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Architectural drafters work with architects and designers in the preparation of drawings necessary to build a structure. Study of construction techniques and materials, as well as building codes are important to the education of an architectural drafter. Architectural drafters may specialize in an area such as residential architecture (homes), commercial architecture (buildings and apartments), or structural drafting (steel buildings, concrete structures).

Mechanical drafters work with mechanical engineers and designers to prepare detail and assembly drawings of a wide variety of machinery and mechanical devices. They may be involved in specifying design elements such as the types of fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws) needed to assemble the machine. Mechanical drafters are usually trained in engineering techniques as well as manufacturing theory and standards.

Aeronautical or Aerospace drafters prepare engineering drawings detailing plans and specifications used in the manufacture of aircraft, missiles, and related parts.

Civil drafters prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps for construction or civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewage systems. Civil drafters may also work for Surveying companies creating site plans and layouts for new subdivisions.

Electrical drafters prepare wiring and layout diagrams used by workers who install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in electrical distribution systems, and buildings.

Electronics drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic devices and components.

Process piping or pipeline drafters prepare drawings used in the layout, construction, and operation of oil and gas fields, refineries, chemical plants, and process piping systems.

Select the field based upon your interests, aptitudes, and talents. While electronics is generally the highest paying A&E CAD field, it can also be the most competitive, stressful, and rapidly-changing as well.

If you are good at what you do, and enjoy doing it, the monetary rewards, as well as job satisfaction, will follow. For example, if you love architecture, do it. You'll probably never be as happy designing integrated circuits as you will designing houses.

On the other hand, if you enjoy the challenge of a fast paced, often stressful environment, try the electronics field. Be prepared for the rapidly changing technology that will constantly affect the nature of your job and possibly your career.

Changes in CAD technology are creating new jobs in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Computer-Aided-Manufacturing (CAM). Jobs and job descriptions that do not exist today will be created as the impact of new technologies are felt in the architectural and engineering graphics field.

The state of Texas requires you to take 3 hours of math for an Associate Degree. Take the toughest math course you can handle. If you plan to transfer to a 4 year university program, check with the receiving college to see which ACC math class meets their requirements.

The availability of employment opportunities varies with the health of the economy. When employers contact us seeking to hire A&E CAD students, we try to match qualified students to these openings. We refer only students who have proven—by their superior performance and work ethic in the classroom —that they will be good candidates. Only in this way can we assure the continuation of the good reputation of this department and its graduates.

Our website contains an online Employment Center that is available only to our students and alumni. Employers can post job openings to our website, where students can view them and follow up if they are interested.

All A&E CAD graduates must complete the capstone course, in which they develop a portfolio and resume suitable for interviewing.

The Bottom Line: Good students, with good work habits, good grades, and excellent portfolios make good employees. Ultimately, you are responsible for making yourself employable, but we will assist you in the preparation and execution of your job search.

• Architectural Degree and Certificate
• Mechanical Degree and Certificate
• Electronics Degree /IC Layout Certificate
• Interdisciplinary Degree and Certificate

The cost of attending a private technical school can exceed $30,000, and the credits may not transfer to another public institution. Ask the private school if it is accredited, and if the courses taught there will transfer to an accredited institution.

A&E CAD instructors must be professionals from the A&E CAD field in order to meet the qualifications required by our accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS). SACS is also the accrediting agency for the University of Texas, Texas A&M and Texas State University. Accreditation guarantees that students are provided a quality education per current industry standards, as well as the ability to transfer to another accredited institution.