Computer Aided Design
General Information
The Technical Design program is designed to provide skills and knowledge in a variety of computer aided design (CAD) software including CATIA version 5, Solid Works and AutoCAD. Skills learned in this program are taught using applied methods where training is practical and hands-on.
Everett Community College offers a number of pathways toward technical careers, using stackable certificates and degrees. The first level, for students seeking entry into the technical world would be the Manufacturing Pre-Employment Certificate, a credential that would allow one to work in entry-level manufacturing. The next level up would be to take classes leading to a Skills-Oriented Certificate. And for those seeking a higher level of education, and the job skills and responsibilities that go with it, EvCC offers skills-oriented ATA Degrees. Everett Community College offers a two-year degree as well as a certificate of proficiency.
Associate in Technical Arts Degree in Technical Design (CAD) 
Information Sessions held Thursday at 3:00 - 4:00 pm Index Room 109 on May 23 and June 20, no RSVP needed. To receive a parking pass, email Annette Floyd at afloyd@everettcc.edu for infomation call 425-388-9562.
Program Information
The technical core classes at EvCC have been structured to offer instruction in both 2D and 3D perspectives. Two classes in AutoCAD are currently offered for lessons in two dimensional representations, and include instruction in the way in which engineering drawings are laid out, as well as instruction in the basic and some of the more advanced design tools contained in the software.
Three classes are offered in Solid Works, the first examining the basics involved in three dimensional representation, and the second exploring the use of dimensions, tolerances, and geometric tolerances. The third course examines certain industry specific protocols like flat patterns and weldments, and incorporates a module creating 3D models to build something on a 3-axis bench mill available at the college.
Two courses are also offered in CATIA, version 5, for those students seeking instruction on this popular CAD software. An eighth CAD course is project based and may incorporate the use of any of these software platforms. And finally, a course is offered in general computer literacy, to ensure that students are familiar with the Microsoft Office Suite.
It is recommend that students entering the program be comfortable with general computer use and file management, it is strongly recommended that you take a class like DEVED 096 before enrolling in any of the computer based classes in this program. If you are not certain that CAD is the career for you, you might start by taking ENG T 100, ENG T 101 and perhaps another general education class selected from the curriculum guide - these classes may help you answer this question.
Career Opportunities
Technical designers use Computer Aided Design (CAD) in industry for a number of purposes and may do this in the traditional two-dimensional world or in the more revealing three-dimensional world. For example, the floor layout of a manufacturing plant might be made from a bird's eye view perspective, which might be best served with a 2-D plan view. Or, the swing path of a curved door might be best modeled in 3-D so the opening and closing path can be viewed from many perspectives - to more clearly see potential interferences.
Beginning salaries in CAD range from $30,000 to $45,000 per year, while more experienced technical designers will receive salaries from $45,000 to $60,000 per year. To prepare students for these careers, the curriculum was designed to meet these program outcomes:
- Solve technical mathematical problems
- Utilize basic engineering graphics with 2D CAD
- Create multi-view drawings using 2D and 3D CAD
- Create assembly drawings from 3D models
- Create complex surfaced part models using 3D CAD
- Design for producability and manufacturing ease
- Document technical activities in written and verbal reports
- Be prepared for successful employment
Advanced Training Options
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Information Technology and Administrative Management (ITAM) is designed to give students with two-year applied or technical degrees the opportunity to advance their careers by furthering their education. This dynamic program adds the business component to the technical knowledge area to make the student more marketable in their knowledge area. Continue your education in Everett, in-person and online course work available. Contact Terry at linklett@cwu.edu for more information.
Program Advisors
For specific guidance about this certificate contact the instructor/adviser links in the right bar.
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