For every manufactured part or product, there are drawings that describe its physical shape completely and accurately. These drawings communicate engineering concepts to manufacturing. CAD drafters and designers work with engineers to translate ideas, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations into working drawings which are used in making products. As industry needs expand and technology becomes increasingly complex, more companies rely on skilled CAD drafters to interpret the ideas of engineers and designers. Students use Pro/ENGINEER and SolidWorks software.

Program Objective

• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree Awarded
• 4 semesters-2 academic years
• 60 weeks-65 Semester Credits

The Product Design & Engineering Technology program provides experience in creating the CAD drawings required to describe the design of mechanical products. It combines the necessary skill training, mathematics, and technical knowledge to prepare students for an entry-level Engineering CAD position, and gives them a strong base to enable advancement in the field. The program is designed to mirror industry.

• The first semester focuses on fundamental skills in creating drawings and the information necessary to communicate to manufacturing while introducing SolidWorks as a tool for drawing preparation.
• Second semester builds and sharpens CAD skills by working on various projects, learning design for manufacturing, and problem solving.
• Third semester focuses on using ProENGINEER and tool design.
• Fourth semester students delve deeper into ProENGINEER design software and apply the material learned during the first three semesters to a large, group-based reverse engineering project.

Courses emphasize career professionalism, teamwork, and interdepartmental relationships and communication. These skills give the graduates of this program an edge in the competitive business environment and will significantly contribute to their career growth.

Instructors

Lee Petersen
Mr. Petersen joined NTI in 2007. He has more than 10 years experience in drafting and design, including the supervision of people who do the same. He has hired and trained new drafters, established engineering standards and used Lean Manufacturing principles to improve efficiencies.

Education Credentials: AS, Engineering Drafting and Design Technology, NTI, 1996

Chris MacCormack
Mr. MacCormack joined the NTI engineering department in 2007. He has 10 years of experience designing, modeling, and detailing piece parts and assemblies for several companies, as well as implementing and managing CADD systems, training new CAD users, and assisting in ISO certification.

Education Credentials: AS, Engineering Drafting and Design Technology, NTI, 1997. Certified SolidWorks Professional, Certified SolidWorks Instructor, and Certified SolidWorks Support Technician.

Dan Podzimek
Mr. Podzimek joined NTI in 2008. He comes to NTI with 15+ years of experience in drafting, design and CAD software implementation and training. He is also the founding member and chair of the Minnesota SolidWorks user group, and the Midwest Chair of the SolidWorks User Group Network, as well as a Marine Corp veteran.

Education Credentials: AS in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN; Certified SolidWorks Professional; Certified SolidWorks Support Technician; Associate Engineering Technician in Mechanical Engineering Technology, NICET.

Our Unique Approach

• Experienced Instructors: all instructors have worked in the Engineering field in various capacities
• Each student has his/her own CAD station
• Two semesters of Pro/ENGINEER; two semester of SolidWorks
• High Placement: Check out our Placement Information
• Occupational Associate of Science Degree Awarded
• 4 semesters, two academic years, 16 month program