WHAT is the Computer Aided Drafting/CAD program?

Computer Aided Drafting/CAD students will learn to plan, prepare, and interpret mechanical, architectural, and structural drawings. Students will also develop skills in the fundamentals of computer-assisted learning.

It can be your ticket to a great job with big bucks. It's offered at the Saginaw Career Complex for students like you who want to learn real skills - in the classroom and on the job - and get a head start on a career.

WHY should I take Computer Aided Drafting/CAD?

Classes at the Saginaw Career Complex are different than those offered at your home high school. You learn by doing—not just reading, listening, and memorizing. And you learn out in the real world, on-the-job, with real people.

The purpose of the Computer Aided Drafting/CAD class is to help students develop the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be qualified for entry-level employment as CAD Technicians, persons that operate software to create technical illustrations for industrial applications.

You will also earn a competency certificate in Computer Aided Drafting/CAD from the Saginaw Career Complex, which says you've learned actual job skills at high standards set by business and industry. Your parents will love it. So will colleges and employers.

WHAT will I learn in Computer Aided Drafting/CAD?

You will learn about:
• Manufacturing
• Computer terminology
• Technical sketching
• Computer aided drawing
• Introductory math
• Orthographic projection
• Drawing dimensions
• Technical illustration
• Architectural drawing
• Information technology

You will learn these skills in a clean, well-equipped, and up-to-date, CAD lab. You will also learn and practice skills in real work environments.

For more specific areas of study click here to see more about the curriculum.

WHAT are my job prospects?

Good! CAD has increased the complexity of drafting applications while enhancing the productivity of drafters. It has also enhanced the nature of drafting by creating more possibilities for design and drafting. As technology continues to advance, employers will look for drafters having a strong background in fundamental drafting principles with a higher level of technical sophistication and an ability to apply this knowledge to a broader range of responsibilities.

WHERE can I go after completing the program?

Your training in the Computer Aided Drafting/CAD program gives you several exciting options:

• Entry-level employment - Students might begin their careers at a design firm or other business that uses CAD.
• Entrepreneurship - Or, students might start their careers by opening up their ownindependent businesses.
• Continued Education - Students can continue their education with the advantage of articulating college credits at the same time they are earning their high school diploma, and they don't have to pay for it! After successfully completing the program, students may articulate credits at Delta College, Ferris State University, and ITT Technical Institute. The articulation process will give students a head start on their post-secondary education, as well as save them a considerable sum of money. In addition, students are also ready to enter industry/employer-sponsored training programs.

WHO are the teachers?

The skills and talents developed by Mr. Stu Smith, while working in the manufacturing industry, are utilized daily in the classroom.  Prior to joining the staff at the Saginaw Career Complex, Mr. Smith was employed by SP/Sheffer International, where he concentrated most of his effort in the engineering department, designing and detailing holding devices used in turning applications.  In addition to his position as an instructor in the CAD class, Mr. Smith may also be found teaching in the Engineering/Project Lead the Way program at the Complex.  In his spare time, Mr. Smith enjoys forging hot metal into useful shapes for household uses, as he pursues his love of the blacksmith trade.

WHAT are the admission requirements?

Students admitted to the ComputerAided Drafting/CAD program at the Saginaw Career Complex must:

• Have an interest in a career in the Computer Aided Drafting/CAD

  industry.
• Be a high school junior or senior.
• Be on track for high school graduation.
• Have good attendance habits.
• Be willing to attend the Saginaw Career Complex or work-based

  learning facility for half the school day, plus spend additional time

  doing work-based learning (often paid).

WHAT does it cost?

Nothing! Eligible high school students may attend free of charge.

HOW do I enroll?

You can enroll by completing just a few easy steps. Click here to get started:

ENROLL NOW