Skills USA is a nationwide organization; it is also a club at College of Western Idaho. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to enhance their technical and leadership skills. In Skills USA, college students can...
CWI Drafting Technology
Overview
Does designing and creating with computer models interest you? Well, look no further than CWI’s Drafting Technology program to get on track to your new career. In this program, you will learn to design a variety of practical projects using the latest 3-D-modeling software and 3-D printers. Our outstanding instructors will provide you with an enjoyable environment to develop and hone your skills.
Mission
CWI’s Drafting Technology program prepares students to design practical architectural and engineering-based projects with the latest 3D-modeling software.
Why This Program
The Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) is a two year degree designed to prepare drafters for the workplace. Embedded into the curriculum is an industry-certified exam which acts as a testament to the competent skill set students have achieved as they enter into the workforce.
The Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) takes approximately 16 months to complete. This curriculum provides students experience in beginning-to-intermediate level drafting software.
The Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC) takes approximately 12 months to complete and introduces the basics of computer-aided drafting.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Translate ideas and designs into complete and accurate working plans
- Prepare mechanical, architectural, civil, and structural drawing using both conventional and computer-assisted techniques
- Understand general engineering and architectural procedures
- Design and “draw” in the latest AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Revit software
- Develop and understand the integration of communications, physics, and math-related skills in the workplace
- Use reference catalogs and codes to appropriately specify means and methods into projects
- Write a resume, search for a job, and interview effectively
Clubs
Additional Opportunities
Along with the general drafting curriculum, students in the CWI Drafting Technology program have opportunities for integrated field trips, internships, tutoring programs, and extra-curricular activities. Recent field trips have included tours to LEED-certified buildings, construction sites, straw-bale homes, and local engineering firms that incorporate Building Information Modeling. An example of a drafting internship would be to assist in the installation of a solar thermal system in an area residence. The Drafting program avidly participates in extra-curricular activities such as Skills U.S.A., STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and a number of regional career fairs.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Drafting Technology - Associate of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
Important Dates for Credit Programs
Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins1 | N/A | April 10 | Nov. 13, 2023 | |
Open Registration Begins | Feb. 27 | April 17 | Nov. 20, 2023 | |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | July 29 | Dec. 16, 2023 | |
Admission Deadline2 | May 27 | Aug. 12 | Jan. 6 | |
Last Day to Register for Classes | June 2 | Aug. 18 | Jan. 12 | |
Tuition and Fees Due | June 2 | Aug. 18 | Jan. 12 | |
Classes Begin3 | June 5 | Aug. 21 | Jan. 16 | |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time. | ||||
2 The admission deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines for the fall and spring semesters. | ||||
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the Registration and Refund Deadlines by Class Section Dates (located beneath each semester) of the Academic Calendar for more information. |
Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes
- Exactness and precise attention to detail
- Interest in the latest technologies
- Mechanical aptitude
- Solid background in math and science
- Keyboard proficiency and computer exposure
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to be bonded
- Aptitude and interest about how things work or fit together
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWI 101) is the first semester student success course designed to help CWI students become engaged members of the academic community and cultivate habits for lifelong achievement and success. Each semester, students can select from a variety of themes. More information about next semesters CWI 101 themes
Transfer
Look beyond your degree at CWI and plan for continuing your education by working closely with CWI advising and representatives of your intended transfer school. Planning before you transfer can save you time and money. Visit Transfer Information for more information or contact One Stop Student Services.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professions
- Drafter
- Draftsman
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Architectural Designer
- Industrial Designer
- Graphic Artist
- Illustrator
- Welding
- Construction Management
- Machinist
Drafting work is exciting and challenging. As a drafting graduate, you will be prepared for a wide variety of entry level technical positions and be equipped with the skills needed for advancement.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

College of Western Idaho Drafting Technology program graduate, Chris Sinsel, is making a name for himself in the landscaping technology world.

The Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.

Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.

Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.
Career & Technical Education
- Administrative Specialist
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Drafting Technology
- Education, Early Childhood
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Service Technology
- Heavy Duty Truck Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Horticulture Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Machine Tool Technology
- Marketing Communications
- Medical Administrative Support
- Medical Assistant - Credit
- Network and System Administration
- Nursing, Practical
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology
- Software Development
- Surgical Technology
- Swift Programming
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management