The Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) skill standards were developed by the National Council for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM) in 1997. Updated in 1999 by NACFAM, these standards were reviewed and validated by Texas State Technical College (TSTC) industry advisory committees in 2003.  TSTC’s industry advisory committee members assisted in the review of the skill standards and recommended their use to TSTC in curriculum development.

Importance to Texas

CADD consultants may work in construction or manufacturing. They prepare architectural drawings, wiring and assembly diagrams, and diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices. According to occupational profiles presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), mechanical drafters earn an average hourly wage of $23.13; electronics drafters earn an average hourly wage of $23.42; and architectural and civil drafters earn an average hourly wage of $18.89. Combined, the occupations are expected to remain somewhat steady in numbers, with most of the openings per year expected to be generated due to replacement rather than growth.

Of the industries that typically employ CADD consultants, state employment projections indicate that the construction industry is expected to grow at a rate of almost 23% between 2004 and 2014, with manufacturing expected to grow at a more modest rate of 7%.

TSSB Recognition

The TSSB recognized these skill standards at its July 15, 2003 meeting at the request of TSTC’s technical advisory committee, indicating that the standards “represent the skill needs of Texas employers and determine industry training needs.”