How long will it take to complete the program?

It depends on the program you select.  The training ranges from short-term training classes to as much as 4 years should you elect to pursue a B.S. at a four-year university.

What career possibilities are available after graduation?

In addition to information provided here, see Careers In Architecture by the American Institute Architects (AIA).

There are a variety of options available to individuals, including:

• Chief drafters - assign tasks to other drafters and oversee the overall activity of the project.
• Design drafters - take information receive from engineers or architects and translate it into design concepts and layouts.
• Detailers - use design layouts to create complete drawings of the product or part.
• Checkers - examine drawings to check for errors in computation.
• Assistant drafters (tracers) - make corrections and trace the drawings on transparent cloth, paper, or plastic to prepare them for reproduction.

There are also specialties available in different fields. Examples are:

• Commercial drafters - do all-around drafting.
• Civil drafters - make drawings, maps and specification sheets for civil engineering projects.
  • topographical drafters - draft topographical maps from sources such as aerial photographs and surveying notes
  • cartographic drafters - draw surveyor maps that show rivers, roads, cities, businesses, etc..
• Electrical drafters - draw schematics and wiring diagrams for electrical systems.
  • Electronic drafters - draw wiring diagrams, schematics, and detail and assemble drawings for those who manufacture, install, assemble and repair electronic components and equipment.
• Mechanical drafters - make drawings of machinery, tools and mechanical devices.
• Heating and ventilating drafters - draw plans for heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation equipment.
  • Refrigeration drafters - draw plans for refrigeration equipment.
• Geological drafters - draw maps, diagrams, profiles, and cross sections to show the location of oil and gas deposits.
  • Architectural drafters - draw plans for the functional, artistic, and structural elements of buildings.
  • Structural drafters - draw plans for building and construction elements like bridges and roof trusses.
  • Landscape drafters - draw plans from the site plans of landscape architects.
• Marine drafters -draw the structural and mechanical features of docks, ships, and marine buildings and equipment.
• Patent drafters - draw details of new inventions.

What type of salary can I expect after completion of a certificate or AA degree?

Salaries range from $8.50 to $25.00 an hour depending on experience.

Does the college provide job placement services? If so, what are those services?

Yes.  Visit our job placement center in the Career Guidance Center.  Our instructors also assist by providing direct links to employers.