140 - Industrial Materials  3 Units
IT 151 - Vocational Math 3 Units
Electives selected from the list of Recommended Electives 3 Units

Total of 30 Units

Recommended Electives:
DRAFT 56, 57, 65, 70, 79, 85, 92, 125, 130, 135, 140

Note: Many of the advanced courses will require CAD, It is important to take DRAFT 45(Intro to CAD) as early in your program as possible. College credit may be obtained with credit by examination in DRAFT 45, 50, and 60 or they may be waived.

Job Direct Certificate/Drafting Technology - Completion of the 13 units listed below.

Job Direct Certificate Requirements

DRAFT 171 - AutoCAD Tech I 3 Units
DRAFT 172 - AutoCAD Tech II  3 Units
DRAFT 173 - AutoCAD Tech III 3 Units
DRAFT 174 - AutoCAD Tech IV  3 Units
*OCCED 90 - Occ Work Experience  1 Unit

Total of 13 Units

*You are required to complete 80 hours of cooperative supervised work experience to receive credit.

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