Study and gain the skills you need to enter an exciting career in drafting. In just one year, you can earn a drafting certificate that will start you on your way to a variety of career options – from a Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) operator to a designer. You’ll learn basic drafting techniques in our technical drafting courses, as well as how to produce two-dimensional drawings in our CAD classes.
Why Earn a Certificate in Drafting?
There are numerous career options for drafters. Earn a drafting certificate and you’ll stand out above the rest to gain entry-level positions as a CAD operator, drafter or designer. Once you land the job, you will have an opportunity to work alongside a team of architects and engineers to develop drawings and plans to design everything from commercial and residential buildings to products and automotive parts and more!
Why Earn a Certificate in Drafting at San Juan College?
Two Drafting Degree Programs
In one year, you will have the skills needed to begin your career as a drafter, CAD operator or designer. After earning your drafting certificate, SJC can help you advance your education and increase your earning potential in the job market through two drafting degree program options:
- Civil Drafting and Design Technology, AAS: Develop specialized skills in civil, map and topographical drafting. You’ll learn about building materials, engineering practices and mathematics to complete drawings.
- Mechanical Drafting and Design Engineering, AAS: Expand your expertise in manufacturing and engineering technology. You will become proficient in creating drawings using CAD.
Hands-On Learning
At SJC, you will become job-ready! You will get hands-on experience completing class projects on some of the same technology/software that industries and businesses utilize. In addition, you may qualify to participate in internship opportunities, where you will gain real-world experience.
The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
Explore your creativity and design projects utilizing state-of-the-art technology. You will have the opportunity to explore innovative ideas with other students who share in similar interests. Students receive free memberships at The Big Idea Makerspace @ SJC.
Affordable Option
SJC's low tuition rates makes the Drafting Certificate a great option for you. It's a great investment into your future career. You may even qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You’ll Learn in SJC’s Drafting Certificate Program
SJC’s drafting certificate program will provide you with the fundamentals of technical drawing, which will include dimensioning, shape description and geometric construction. In your courses, you’ll study:
- Technical Drafting
- Materials and Processes
- Computer-Aided Drafting
- Business Microcomputer Applications
Drafting Certificate Curriculum
Transfer Options
After completing the Drafting Certificate program, you can continue to build on your skills by transferring to one of SJC’s Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology, Civil Drafting and Design Technology or Small Unmanned Aerial Systems programs. Learn more by speaking to your advisor.
Careers and Outcomes
The field of drafting provides rewarding careers in a variety of industries. As seasoned drafters continue to advance, there will be a consistent need for new graduates to enter the job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for drafters in 2021 was $60,290.
Our certificate graduates find positions as:
- CAD Operators
- Designers
- Drafters
Our certificate graduates have found employment at:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- PESCO, Inc.| Process Equipment & Services Co.
Next Steps
Take the next step toward your drafting career by applying to San Juan College now. It’s easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our Drafting Certificate.
