Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Career Profile
Traditionally, drafters sat at drawing boards and used pencils, pens, compasses, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices to prepare a drawing manually. Most drafters now use Computer Aided Drafting systems to prepare drawings. Consequently, some drafters may be referred to as CAD operators. CAD systems employ computers to create and store drawings electronically that can then be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. Drafting work has many specialties, and titles may denote a particular discipline of design or drafting.

 

Job Outlook
Industrial growth and increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and manufacturing processes will increase the demand for drafting services. Further, drafters are beginning to break out of the traditional drafting role and do work traditionally performed by engineers and architects, thus also increasing demand for drafters. While growth is expected to be greatest for mechanical, architectural, and civil drafters, demand for particular drafting specialties varies throughout the country because employment usually is contingent on the needs of local industry. Local figures indicate high promise for IC Layout and Design Graphics and related industries as projected to the year 2012.

 

Salary
Drafters' earnings vary by specialty. Entry-level jobs across the disciplines tend to range in the $15.00 - $18.00 range.

 

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

 

Required Skills

  • Organized
  • Detail oriented
  • Consistent work ethic
  • Logical
  • Imaginative
  • Curious (ask questions)
  • Able to multi-task
  • Able to work alone or as part of a team
  • Able to receive written and oral directions and instructions
  • Able to execute and communicate results
  • Enjoys constant computer work

Technical Skills

  • Knowledge of Unix
  • Understand Schematics
  • Understand Digital Logic
  • Spatial Reasoning
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • High level math skills

 

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

 

Educational Programs
Austin Community College - Associate of Applied Science Degree (Architectural and Engineering Computer Aided Design Program)
Area specializations include:

  • Mechanical CAD
  • Civil and Architectural CAD
  • IC Layout and Design Graphics
  • Electronic Design Graphics

For more information on these programs visit this website: http://www.austincc.edu/cad/index.php

 

Length of Training/Requirements
Students who pursue the engineering/architectural graphics curriculum take a series of courses covering general drafting and CAD principles that provide extensive laboratory experience, stressing the application of those principles using current CAD industry design software. This program provides hands-on work experience to prepare students for employment in association with engineers, architects, and designers.

 

Location of Classes
Lectures and Labs are held at the ACC Northridge Campus located at 11928 Stonehollow Dr.

 

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

 

Motorola
7700 Parmer Lane
Austin Texas

 

Intel
1501 S MoPac
Austin Texas

 

AMD
5204 E. Ben White Blvd.
Mail Stop 556
Austin, Texas 78741

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