Computer-aided Drafting and Design Certificate of Achievement

The Computer-aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who would like to draw and prototype two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) engineering designs. Students gain skills in 2D/3D CADD, engineering design, and prototyping using real-world examples. This certificate combines educational theory and hands-on experience with CADD software and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) hardware. 

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to enter the design-related workforce or continue their educational pathway through an associate’s degree. Students will also be qualified to take an industry recognized certification exam.

A total of 20 students are expected to enroll with the potential for annual growth. Completion rates of the Certificate of Achievement are expected to be five to ten per year with a potential for annual growth. 

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Computer-aided Design and Drafting Certificate of Achievement in Career Education.  The Computer-aided Design and Drafting Certificate of Achievement is designed to train and educate students to work in the fields of architecture, design, and drafting. The need for drafters and designers has been advocated for by local engineering technology, engineering, and construction firms, and supported by current, regional labor market research (TOP 0924.00).  The Computer-aided Design and Drafting Certificate of Achievement is aligned with Cabrillo’s mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways.  Approval of this program will benefit regional employers, fulfill the need for drafters and designers, augment college enrollment, and support non-traditional and underserved minority students in a viable career and academic path. This program would give our students the knowledge and skills they need to enter the workforce or continue their studies in the field. The goal is for certificate completers to be gainfully employed within a year of program completion or to advance to an Associate in Science in Engineering Technology. Working with employers to identify earning potential is promising, with the potential for a starting salary of $62,400-$76,960 per year in jobs such as Architectural and Civil Drafters, Electrical and Electronics Drafters, and Mechanical Drafters.  It is critical to give community college students the educational and professional experience that is necessary to be successful when they enter the workforce or continue to higher degrees or certificates.

There are 9 required core engineering technology courses and then 3 elective units from engineering technology courses. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
ETECH24	Intro to AutoCAD	3.00	S1
ETECH41	Intermediate AutoCad	3.00	S2
ETECH130	Intro to Creo and Solidworks	3.00	S2
ETECH31	Intro to Electronic Circuit and Schematic Design	3.00	S1
ETECH40	3D Animation	3.00	S1
ETECH43	Intermediate 3D Animation	3.00	S1
ETECH60	Architecture/Green Design: Principles and Practices	3.00	S1
ETECH61	Architecture/Green Design: Planning and Construction	3.00	S1
ETECH62	Architecture/Green Design: Implementation Using AutoCAD	3.00	S1
ETECH75	BIM and Sustainable Design Strategies	3.00	S1
ETECH131	Intermediate Creo and Solidworks	3.00	S1

The Computer-aided Design and Drafting Certificate of Achievement shares learning goals with the engineering and math programs. These goals include practical skills and knowledge of design, mathematics, computers, problem-solving, and other employable skills. This certificate is an excellent stepping stone for students seeking immediate employment or higher education. All of the required courses in this program can be applied towards an Associate in Science in Engineering Technology.

In the SC-Monterey Sub-Region, there are no community colleges that issued awards in the last three years using this TOP code.