Mechanical Design and Drafting - Moraine Valley Community College

Mechanical Design and Drafting from Moraine Valley Community College is a Campus Certificate Mechanical Engineering degree that prepares you for a Engineering career. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in mechanical drafting and computer-assisted design (CAD). Courses cover the fundamentals of mechanical design, including industrial drafting standards, computer-assisted drafting and design, geometric tolerancing, and beginning manufacturing techniques. This certificate program, which requires fewer credit hours to complete than an associate\'s degree, is intended to lead to immediate employment. Recent high school graduates may be eligible for college credit for selected Tech Prep courses taken in high school. If you are considering transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor\'s degree using the courses from this program, make an appointment with an academic advisor to review your options. Employment Outlook? Employment of drafters is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. Industrial growth and increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and manufacturing processes will increase the demand for drafting services. The greater use of CAD equipment by drafters, architects and engineers, should limit demand for lesser-skilled drafters. Opportunities should be best for individuals who have at least two years of postsecondary training in a drafting program that provides strong technical skills, and who have considerable skill and experience using CAD systems. Employers will look for drafters with a strong background in fundamental drafting principles, a higher level of technical sophistication, and an ability to apply this knowledge to a broader range of responsibilities. Earnings for drafters vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median hourly earnings of mechanical drafters were $18.19 in 2000. Nature of Work? A diverse and wide spectrum of businesses employ CAD drafters and designers, including architectural and mechanical design firms, engineering firms (civil, mechanical , etc.), graphic arts firms, construction companies, product design companies and manufacturing companies. Related Job Title? Drafter, design drafter, computer-aided design (CAD) drafter, CAD technician. View more details on Moraine Valley Community College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Mechanical Engineering courses.