At Northeast Community College, our Drafting programs are designed with flexibility in mind—allowing you to choose the path that aligns with your interests, timeline, and career goals. Whether you're just starting out or ready to specialize, you can pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in architectural, structural, or mechanical drafting. Throughout the program, you'll learn to create detailed working drawings used across various industries, while building proficiency in a range of CAD software. Core instruction focuses on essential drafting techniques, including print reading, quality standards, and problem-solving skills. Once successfully completing the program, students will know a variety of CAD programs that will help them not only with their focused concentration, but all trades of drafting. Students will have the knowledge and confidence to bring new skills to industry.
Why Students Choose This Program
Students can choose how far they want to go—certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Whether students want to enter the workforce quickly or pursue more in-depth training in a specialized area like architectural, mechanical, or structural drafting, the programs are designed to help students meet their goals.
Northeast’s Drafting program gives students direct experience with the latest tools and technologies used in today’s design and engineering industries. You'll train with six industry-recognized CAD programs—AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla, SDS/2, Inventor, and SolidWorks—giving you a competitive edge in a wide range of drafting careers. The program also includes hands-on work with 3D printing and scanning, as well as Bluebeam Revu to deepen your understanding of print reading and digital workflows.
Small class sizes and expert instructors provide personalized attention. Students benefit from faculty with real-world experience who guide them with foundational knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities. The Drafting program is set up for all levels of CAD experience coming into the program. No matter the level of knowledge a student may have entering in the program, instructors guide and challenge them every step of the way. The primary goal is student success.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
Hands-on learning is core to the Drafting programs. In the first semester, you’ll learn the fundamentals of drafting and CAD software in state-of-the-art labs using the latest versions of AutoCAD and other industry-recognized design tools. As you progress, you’ll take on real-world projects that involve precise measurement and critical thinking—such as field measuring homes, taking elevation points, and using calipers to measure parts. These projects help you master scales, tolerances, and codes, all while creating professional-quality models and working drawings.
You’ll also collaborate with students in other technical programs—like welding, construction, criminal justice, and manufacturing—building the soft skills and teamwork experience valued by employers.
Hands-on projects vary by concentration, but some examples include:
- Designing walk-throughs, drawings, and 3D models for Building Construction Auction Homes
- Creating layouts for the Criminal Justice Crime House and Drafting Student Houses
- Producing working drawings of weldments for the Welding Department
- Participating in the Popsicle Bridge Competition, SkillsUSA, and a collaborative Corn Maze Project
- Using surveying equipment, 3D printers, and 3D scanners
- Creating DXF files and cutting metal signs in collaboration with the Diversified Manufacturing Technology program
Plus, you can join the SkillsUSA team which is a great way to get involved, expand your skills, and take part in special projects that showcase your creativity and teamwork.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills, including:
- CAD Drafting
- Engineering Materials and Processes
- Estimating for Construction
Program Details
- Drafting Diploma: The drafting diploma develops an understanding of materials used in construction, estimating for construction and an increased proficiency in CAD. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry level employment with architectural and engineering firms, general contractors, material suppliers, structural fabricators, or modular and component manufactures of buildings. All of the course work will apply to the associate of applied science degrees.
- Drafting Certificate: The drafting certificate provides interactive training in basic drafting technique, plan reading and CAD in order to gain the entry-level skills necessary to begin a career in the drafting field - with these skills, they will be able to begin employment as a drafting clerk or as a junior drafter. All the course work will apply to both the diploma and the associate of applied science degrees.
- Drafting: Architectural, AAS: The Architectural Drafting program trains students to develop detailed working drawings for use in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. The program centers on the basic techniques of drafting – line work, lettering, and problem solving – and freehand sketching and calculations for measurements, columns, site preparation, energy needs and cost analysis. Successful graduates may find employment with architectural and engineering firms, general contractors, material suppliers, structural fabricators, or modular and component manufacturers of residential buildings.
- Drafting: Mechanical, AAS: The Mechanical Drafting program trains students in 3D solid modeling, simulation, prototype, and documentation creation to produce parts and assemblies in multiple industries including machinery, manufacturing, heavy equipment, consumer products, and medical devices. Students will take classes covering the fundamentals of engineering drawings, theory of design process, rapid prototyping, and learn multiple CAD software applications. Students will take courses offered by the Machining and Manufacturing Automation program and work side-by-side with manufacturing students participating in hands-on exercises and today's manufacturing technologies. Successful graduates may find employment in a variety of industries. Job titles may include CAD Drafter, Mechanical Drafter, Design Drafter, Design Specialist, Engineering Technician, Design Technician, CAD Designer, CAD Technician, and CAD Operator.
- Drafting Certificate: Mechanical: The mechanical drafting certificate provides a basic understanding of print reading and the design process as well as an introduction to CAD using 2D AutoCAD. Graduates with a certificate will be able to begin employment as a drafting clerk or junior drafter. All the course work will apply to both the diploma and the associate of applied science. All coursework in the Drafting Certificate- Mechanical program will apply as full credit towards the Drafting Associate of Applied Science Degree, the Associate of Arts Degree, or the Associate of Science Degree.
- Drafting Diploma: Mechanical: The mechanical drafting diploma develops a basic understanding of the design drafting process, materials, and theory of the manufacturing processes used in industry. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry level employment in the mechanical drafting fields. Students will take the "CSWA" exam and become a Certified SolidWorks Associate upon completion of the Diploma. All of the course work will apply to associate of applied science degree. All coursework in the Drafting Diploma – Mechanical program will apply as full credit towards the Drafting Associate of Applied Science Degree, the Associate of Arts Degree, or the Associate of Science Degree.
- Drafting: Structural, AAS: In the Structural Drafting program, you will learn how to develop detailed working drawings for use in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. The program centers on the basic techniques of drafting — linework, lettering, and problem solving, and freehand sketching and calculations for measurements, volumes, site preparation, energy needs, and cost analysis. Successful graduates may find employment with architectural and engineering firms, general contractors, material suppliers, manufacturers and structural fabricators.
- Drafting Diploma: 1 year (32 credits)
- Drafting Diploma: Mechanical: 1 semester (16 credits)
- Drafting Certificate: 1 semester (16 credits)
- Drafting Certificate: Mechanical: 1 year (30 credits)
- Drafting: Architectural, AAS: 2 years (67 credits)
- Drafting: Structural, AAS: 2 years (65 credits)
Courses are offered in-person.
Enrollment in this program is limited and based on the date of completed requirements for acceptance into this program.
Melanie McManigal, Timberlyne
Josh Harrell, PDM Precast
Chad Hoeppner, Homestead Homes
Anthony Fehringer, Vulcraft
Jake Hunke, Schnackel Engineers
Andy Benesch, Heritage Homes
Brett McCarthy, Alvine Engineering
Nicole Postello, Empirical Foods, Inc.
Leanne Ritter, Advanced Consulting Engineering Services
Les Swanson, Bullseye Fire Sprinkler, Inc.
Brandon Hamilton, Nucor Detailing Center
Seth Lange, Olsson Associates
Kimm Klute, Klute Inc.
Kelli Bisson, Interstates
Kira Buol, NIM
Ben Hoffmann, Central Confinement Service LLC
Doug Burkink, Davis Design
Rebecca Munson, Norfolk Public High School
