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Drafting

The Drafting student who successfully completes four years of the program will, at a minimum, be able to design and prepare plans for using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. The student will be familiar with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Product Data Management (PDM). The student will have the ability to produce effective product designs by using his or her understanding of engineering and adaptive manufacturing techniques. The student will be able to add structural details to architectural plans from his or her knowledge of building techniques. The student will be able to prepare multiple versions of designs. The student will be able to specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for new building projects or products.

Graduates of our Drafting program will graduate with the following skills and competencies:

  • The ability to demonstrate health and safety practices on all  related equipment and materials specific to Drafting

  • The ability to demonstrate the fundamentals of drafting and design

  • The ability to demonstrate fundamental drafting techniques and skills

  • The ability to demonstrate computer aided drafting and design

  • The ability to demonstrate mechanical drafting and design

  • The ability to demonstrate architectural drafting and design

  • The ability to demonstrate an understanding of sustainability and the recognition of green design

  • The ability to calculate dead, live, snow and wind loads on the designed residential house

  • The ability to determine the heat loss of the designed residential house

  • The ability to redesign municipal spaces

  • The ability to identify the elements of civil design

  • The ability to describe materials and properties used in civil design

  • The ability to identify zoning, environmental, and other regulations and guidelines that impact development

  • The ability to identify surveying instruments

  • The ability to set up CAD drawing format

Our graduates are not limited to entry-level positions in the Drafting industry. Higher level positions are vast and vary in both the general industry as well as specialty areas within the industry. Graduates of our Drafting program, who take post-graduate training and/or industry specialized training, might choose to specialize in one of the following examples of technical career areas:

  • Astronautical engineer (would require the ability to design, develop, and test spacecraft, missiles, and rocket-propulsion systems operating beyond the earth’s atmosphere)

  • Aeronautical engineer (would require the ability to design, develop, and test aircraft and their related systems)

  • Structural design engineer (would require the ability to manage a design team responsible for performing post tensions design; performing stress analysis; designing steel pipe supports and frames for liquid natural plants, and assessing bridge safety)

  • Architectural engineer (would require the ability to deal with the technological aspects and inter-disciplinary approaches to planning, designing, constructing, and operating buildings)

  • Electrical engineer (would require the ability to deal with the practical application of the theory of electricity to the construction of machinery, power supplies, etc.)

  • Marine engineer (would require the ability to design marine infrastructure or vessels such as naval ships, sailboats, cruise ships, tankers, and submarines by relying on an extensive understanding of physics, statistics, and other sciences)

  • Industrial engineer (would require the ability to develop strategies needed to resolve issues or improve production operations that enhance the quality of goods and boost worker productivity)

  • Electronics engineer (would require the ability to design, fabricate, and operate circuits, electronic devices, and systems)

  • Civil engineer (would require the ability to design and maintain roads, bridges, dams, and similar structures)

  • Mechanical engineer( would require the ability to design, construct, and use power producing machines)

  • Urban design consultant (would require the ability to create interior design solutions, space planning, sketching, and product selection by analyzing information and data from market research studies and censuses)

  • Architectural drafter (would require the ability to create detailed scale drawings used in construction) 

  • Astronautical drafter (would require the ability to create technical drawings used in the construction of spacecraft, missiles, and rocket-propulsion systems operating beyond the earth’s atmosphere)

  • Aeronautical drafter (would require the ability to create technical drawings used in the construction of aircraft, and aircraft systems)

  • Electrical drafter (would require the ability to create technical illustrations to be used as visual aids for complex equipment)

  • Electronics drafter (would require the ability to prepare diagrams that detail wiring and layout designs that are used in the manufacturing process of a variety of goods and components)

  • Civil drafter (would require the ability to prepare drawings for use in major civil engineering projects)

  • Mechanical drafter (would require the ability to make detailed drawings, specify design dimensions, and construct models of mechanical devices and parts)

Graduates of our Drafting program have the opportunity to secure the following industry-recognized certifications:

  • OSHA 10-Hour Card and Certificate

  • ADDA Certificate

Following are the qualities and skills that are necessary for success in the field of Drafting:

  • Leadership skills are needed to lead others toward success

  • Speaking skills are needed to communicate efficiently with multiple people

  • Writing skills are needed to clearly express oneself in any written document

  • Analytical skills are needed to gather information from various sources and then interpret the data in order to reach a logical conclusion that benefits the business

  • Mathematical skills are needed to solve the unknown and visualize data that will be helpful in the workplace

  • Time management skills, including organization, prioritization, goal setting, communication, planning, and delegation are essential

  • Creative skills are necessary to turn plans and ideas into technical drawings

  • Attention to detail is crucial so that the plans are technically accurate 

  • Interpersonal skills are necessary to work closely with architects, engineers, and other designers

  • The ability to offer advice and take advice, as well as constructive criticism is necessary when working closely with architects, engineers, and other designers

  • The ability to solve mathematical calculations involving factors such as angles, weights, and costs

Frameworks

The Drafting Frameworks identify the competencies that students will have the opportunity to learn in a four-year time span. 

Articulation Agreements

State articulation agreements are a uniform and consistent way for students in our Drafting program to enroll in any Massachusetts community college and be awarded credits for work completed at Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Our Drafting program has additional local articulation agreements with Springfield Technical Community College, Holyoke Community College, and Keene State College, which recognize credits beyond the standard 3 credit state recognition.

These agreements allow for a seamless continuation of education for our students.


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