The Engineering Technology CAD and Design Drafting Program is formulated to prepare students to work in industry as a Computer Aided Designer, engineering drafter or CAD drafting technician or technologist.  The program includes instruction in both 2-D and 3-D computer aided drafting and design software such as AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS.  Motivated students can complete the requirements in one year by taking courses during the winter and summer sessions and online in addition to the traditional fall and winter sessions.

This program is useful to the following types of career pathways:

• Students interested in working as a technician in an engineering, construction or manufacturing company may seek employment as a CAD drafting technician or technologist. Some additional industries include energy, public utilities and municipal entities such as building and safety.
• Students working in industry sometimes complete the Certificate of Achievement or A.S. degree to advance their career, earn a promotion and raise or become eligible to work as a manager or supervisor as engineering technologists.
• Engineering pathway students frequently take these classes to improve their software and design skills. Although not all of these courses are required for civil and mechanical engineering programs, some do articulate and they are good resume builders. Note: civil and mechanical engineering majors are only required to take ENGR 122, Engineering Graphics for their B.S. degree in engineering per the State of California Model Curriculum in Engineering. Check with assist.org to confirm the articulation of individual courses.
• Engineering major students who are not yet ready to take calculus can take these CAD classes as they work on their math sequence in preparation to take the calculus prerequisite classes required for engineering. Although not primarily part of the engineering requirements these courses offer technical training related to engineering and can support critical thinking skills development for engineering majors.
• Some engineering graduates (those with B.S. degrees in engineering), take CAD courses to improve their drafting skills as they seek employment as design engineers.

Cost of this program: Fees at GCC are $49 per unit. 21 units of coursework is: $49 times 21 units = $1029. Plus approximately $300 for textbooks and supplies. Contact a GCC Academic or Financial Aid Counselor for information about financial aid.

Information about employment in the fields of civil drafter, mechanical drafter, CAD designer or engineering technology, can be found at the Bureau of Labor statistics: www.bls.gov

More information about technology careers can be found at GCC Career Education webpage

For additional information or if you have questions, please contact: 

Christopher Herwerth, M.S., P.E.
Associate Professor of Engineering
Engineering Department Chair, AT-231
cherwerth@glendale.edu
818-240-1000 ext. 5628