Computer-Aided Drafting
Drafting students, log into WebCT here.
Southwestern Illinois College's Computer-Aided Drafting program prepares students for employment as CAD operators. All manufactured goods begin as ideas that must be developed and recorded. CAD operators translate ideas, rough sketches, specifications and engineering computations into working drawings.
Drafting Technology program coordinator Shauna Scribner. Ph.D., is a full-time instructor, a Certified Manufacturing Technologist. and a Certified Drafter through the American Design Drafting Association. For upper-level courses, students are taught by instructors who also work in the areas they teach.
Southwestern's CAD program is primarily an occupational program. Credits earned in the program will transfer to four-year technical and educational programs. However, this program does not meet the requirements for most architectural or engineering transfer programs. Southwestern offers these programs separately. Contact the program coordinator for more information.
The CAD program is Curriculum Certified through the ADDA. This certification provides recognition in the areas of design drafting and signifies to employers that Southwestern's CAD program meets the standards and approved by an international organization for designers, drafters, architects, illustrators and technical artists.
Students who complete the first two drafting courses in the program (DT 101 Basic Drafting and DT 102 Intermediate Drafting) are encouraged to complete the Certified Drafter exam. Professional certification through the ADDA allows drafters to show their knowledge in drafting concepts and nationally recognized standards and practices. Becoming a Certified Drafter enhances credibility as a professional and gives a competitive edge in the work force. ADDA membership is not required in order to take the test or become a Certified Drafter. For more information about ADDA visit http://www.adda.org/.
Career Opportunities
More than 90 percent of the Southwestern Drafting graduates find drafting technology jobs with career opportunities such as: Aeronautical, architectural, civil, electrical, electronics. Graduates are employed by companies and agencies such as Anheuser-Busch, GE-Power, Monsanto, Sverdrup Corporation, Illinois Department of Transportation and Ameren.
Salary
The annual salary for a beginning design drafter is $20,000 to $25,000 depending on the career choice and field of expertise. More experienced design drafters can earn from $40,000 to $50,000 annually. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/, look for Drafters, or visit http://www.adda.org/.
Program Available:
These programs provides the academic background, and hands-on experience for students going into one of the above careers.