Introduction

It would be difficult to name an industry that does not use drawings. These drawings may be in the form of conventional production drawings, instructional booklets, charts, graphs, or maps. It typical takes more than 27,000 drawings to manufacture an automobile. The field of drafting provides employment for over one million men and women. The work of other millions requires them to be able to read and interpret drawings.

Job titles and duties will vary from one company to another. However, the following drafting occupations are typical of those found in industry. Drafters make working plans and detailed drawings. They prepare them from specifications and information received verbally, from sketches, and from notes.

The drafter usually starts out as a trainee drafter where he or she redraws or repairs damaged drawings. The trainee may revise engineering drawings or make simple detail drawings under the direct supervision of a senior drafter.

During the training period, trainee drafters are enrolled in formal classes such as CADD, mathematics, electronics, or manufacturing process. These classes may be held within the company or at a local technical school or community college.

Upon completion of the training period, the trainee drafter usually advances to junior drafter. Similar positions are known as: detailer, detail drafter, and assistant drafter.

A junior drafter calls for the preparation of detail and working drawings of machine parts, electrical/electronic devices, or structures, from rough design drawings. It may also require preparation of simple assembly drawings, charts, or graphs. The junior drafter must be able to prepare simple calculations made according to establish drafting room procedures.

From junior drafter, the next step forward is drafter. The drafter applies independent judgment in the preparation of original layouts which intricate details. He or she must have an understanding of machine shop practices, the proper use of materials, and be able to make extensive us of reference books and handbooks.With experience, the drafter will become a senior drafter and be expected to do complex original work.

In time, the senior drafter can become a lead drafter or chief drafter. Such a person is responsible for all work done by the department.

Most drafters specialize in a particular field of technical drawing: aerospace, architectural, structural, etc. Regardless of the field of specialization, drafters should be able to draw rapidly, with accuracy and neatness. They will also need a working knowledge of computer aided drafting.

Firms employing computer-aided design and drafting usually establish job applications for computer aided drafters or designers. A few job titles include CAD drafter, CAD/CAM specialist, computer graphics specialist and computer graphics technician. These specialists seldom prepare drawings manually on “the board.” Instead, their “drawings” are computer-generated with hard (paper) copy produced on a plotter or printer.

All drafters must have a thorough understanding of mathematics, science, materials, and manufacturing processes in their areas of specialization. The student must have a high school diploma or equivalent for admission.

Module 1

Program Length: 3 Weeks/90 hours--3 Credits

The student begins the program learning basic board drafting techniques. It is essential that the student learn the use of different line types and their meaning. Understanding how to read Engineering and Architectural scales also is important. The concept of multi-views are studied as well as board drafting equipment. The student completes the drafting phase with isometric sketching and dimensioning.

The basic understanding of computers and how they work helps the student to eliminate any fears of using a computer. This phase of the program prepares the student for basic Windows operating skills. The understanding of computer terminology will aid the student in learning new software as well as purchasing computer equipment.

The student will learn the basic fundamentals of Word Processing and Spread Sheets. The student will prepare a Word document and learn how to edit that document. The student will also learn how to prepare and edit a Excel documents.A Resume will be Prepared and finalized at the end of the program for job search.

Basic AutoCAD skills, such as drawing tools, setting up a drawing, isometric sketching, basic editing, and dimensioning will be applied. It is essential that the student understand how to use these tools in order to proceed to Geometric Constructon.

Module 2

Program Length: 3 Weeks/90 hours--3 Credits

Geometric Construction is designed to help the student understand the concepts of geometry as related to Computer Aided Drafting. It is important to understand how AutoCAD performs and solves complex mathmatical equations as well as draws. The student will also learn the concepts of layers and inquiry commands.

The student will prepare detail working drawings of machine parts and simple assembly drawings.

In this phase of the program, the student will learn electrical symbols and abbreviations. The student also will learn to prepare single-line diagrams and electrical drawings.

Module 3-6 Architectural Design

Program Length: 12 Weeks/90 hours--12 Credits

Architectural students will learn about architectural and structural features of buildings and other structures. The student will draw different types of structures, such as residential and commercial, with different types of materials used, such as reinforced concrete, masonry, steel or timber.

Module 3-6 Civil and Survey Drafting

Program Length: 12 Weeks/90 hours--12 Credits

Civil drafting students will learn to prepare drawings and topographical surveys used in construction or civil engineering projects such as, grading, street, sewer, and water construction plans.

In the survey module the student will learn record mapping, such as lot line adjustments,parcel map waivers, parcel mergers, record of surveys, parcel maps and legal descriptions.

The student must have an understanding of subdivision standards as well as first-hand knowledge of the subdivision ordinance. The student will learn site planning, Irregation and Landscaping skils. The student also will learn construction cost estimating.

Module 3-6 Process Pipe Drafting

Program Length: 12 Weeks/90 hours--12 Credits

Process piping students will prepare drawings used in the layout, construction, and operation of oil and gas fields, refineries, chemical plants, and process piping systems.

3-Dimensional piping skills will also be taught in the Process Pipe Drafting program. The student will prepare 3-Dimensional pipe plans in order to understand the use of 3-Dimensional drawing tools, used in wire framing.

Upon completion of course requirements the student will prepare a resume and a portfolio and enter into job placement, provided by Zoom Graphics.