Architecture Drafting and Design Certificate of Achievement

The Architecture Drafting and Design Certificate of Achievement is for students who would like to design, create, troubleshoot, and evaluate Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) plan sets. Students gain skills in computer-aided drafting, architectural design, specification of materials, and infrastructure modeling. Courses in this certificate combine educational theory and hands-on experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software. Students can choose a specialized focus in construction application, visual rendering, or 3D modeling.  

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to enter the workforce as architectural drafters or continue their educational pathway to a degree. Students will also be qualified to take an industry recognized certification exam.

Due to classroom size, the number of workstations, and instructor availability, the maximum number of students that can enroll in this certificate is 20. Current demand exceeds the course offerings and growth would be dependent on additional resources. Completion rates are expected to be 5 to 10 per year with a potential for annual growth.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Architecture Drafting and Design Certificate of Achievement in Career Education.  The Architecture Drafting and Design Certificate of Achievement is designed to train and educate students to work in the fields of architecture, design, and drafting. The need for architectural drafters and designers has been advocated for by local engineering technology, engineering, and construction firms, and supported by current, regional labor market research (TOP 0953.10).  The Architecture Drafting and Design 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 Engineering Technology - Associate in Science degree. Working with employers to identify earning potential is promising, with the potential for a starting salary of $52,000-$62,400 per year as an architectural and/or civil drafter.  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 15 required core units in the engineering technology department and 3-4 elective units in the following departments: construction & energy management, digital media, and engineering technology. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
ETECH24	Intro to AutoCAD	3.00	S1
ETECH60	Architecture/Green Design: Principles and Practices	3.00	S1
ETECH61	Architecture/Green Design: Planning and Construction	3.00	S2
ETECH62	Architecture/Green Design: Implementation using AutoCAD	3.00	S2
ETECH75	BIM and Sustainable Design Strategies	3.00	S1
CEM151	Construction Fundamentals	3.00	S2
CEM155	Blueprint Reading	3.00	S2
DM1	Intro to Digital Media	4.00	S2
DM2	Digital Publishing I	4.00	S2
DM4	Digital Graphics	4.00	S2
ETECH40	3D Animation	3.00	S2
ETECH41	Advanced AutoCAD	3.00	S2
ETECH130	Intro to Creo and Solidworks	3.00	S2
ETECH131	Intermediate Creo and Solidworks	3.00	S2

he Architecture Drafting and Design Certificate of Achievement shares the learning goals with construction and digital media. These goals include design, drafting, visual communication, principles of art design, aesthetics, engineering, fabrication, effective communication, inclusiveness, environmental awareness, and 3D modeling. 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 toward an Associate in Science in Engineering Technology. It is an excellent pathway to a variety of architecturally related careers. Students earning this certificate can also gain employment in architecture while continuing their education.

Hartnell and MPC have had a drafting program for several years, but both colleges report that our program would not negatively affect their respective program. Contacted for approval: Clint Cowden, Dean of Career Technical Education Hartnell College Office 831.755.6960  ccowden@hartnell.edu Judy Cutting, Dean of Instruction, Career Education & Workforce Development Monterey Peninsula College Office: 831-646-4039 jcutting@mpc.edu