| Computer Aided Design | | | | overall effectiveness of the technology, many |
| Computer aided drafting and design technology helps | | | | companies elect to employ operators in their creative |
| drafters, designers and architects develop innovation | | | | departments as well as the research and |
| creations through the use of computers and software. | | | | development area of the business. |
| So rather than relying on traditional materials such as | | | | Employment in Drafting and Design |
| pencils, paper and rules, these professionals can utilize | | | | Employment opportunities in CAD are abundant for |
| three-dimensional models that look far more realistic on | | | | both men and women. This field arms them for |
| a computer screen. These models cannot only reveal | | | | lucrative careers as CAD operators in areas such as |
| potential problems in a particular design, but also | | | | engineering, construction, and manufacturing among |
| provide valuable insight that encourages improvements. | | | | others. Because all construction projects and |
| The use of this technology can dramatically reduce the | | | | manufactured items are typically required to be |
| time required to create blueprints and layouts. It can | | | | designed and drawn before production begins, the |
| also add much more efficiency to projects that involve | | | | need for highly skilled drafting and design personnel has |
| building a home or developing a wide range of | | | | increased tremendously. In fact, almost every major |
| consumable products. | | | | industry and government sector has a need for trained |
| CAD Education | | | | operators. |
| To obtain an education in CAD drafting and design, a | | | | According to predictions made by the United States |
| student is typically required to complete specialized | | | | Department of Labor, the employment of CAD |
| courses at an accredited college or university. While | | | | operators is expected to increase from 10 to 20% |
| other schools such as community colleges and | | | | through the year 2010. This projected growth can be |
| technical institutions provide certification programs, | | | | attributed to industrial evolution and the increasingly |
| several hiring companies require a bachelors degree in | | | | complex design issues that come along with |
| order to even consider a graduate for employment. | | | | manufacturing processes and the consistent launch of |
| Fortunately, the prevalence of the internet and the | | | | new products. Today's operators are starting to break |
| ability to obtain a degree online has made this easier | | | | free of the traditional role to perform work that was |
| than ever before. | | | | mainly done by only engineers and architects. This level |
| Role of the CAD Operator | | | | of diversity is a great indicator that the demand for |
| A CAD operator is primarily responsible for converting | | | | drafting and design specialists will continue to increase. |
| concepts, specifications and instructions into | | | | CAD drafting and design helps architects and |
| comprehensive strategies and details. His or her | | | | engineers develop accurate and professional looking |
| expertise is often used to aid in the creation of | | | | drawings for developers and business owners. Hiring |
| machinery, equipment and the structure of various | | | | an experienced CAD designer saves design |
| products. Much of the drafting and design is done using | | | | professionals time and increasing production, reducing |
| CAD programs and other software applications. The | | | | costs to the client and increasing profits for the |
| CAD operator has become an integral part of today's | | | | architect and engineer. |
| business economy. Due to the cost efficiency and | | | | |