Program
Description:
The
Engineering Technology Program provides students with skills
in computer aided drafting, surveying (Civil option), Solid
Modeling and CNC Machining (Mechanical option), and other
related skill sets. Rapidly evolving computer technology is
creating new educational and employment opportunities. Our
computer equipment maximizes "hands-on" time for each
student. The Engineering Technology Program combines
laboratory experience with general education and technical
courses. Field trips to manufacturing plants and
construction sites may be arranged during the program.
Related work experience obtained through regular course
work, co-ops, internships, or full or part-time summer jobs
are extremely beneficial.
Students are required to purchase necessary drafting
equipment, textbooks, and reference materials. Grading is
based upon on-the-job standards and a grade point average of
2.00 for each unit and/or the approval of the instructor is
required to permit entry into a following unit. Cooperative
professional/technical education (with local employers) may
be included in the program with advisor approval.
Students choosing to specialize their studies may pick one
of three optional endorsements. In the second year of the
program, students electing not to take the General
(Traditional) Program may direct their study emphasis
towards Geographic Information Systems, Civil or Mechanical
disciplines, which would result in an A.A.S. degree in
Engineering Technology with emphasis in the selected
discipline.
Upon completion of the Engineering Technology A.A.S. degree,
the student will possess technical skills in chosen areas
that may include:
- Computer Aided Drafting using AutoCAD software.
- Civil Drafting
- Surveying
- Architectural Drafting
- Structural Drafting
- Mechanical 3D Design using AutoCAD and Solid Works software.
- CNC Machine Programming
- Geographic Information Systems
In addition to these drafting skills, the student will be
able to demonstrate:
- Oral and written communication skills required in a drafting
office
- Problem solving skills.
A Bachelor of Applied Technology degree or a Bachelor of Applied Science degree is
offered upon completion of the A.A.S. Degree.
- Bachelor’s degrees offer an expanded range of career
opportunities in industry, business, and government.
- Bachelor’s degrees increase opportunities for career
advancement
- Bachelor’s degree is good background for pursuing
technical graduate degrees as well as professional degrees
in business administration, medicine or law.
Graduation from high school or GED diploma required for
admission. Students who have not completed high school or a
GED test and wish to enroll should contact the Office of
Admission.
There are various forms of financial aid. Contact the
financial aid office for more information.
General Employment Description:
Engineering drafters and technicians use the principles and
theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve
technical problems in research and development,
manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and
maintenance. Many engineering technicians specialize in
certain areas, assisting engineers, especially in research
and development (collecting data, product design,
development, or production). Others work in quality control
— inspecting products and processes or conducting tests and
collecting data.
Drafters document or draft design ideas as described to them
by technicians, designers and engineers, often using
computer-aided drafting (CAD) equipment.
Various Local Fields of Employment Include:
Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers to plan
and build highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater
treatment systems, and other structures, and to do related
research. Some estimate construction costs and specify
materials to be used, and some may even prepare drawings or
perform land-surveying duties. Others may set up and monitor
instruments used to study traffic conditions. Employers
include Dept. of Transportation and other federal, regional
or local public departments and private
engineering/surveying firms. There are several employers in
the area or within commuting distance.
Environmental engineering technicians work closely with
environmental/civil engineers in developing methods and
devices used in the prevention, control, or correction of
environmental hazards. They inspect and maintain equipment
affecting air pollution and recycling. Some inspect water
and wastewater treatment systems to ensure that pollution
control requirements are met. Employers include state and
local public facilities and several private engineering
firms. There are a few employers in the area or within
commuting distance, relocation is possible.
Electro-Mechanical engineering technicians combine
fundamental principles of mechanical engineering technology
with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits to
design, develop, test, and manufacture electrical and
computer-controlled mechanical systems. There are a few
employers in the area or within commuting distance,
relocation is possible.
Industrial engineering technicians study the efficient use
of personnel, materials, and machines in factories, stores,
repair shops, and offices. They prepare layouts of machinery
and equipment, plan the flow of work, make statistical
studies, and analyze production costs. Several
manufacturing/production-oriented companies in the area, or
within commuting distance, employ drafters and technicians.
Mechanical engineering technicians help engineers to sketch,
draft, design and complete solid models of parts from
various input sources. Set up and operate a variety of
machine and computer (CNC) tools to produce precision parts
and instruments. Several manufacturing/production-oriented
companies in the area, or within commuting distance, employ
drafters and technicians.
Geographical Information Systems technicians develop and
customize geographic information systems and provide
technical and analytical data. Employers include various
federal, state, and local agencies that manage populated
areas for urban planning and support and private firms with
large areas of land to manage and maintain. Outlook is very
favorable with several companies in the area or within
commuting distance.
Architectural drafting technicians document building details
and layout drawings or light design. Some detail
construction processes, estimate costs and document
materials to be used. There are very few architectural firms
large enough to employ drafters, relocation is probable.
Employment Outlook:
Graduates in most areas of emphasis look forward to a high
rate of employment success. Those that graduate with a Civil
and Mechanical emphasis enjoy 85-95% employment/continued
education rate. Those willing to relocate to outlying
communities (i.e.; Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, Portland,)
increase their employment opportunities and variety.
Job Description for:
Civil Drafter
Drafts detailed construction drawings, topographical
profiles, and related maps and specifications used in
planning and construction of civil engineering projects,
such as highways, river and harbor improvements, flood
control, and drainage: Reviews rough sketches, drawings,
specifications, and other engineering data received from
Civil Engineer. Plot maps and charts showing profiles and
cross-sections, indicating relation of topographical
contours and elevations to buildings, retaining walls,
tunnels, overhead power lines, and other structures. Drafts
detailed drawings of structures and installations, such as
roads, culverts, fresh water supply, sewage disposal
systems, dikes, wharfs, and breakwaters. Compute volume of
tonnage of excavations and fills and prepares graphs and
hauling diagrams used in earthmoving operations. May
accompany survey crew into field to locate grading markers
or to collect data required for revision of construction
drawings. Perform other duties as described under Drafter.
May specialize in drafting and modifying topographical maps
from surveying notes and aerial photographs and be
designated Topographical Drafter. May use computer-assisted
drafting (CAD) equipment and software and be designated,
Civil Drafter. Other “Specialist” positions may be found in
this profession.
Job Activities for:
Civil Drafter
- Add, subtract, multiply, divide and perform basic
algebraic calculations with all units of measure.
- Prepare basic engineering drawings, utilizing the methods
and techniques of drafting technical information.
- Read and understand simple specifications and shop
drawings.
- Read and understand construction plans and specifications.
- Prepare accurate notes and sketches.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in
the English language.
- Work cooperatively with others.
Job Activities for: Senior Drafter/Designer
- Prepare engineering, architectural, and landscape drawings
from sketches, verbal descriptions, specifications, and
legal descriptions.
- Produce neat, precise, well-balanced drawings using
computer-aided equipment.
- Perform mathematical calculations using fractions,
percentages, ratios, proportions, logarithms, algebra,
geometry, and trigonometry.
- Communicate orally in the English language with
supervisors, subordinates, clients, and the public using a
telephone and in face-to-face settings.
- Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces when
conducting field inspections.
- Comprehend and make inferences from material written in
the English language.
- Review drawings completed by clients, subordinates and
others.
Job Activities for:
Senior Drafter/Designer
- Prepare engineering, architectural, and landscape drawings
from sketches, verbal descriptions, specifications, and
legal descriptions.
- Produce neat, precise, well-balanced drawings using
computer-aided equipment.
- Perform mathematical calculations using fractions,
percentages, ratios, proportions, logarithms, algebra,
geometry, and trigonometry.
- Communicate orally in the English language with
supervisors, subordinates, clients, and the public using a
telephone and in face-to-face settings
- Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces when
conducting field inspections.
- Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the
English language.
- Review drawings completed by clients, subordinates and
others.
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Job Description for:
Surveying Technicians
Transport, adjust and operate field surveying instruments, such as the theodolite,
total stations, global positioning, and land-sat equipment. As well as compile notes,
make sketches and enter data into computers. May split time between outdoor and
indoor activities.
Job Activities for:
Surveying Technicians
- Getting Information -- Observing, sketching, receiving, and otherwise obtaining
information from all relevant sources.
- Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing,
or maintaining information in written or electronic (magnetic/digital) form. These
may include legal descriptions, field information, etc.
- Controlling Machines and Processes -- Using either control mechanisms or direct
physical activity to operate machines or processes (in addition to computers and
vehicles).
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing,
sketching, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in
circumstances or events.
- Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating,
auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates -- Providing information to
supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail or
in person.
- Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require
considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body. Travel across rough,
uneven or rocky surfaces when conducting field work. This may include climbing, lifting,
balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates -- Providing guidance and direction
to subordinates, including setting performance standards, project set-up and monitoring
performance.
- Collecting Field Data – Using field surveying instruments in performing location,
topography, cross-section, property boundary and other related tasks.
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Job Description for:
Mechanical Drafters
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and
mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and
other engineering information.
Job Activities for:
Mechanical Drafters
- Sketching, Drafting, Laying Out, and
Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment --
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or
specifications to tell others about how devices, parts,
equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed,
assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Getting Information -- Observing, sketching and otherwise
obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying
information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing
differences or similarities and detecting changes in
circumstances or events.
- Handling and Moving Objects -- Using hands and arms in
handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and
manipulating things.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with
Standards -- Using relevant information and individual
judgment to determine whether events or processes comply
with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Communicating with Supervisors or peers -- Providing
information to supervisors and co-workers by telephone, in
written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date
with technology and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organization --
Communicating with people outside the organization,
representing the organization to customers, the public,
government, and other external sources. This information can
be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or
e-mail.
- Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing,
calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information
or data. -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons,
or facts of information by breaking down information or data
into separate parts.
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Job Description for:
Mechanical Designers/Machinists
Sketch, draft and complete solid models of
parts from various input sources. Set up and operate a
variety of machine and computer (CNC) tools to produce
precision parts and instruments. Includes precision
instruments to fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical
instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or
repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines.
Possess knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal
properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Job Activities for:
Mechanical Designers/Machinists
- Confer, by various means, with engineers,
supervisors, clients, subordinates and manufacturing
personnel in order to exchange technical information.
Support projects from planning and fabrication through
assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of
machine functions, material properties and mathematics.
- Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, and engineering
information in order to determine methods and sequences of
operations needed to fabricate products, and determine
product dimensions and tolerances.
- Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product
appearance. Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock in order
to display placement of cuts.
- Prepare solid models of fixtures, tooling, and experimental
parts to meet special engineering needs. Program computers
and electronic instruments such as Computer Numerically
Controlled machine (CNC) tools.
- Operate numerical control programs in order to design, check
and ensure that new programs or machinery will function
properly, and that output will meet specifications. Using
hand tools and power tools, in order to examine parts for
defects and replace defective parts where needed.
- Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools,
attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines. Check
work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated and
cooled.
- Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools
and many specialized or advanced variation tools in order to
perform precision machining operations.
- Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of
mathematics and instruments such as calculators, computers,
micrometers and calipers.
- Set controls to regulate machining, or enter commands to
retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control (CNC)
equipment. Machine parts to specifications using machine
tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or
grinders.
- Maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of
mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and
machining procedures.
- Measure, examine, and test completed units in order to
detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications,
using precision instruments such as micrometers.
- Install experimental parts and assemblies such as hydraulic
systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, and batteries into
machines and mechanisms. Install repaired parts into
equipment, or install new equipment.
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining
process. Observe and listen to operating machines or
equipment in order to diagnose machine malfunctions and to
determine need for adjustments or repairs.
- Test experimental models under simulated operating
conditions for such purposes as development,
standardization, and feasibility of design.
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Job Description for:
Architectural Drafters
Prepare detailed drawings of
architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures
according to specifications provided by architect.
Job Activities for:
Architectural Drafters
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other
technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural
designs.
- Operate computer-aided drafting equipment or conventional drafting station to produce
designs, working drawings, charts, forms and records.
- Coordinate structural, electrical and mechanical designs and determine a method of
presentation in order to graphically represent building plans.
- Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to
compile measurements as necessary.
- Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings and structures, based
on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and
other data.
- Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted
drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
- Supervise, coordinate, and inspect the work of draftspersons, technicians, and technologists
on construction projects.
- Represent architect on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications
and advising on design corrections, under architect's supervision.
- Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.
- Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications
and quantity of required materials.
- Analyze technical implications of architect's design concept, calculating weights, volumes,
and stress factors.
- Create freehand drawings and lettering to accompany drawings.
- Prepare colored drawings of landscape and interior designs for presentation to client.
- Reproduce drawings on copy machines or revise and plot drawings using computer equipment.
- Prepare cost estimates, contracts, bidding documents and technical reports for specific
projects under an architect's supervision.
- Calculate heat loss and gain of buildings and structures to determine required equipment
specifications, following standard procedures.
- Build landscape, architectural and display models.
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Job Description for:
Geographic Information Technician
Geographic information systems technicians develop and customize geographic
information systems and provide technical and analytical support to address issues
such as environmental management, exploration and mining, land ownership and titles,
urban and regional planning, utilities and asset management, and demographic
marketing.
Job Activities for:
Geographic Information Technician
- Operate computer workstation to update maps as new data is received relative to new
subdivisions, developments, capital improvement projects, zoning requirements, and other project.
- Maintains and updates databases using GIS computer aided drafting and other software.
- Develops and maintains links between various databases.
- Conducts mapping research, in the field and in the office, to resolve conflicting information
and ensure the accuracy of the data.
- Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times,
streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality
seamless customer service.
- Knowledge of geography, symbols and terminology used in civil, architectural or
electronic engineering drawings.
- GIS software, such as ArcView, ArcEdit, and ArcInfo.
- Become familiar with industry specific (such as water and wastewater or planning and
zoning) terminology and symbols.
- Read and interpret legal descriptions.
- Communicate and work with peers, clients, and the public.
- Use graphic instructions such as blueprints, layouts or other visual aids.
- Read and use zoning maps, quarter-section maps, plat maps, land use maps, single
line maps, and aerial maps.
- Perform mathematical calculations using algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces when conducting field inspections or
performing survey work.
- Enter data into a computer terminal, PC, or other keyboard device requiring
continuous or repetitive arm-hand-eye movement.
- Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
- Perceive color as defined by the Inter Society Color Council-National Bureau
of Standards system.
- Perform fine hand movements in the accurate use of drafting instruments.
- Present facts clearly and accurately in graphic form.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in the English
language.
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