CAD Drafting Program Overview
Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans used by production and construction workers to build everything from manufactured products such as toys, toasters, industrial machinery, and spacecraft to structures such as houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines. Drafters’ drawings show the technical details of products and structures; and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, codes, and calculations previously made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists.
In the past, 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 CAD systems to prepare drawings. CAD systems employ computers to create and store drawings electronically that can then be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. These systems also permit drafters to quickly prepare variations of a design. Despite the nearly universal use of CAD systems, manual drafting and sketching still are used in certain applications.
CAD Drafting & Design Employment Opportunities
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. CAD has increased the complexity of drafting applications while enhancing the productivity of drafters. It also has enhanced the nature of drafting by creating more possibilities for design and drafting. As technology continues to advance, employers will look for drafters with a strong background in fundamental drafting principles, a high level of technical sophistication, and the ability to apply their knowledge to a broader range of responsibilities.
Our Program
The Diploma in Drafting and Design Technology is an intensive, technical program for individuals seeking a streamlined educational experience. Classes meet twice a week in the evenings; the average length of time for a student taking a part-time course load is five semesters. The Diploma in Drafting and Design Technology was designed with working adults in mind, enabling students to enhance their marketable employment skills while still maintaining their current jobs. The program can be completed in only 16 months, meaning that students receive the highest caliber training with the minimum time commitment.
Curriculum
The coursework for the Diploma in Drafting and Design Technology consists of hands-on training, focused exclusively on architectural drafting concepts and practices.
AutoCAD - Students are trained in basic AutoCAD commands and functions, and then receive instruction focused on the creation of isometric exploded assemblies and assembly drawings.
Residential Construction Drafting – This course integrates currently accepted standards and conventions of the American Institute of Architects in order to introduce students to the materials and methods used in residential construction. In the second part of the course, students will develop a complete set of working drawings for a residence.
Commercial Construction Drafting – The first part of this course explores the history, theory and methods used in precast concrete and steel construction. The second part is a group-centered, project-oriented course focusing on the creation of drawings, schedules, and documents for building a commercial structure.
3D Modeling – Students learn how to use ProEngineer software applications, as well as parametric solid modeling and editing in Mechanical Desktop and Inventor. Topics include part and assembly creation, creation of engineering drawings, drawing views and annotation, Boolean extrusions, and an introduction to surface modeling.
Career Services – Some Success Stories
Our Career Services Department provides all Herzing graduates with individual assistance during the job search process. In 2005 and 2006, Herzing University’s Minneapolis campus had a 100% placement rate for its Drafting and Design Technology graduates.
The best thing I like about my job is the projects that I get to work on. To me, they are some of the most complex and eye-catching buildings in the United States. Solidworks and AutoCAD are the most important things that I learned at Herzing.
--Jason Pacyga, Drafter, Permasteelisa
Herzing is a great school for students who want to learn a skill and get into the job market. They have a very dedicated staff who cares about their students and will go out of their way to help them succeed.
--Shawn Kabrick, Drafter, Precast Detailing Inc.
I knew I wanted to attend a smaller school where I could get individual attention if I needed it. The atmosphere was fun, and my instructors were very personable. I accepted a position at the first place I interviewed and have been there ever since.
--Meghan Mueller, Lead Design Specialist, Landmark Restaurant Equipment and Design
Herzing University got me the position that I have been fortunate to have for 10 plus years. Herzing will help you get a job because of the strong base of knowledge it gives you in drafting.
--Marcus Redlin, Senior Project Manager, Haldeman-Homme Inc.
