The Computer-Aided Design and Drafting career pathway prepares students for challenging and interesting careers in drafting and related careers in the fields of architecture and construction, manufacturing, surveying and engineering.
TRCES member high school programs align with the Computer Aided Design and Drafting Program at Lincoln land Community College and John Wood Community College.
Employment in CAD / Drafting may be in a wide range of fields such as architectural or civil drafter, mechanical drafter, and electrical or electronics drafter. Earnings may range from a median annual income of $46,000 for an architectural drafter to $52,000 for an electrical drafter. Salaries may range from $29,000-$80,000 a year.
TRCES member schools with CAD / Drafting programs are:
Beardstown High School
Jacksonville High School
Meredosia-Chambersburg High School
Virginia High School
Winchester High School
Xello provides additional career information that will be helpful in planning a career pathway. If you have not yet used Xello, it will be helpful to talk with your school counselor for free access to this valuable online career planning tool.
Additional Resources
Early College Credit may be earned at Lincoln Land Community College if you successfully complete TRCES courses and meet applicable requirements.
SkillsUSA Illinois is a partnership of students, educators, and business partners working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.
Illinois Drafting Educators Association is a professional non-profit organization with a mission of advancing the design and drafting occupation through education.
Manufacturing careers provide a wide range of job opportunities including the processing of materials into products, planning, managing, and providing technical support such as maintenance and manufacturing/process engineering. Strong employability skills often referred to as “soft skills” along with increasing requirements for solid math, science and technical skills are important in pursuing a career in manufacturing. Related careers include health, safety and environmental assurance, logistics and inventory control, and quality assurance.
The manufacturing industry involves many career pathways that also involve business operations, marketing, printing, and the development and application of technology related to product and process design.
Learn about various careers in manufacturing from the below linked videos produced by the Technology & Manufacturing Association
Employment in manufacturing has been greatly impacted by the global economy. Replacement of manufacturing workers accounts for job opportunities along with a growing need for workers with technical skills.