Computer Aided Drafting and Design

Computer Aided Drafting and Design

Our Computer Aided Drafting and Design program is now 100% online!

In our Computer Aided Drafting and Design program, you will receive AutoCAD training, Revit and SolidWorks training, and much more, in as few as 12 months. And we've just reduced tuition for this program!

Computer Aided Drafting and Design Infographic

Fast Facts

You can choose from two education delivery options currently offered at select campuses:

  • 100% online program
    Online program offered in CT through our Waterbury location and in MA through our Chicopee location
  • Graduates earn a diploma
  • Program Length: 12 months

Get Started Today

How/When to Apply

We start new sessions on a regular basis.
Next Start Date: October 23, 2023

At Porter and Chester Institute, we're making it easier than ever for you to enroll using our automated application portal. Upload your documents and start the financial aid process without the hassle of drawn-out application processes. And our admissions staff is still available to help you every step of the way. Taking control of your career just got easier!

Apply Online Now

Delivery of Online Instruction

  • Classes are 100% online, to be completed on your own schedule
  • You'll need to reserve 25-30 hours per week for educational activities and study
  • First week includes acclimation to the systems and laptop

Is a Career in Computer Technology Right for You?

Take the "PCI Computer Technology Career Training Readiness Quiz"

The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Get your Computer Technology Career Training Readiness score now!

From Our Blog

WHAT KINDS OF JOBS CAN YOU GET WITH CAD TRAINING?

Almost everything around you started off with a design that was produced on a computer. Bridges, cars, buildings, and even spacecraft all start with a plan...

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HOW HARD IS IT TO LEARN REVIT AND IS IT WORTH IT?

In the early days of architecture and engineering, drafters would draw building blueprints and machine models by hand. Now, those industries use computer...

Read more

How Can I Afford It?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Our team of Educational Funding Specialists will work with you to determine what you’re eligible for and how to pay for school.

There are federal, institutional and private programs that can make your career training more affordable, as well as grant and scholarship opportunities that may be available to you.

Financial Aid

Will I Get A Job?

While employment is not guaranteed, our Career Service Advisors are dedicated to helping you find the right job for you! We'll help you with your job search, and also with resume and cover letter writing, and interviewing skills.

Career Services

Why PCI?

If you want to start building a career in Computer Aided Drafting and Design, here are a few reasons to choose Porter and Chester Institute!

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Computer Drafting Software:
At Porter and Chester Institute, you’ll learn by doing, working with the same quality software that is used in professional architecture and engineering departments. You’ll work with programs like AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Revit, and you’ll also learn the fundamentals of design, construction, and manufacturing so that you understand the practical application of what you are designing with software.

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2D and 3D Computer Drafting and Design Techniques:
Gain experience with 2D and 3D drafting techniques, including parametric modeling. A parametric model allows you to change a single feature of a model, while its other components adjust accordingly to maintain consistency between elements. Parametric modeling is a must-have skill for professional computer drafters and designers.

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Qualified Instructors:
All our instructors are Computer Aided Drafting and Design professionals. They have actually worked in the field - so you benefit from their real-world knowledge.

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Job Outlook:
Today, everything seems to be generated on a computer before it moves into production. That’s why your newly acquired skills could be such an asset in the job market. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, about 18,900 openings for Drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

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Career Outcomes:
The Computer Aided Drafting and Design training program gives you the fundamental drafting skills necessary for entry-level employment. Typical entry-level job titles are detailer, drafter, junior designer, and CAD operator.

After you gain entry-level experience, you may specialize in one of these CADD fields:

  • Architectural structures (homes, buildings)
  • Mechanical equipment (tools, machinery)
  • Space and aeronautics
  • Boats and ships
  • Mechanical systems design
  • Industrial design
     
Watch to Learn More

Porter and Chester Institute graduate Lexi is enjoying her new career as a production technician and designer at Siftex. She uses AutoCad and Solidworks and loves the variety of the industry. Watch her success story!

Watch to see how computer aided drafting and design is used in a variety of industries.

On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education” podcast, we speak with Bill Walker, Manager of Wood Products Division at National Lumber about the vital role of CADD designers in the building and estimating process.