Your Career in Drafting & Design Technology

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• A drafting and design specialist creates the
  drawings and models used to make everything from
  buildings and machines to microchips and
  aircraft.
• Working in a variety of industries, drafters use
  special computer-aided design (CAD) software to
  turn the plans of architects and engineers into
  concrete technical drawings.

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• Drafting and design technology graduates can find
  employment in a number of industries, from
  aerospace and civil engineering to construction
  and plumbing.
• Drafters also frequently work for architectural
  firms and manufacturing companies.
• Depending on the industry, they could be asked to
  prepare drawings for highways, residential
  buildings or even missiles.

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• You may want to consider a career in Drafting and
  Design Technology if you
• Have impressive drawing skills
• Enjoy methodical tasks
• Have an eye for design
• Love using cutting-edge technology

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• Drafters require specials skills and education,
  so their salary is higher than average.
• In 2015, drafting and design graduates earned an
  average of 52,720 per year.1
• The top 10 of earners took in even more an
  estimated 83,350, according to the Bureau of
  Labor Statistics.

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• On a typical day, a drafter might
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to
  produce detailed plans and drawings
• Create advanced 3D drawings using AutoCAD
• Help engineers and architects generate highly
  technical drawings
• Ensure all specs are met
• Point out design flaws

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• Drafters must be able to
• Draw rough sketches of architectural, structural,
  mechanical and electrical projects
• Understand highly technical specifications for a
  wide variety of objects
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to
  create detailed models
• Be familiar with other advanced drafting
  technologies

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• Drafters should also be able to
• Understand manufacturing processes and materials
• Read detailed blueprints
• Develop product specifications
• Perform a great deal of mathematics

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• Drafters typically need an associates degree
  from a certified computer tech school.
• Most drafting and design graduates obtain a
  special computer technician degree.
• Computer tech schools train students to use
  AutoCAD and other software so they can design
  models, detect flaws, and create advanced 3D
  drawings.

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• Since 1988, Westech College in Victorville has
  been training students in the latest CADD
  technology. Over the years, Westech has prepared
  hundreds of graduates to enter the field of
  design and drafting technology while training
  thousands of California state employees to use
  cutting edge design and drafting software. Visit
  westech.edu to learn more about our drafting and
  design programs in Moreno Valley, CA.