The Computer Assisted Drafting & Design (CADD) program combines general education and workplace skills with a strong focus on computer-aided drafting and design. You will develop foundational skills in blueprint reading and architectural drafting, along with specialized skills in computer-aided design, including three-dimensional drafting. The program is designed to prepare skilled drafting technicians for entry-level positions in a variety of career fields where further specialization can occur at the place of employment. An internship field experience is required. This program is offered in Winooski.
Program Outcomes
Successful graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate skills that meet industry standards in the use of CAD technology;
- develop professional presentations of drawings for a variety of purposes and audiences;
- work effectively as part of a team in various professional environments and technical businesses;
- display a portfolio of professional quality products to potential employers;
- demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning; and
- explore pathways for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.
How Our Degree Works
CCV’s Computer Assisted Drafting & Design degree is a sequential program that allows you to build your skills over four semesters. The required courses for this degree are offered in Winooski, and the general education and elective courses are available at CCV’s 12 academic centers statewide and online. The program will prepare you for an entry-level position as a drafting technician in a variety of career fields where you can further specialize at your place of employment. In addition to acquiring a general education and useful workplace skills, you will develop a foundation in blueprint reading and architectural drafting. You’ll also develop proficiency in computer-aided design, including three-dimensional drafting.
Why Our Degree Works
CCV offers courses using the most up-to-date CAD software. Nevertheless, once you begin work in the field, you will find that learning new skills, keeping current with technology changes and communicating with other members of a design team are critical to your career. A CCV degree prepares you for long-term success by including essential skills in communication and business management as part of the program.
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial growth and increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and manufacturing processes will increase the demand for drafting services. Opportunities are expected to be best for individuals with at least two years of college or post-secondary training, strong technical skills, and considerable experience with CAD systems.
Employers prefer applicants who have completed post-secondary school training in drafting and who have strong drafting and mechanical drawing skills; knowledge of drafting standards, mathematics, science, and engineering technology; and a solid background in computer-aided design and drafting techniques. In addition, communication and problem-solving skills are important. Many employers pay for continuing education, and with appropriate college degrees, drafters may go on to become engineering technicians, engineers, or architects.
Transfer Options
Graduates of CCV’s Computer Assisted Drafting & Design program may continue their education in a related field at four-year colleges. CCV graduates have attended Vermont Tech and New School of Architecture & Design and can go on to pursue degrees in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering and civil engineering.
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