Program Description

The in-depth training students receive in the Drafting/CAD program enables them to translate their ideas or the ideas of other professionals into working drawings. Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) will be the primary vehicle used to develop the drawings. Students will utilize state-of-the-art drawing software programs including AutoCAD and Inventor.

This program prepares students for competitive jobs in the mechanical, architectural and building construction technology (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) fields, or to enter college after graduation. Students will work towards fulfilling a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency as initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Among the topics covered in the four-year curriculum are the use of drafting equipment, materials and tools; learning the language of drafting; generating drawings that are consistent with approved industry standards; model making; and becoming familiar with the drawing language used in several different industries.

• U.S. Department of Labor Statistics
• Employers prefer applicants with excellent drafting and mechanical drawing skills; knowledge of drafting standards, as well as math, science, and engineering technology; a solid background in CAD techniques; and problem-solving skills.
• Drafters held about 254,000 jobs in 2004. About 44 percent of all jobs for drafters were in architectural, engineering, and related services firms that design construction projects or do other engineering work on a contract basis for other industries.
• Drafters’ earnings vary by specialty, location, and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of architectural and civil drafters were $39,190 in May 2004.
• (Employment facts from the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/OCO)

Program Placement
Blue Hills graduates have attended Boston Architectural Center, Florida Tech, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Syracuse University.

Students have worked for Cumberland Farms Headquarters, Green Environmental, Land Design Associates, and Signet Electronics Systems.