Computer Aided Drafting

Course Description

"The drafting profession is very diverse," says Dr. Joseph Sanfilippo, professor of applied engineering at California University of Pennsylvania. Students can specialize in architectural drafting, mechanical drafting, 3D modeling as well as many other areas.
The field is more mentally demanding than physical. For the most part it offers a clean, climate controlled environment. However, it is not uncommon for drafters to visit construction sites or factory floors to obtain measurements or inspect product quality.

The most far-reaching development in recent years has been the growing emphasis on 3D Modeling. Drafters use computers and special software to generate three-dimensional views much faster than drawing them by hand. Further, these "solid models" can be viewed from any angle. Revisions are easy to make and cost-effective.

People with a flare for computers tend to enjoy the work involved. Professor Dave Manning says: "Anyone interested in combining technology, art, computers, and problem-solving skills will find drafting to be a rewarding path."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 280,000 people are employed in the United States as drafters. Wages range from $10 to $24 per hour. You can view the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook yourself here .


Units of Study

Fundamentals: line types, sketching techniques, color rendering, and shadow methods.

Architecture: prepare a set of plans, build a model house, and visit interesting sites.

Mechanical Design: draw cams and gears, design a bridge, and sculpt a clay model car. Computer Aided Drafting: AutoCAD, Architectural and Mechanical Desktop, Inventor.


Grading Procedures

Here in Drafting the grading procedure is as follows: 33 1/3% Theory, classroom instruction, tests, quizzes; 66 1/3% Actual drafting projects; and the students earn 1 credit of math in grades 10 and 11.


Suggested Related Courses

Some suggested related courses that could be helpful in this class are: , algebra I & II, geometry, trigonometry, Principles of Technology, Art and Technology Education.


Student Requirements

Regular Attendance is a must! Students are expected to dress neatly and appropriately for the profession. This is especially important during field trips and when guest speakers visit the class.


Student Costs

There are only two(2) items that the student needs to worry about paying for and they are a notebook, and any lost or damaged equipment previously handed out to you.


Some Related Occupations

Here are a few of some related occupations you may consider after successfully completing the course. You could be a drafting technician, layout person, map maker, technical illustrator, mechanical designer, electrical draftsperson, structural draftsperson, cost estimator, drafting supervisor, electrical assistant, or an engineer.


Some Skills You Will Learn

In addition to fundamental drafting skills such as selecting which views to draw, sketching, and dimensioning, you will also design and build a scale model house. You may design and sculpt a clay model of your won car design. Group projects have included designing a track layout for the Youngwood Railroad Museum, designing shelves for the Frank L. Melega Museum gift shop, and designing a library for the Mon Valley Education Consortium. Boy scouts may earn three merit badges for drafting, model building, and architecture. CAD skills are emphasized throughout the course: which incorporated many activities from the Ford Partnership for Advances Students program. Ford PAS was developed by the Ford Motor company to encourage high school students to build successful careers in business, engineering, and technology.


For More Information

Contact your home school counselor
Contact CWCTC counselor at 925-3532


Contact the teacher of this shop at jkovach@wiu.k12.pa.us
Attend the CWCTC assemblies
Attend the CWCTC tours for interested students
Attend CWCTC open house


Advanced Standing

Qualified CWCTC students are able to apply for Advance Standing at Westmoreland County Community College. They can also earn six credits through California University pf PA.