Drafters make detailed drawings of buildings, products, and machinery from sketches and specifications conceived by engineers, architects and designers.
Internships
with local firms are available for students enrolled in MECC’s Computer-Aided Drafting and Design program.
Advancement
Your ability and willingness to work, coupled with a desire to continue training, will provide you with opportunities for advancement.
Employers want Computer-Aided Drafting and Design employees who:
- Possess an interest in computer operations.
- Possess an ability to become involved in complex and interesting CAD software programs.
- Possess an ability to analyze a problem and logically design a solution.
Employment Outlook:
- Employment availability is excellent.
- Employment projections for the next ten years show a major increase due to highway construction and bridge building.
- Employment may involve mechanical, civil, or architectural design.
- Positions on survey crews or as inspectors for highway and bridge construction are additional
employment opportunities.
Salary
Entry-level CAD operators can expect a beginning wage of $8.00 to $11.00 per hour, depending on location and the type of company.
Median annual earnings are $31,000 to $56,000.
Student Spotlight
 |
Richard Hamilton, a graduate of MECC’s Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Program, is a mapper at Tuck Engineering in Big Stone Gap, VA. |
Professional Organizations
You will find other MECC graduates at:
Appalachian Tech Services,
Maxim Engineering,
Thompson + Litton,
Eastman Chemical Company,
Tuck Mapping Solutions,
Virginia Department of Transportation
Contact MECC 
