Computer-Aided Design Drafter
Ventura Adult and Continuing Education · Ventura, CA
- Cost
- $7,280
- Length
- 30 weeks
- Working 6 months later
- Not reported
Program names, program descriptions and occupation titles appear here in English, because that is the only language the federal and state records publish them in. Everything else on this page is translated.
What happened to people who took this
- People enrolled
- 49
- Finished the program
- 100%Based on 27 people
- Working 6 months later
- 100%
- Earnings in one quarter after
- $11,500A single quarter of earnings, roughly three months, not a yearly salary. Do not compare it directly with the yearly pay shown for the occupation.
The jobs this trains for
This describes the jobs people do, not the classes this program teaches. It comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, which asks people already doing the work. The Department publishes it in English only, so the job names and the sentences below stay in English on this page.
Shrinking -10%
California projects this job will shrink over the next ten years. Fewer openings may mean a harder search.
Trains for more than one job. The outlook shown is the weakest of them.
Related work California expects more of
The U.S. Department of Labor lists these as related to the job above, and California projects growth in them rather than decline. Related is not the same as interchangeable: the training, the licences and the pay can all differ, and this program does not train for these. It is a place to start asking, not a recommendation.
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$83,963 · +10% · 15 programs here
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$89,836 · +5.4% · 6 programs here
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$103,591 · +1.9% · 3 programs here
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$165,013 · +0.5% · 3 programs here
Where California publishes a separate figure for Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County), it appears beneath the statewide one. Statewide stays the headline: people who train here do not necessarily work here.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Job ads may call this: Draftsman · Draftsperson · Civil Drafter · Drafting Technician
Some of what people in this job do. The Department rates how important each one is, and they appear in that order.
- Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
- Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
Show 4 more things this job involves
- Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
- Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
- Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
- Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
What this pays in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County)
Each bar runs from the lowest-paid tenth to the highest-paid tenth. The darker middle is where half the people are, and the line is the median.
| Area | The lowest-paid tenth earn under | Half earn under | The highest-paid tenth earn over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County) | $47,853 | $75,763 | $103,940 |
| Across California | $51,245 | $78,662 | $117,808 |
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2026 figures for Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County) beside the same figures for the whole state. A region can sit well below or above the statewide spread, and the statewide number is the one most often quoted — so where they differ, the local row is the one that describes the work near this program.
- Typical pay in California
- $78,662per yearOxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA: $77,829
- Projected openings
- 10,740Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA: 220
- Projected change
- +7%
- Usually needs
- Associate's degree
Getting in
- Experience needed first
- None
- Training after you are hired
- None
No earlier job experience is expected, and new hires are not put through a long training period. For work like this, a program is usually the way in.
These are the federal government's answers for the occupation, not rules this provider sets. California publishes the same two answers for every one of these jobs.
What people in this job actually studied
Most common: Two-year degree — 32% of the people doing this work.
California says this job usually needs: Associate's degree. 40% of the people doing it went less far than that.
- No high school diploma
- 1%
- High school diploma
- 10%
- Started college, no degree
- 29%
- Two-year degree
- 32%
- Four-year degree
- 23%
- Master's degree
- 5%
- Doctorate or professional degree
- 0.7%
This counts people already doing this job, across the whole United States. Every other figure on this page is California's, and the federal government publishes no state version of this one. It is what people happen to have, not a rule about who gets hired. A small row does not mean you would be turned away, and a large one is not a promise of a job.
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Pay, hiring, and what people studied
Job ads may call this: Drafter · Designer · Layout Designer · Staking Engineer
- Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
- Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
- Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
- Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.
Show 3 more things this job involves
- Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.
- Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.
- Measure factors that affect installation and arrangement of equipment, such as distances to be spanned by wire and cable.
What this pays in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County)
Each bar runs from the lowest-paid tenth to the highest-paid tenth. The darker middle is where half the people are, and the line is the median.
| Area | The lowest-paid tenth earn under | Half earn under | The highest-paid tenth earn over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County) | $49,046 | $80,646 | $118,116 |
| Across California | $52,037 | $80,502 | $150,920 |
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2026 figures for Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County) beside the same figures for the whole state. A region can sit well below or above the statewide spread, and the statewide number is the one most often quoted — so where they differ, the local row is the one that describes the work near this program.
- Typical pay in California
- $80,502per yearOxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA: $78,548
- Projected openings
- 2,120Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA: 60
- Projected change
- -10%
- Usually needs
- Associate's degree
Getting in
- Experience needed first
- None
- Training after you are hired
- None
No earlier job experience is expected, and new hires are not put through a long training period. For work like this, a program is usually the way in.
What people in this job actually studied
Most common: Two-year degree — 35% of the people doing this work.
California says this job usually needs: Associate's degree. 40% of the people doing it went less far than that.
- No high school diploma
- 2%
- High school diploma
- 12%
- Started college, no degree
- 26%
- Two-year degree
- 35%
- Four-year degree
- 20%
- Master's degree
- 4%
- Doctorate or professional degree
- 0.9%
Mechanical Drafters
Pay, hiring, and what people studied
Job ads may call this: Drafter · Design Drafter · Product Designer · Project Designer
- Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
- Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
- Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
Show 4 more things this job involves
- Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
- Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
- Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
- Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
What this pays in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County)
Each bar runs from the lowest-paid tenth to the highest-paid tenth. The darker middle is where half the people are, and the line is the median.
| Area | The lowest-paid tenth earn under | Half earn under | The highest-paid tenth earn over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County) | $52,099 | $81,201 | $122,434 |
| Across California | $51,605 | $84,820 | $131,748 |
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2026 figures for Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA (Ventura County) beside the same figures for the whole state. A region can sit well below or above the statewide spread, and the statewide number is the one most often quoted — so where they differ, the local row is the one that describes the work near this program.
- Typical pay in California
- $84,820per yearOxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA: $74,316
- Projected openings
- 3,040Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA: 80
- Projected change
- -5.1%
- Usually needs
- Associate's degree
Getting in
- Experience needed first
- None
- Training after you are hired
- None
No earlier job experience is expected, and new hires are not put through a long training period. For work like this, a program is usually the way in.
What people in this job actually studied
Most common: Two-year degree — 35% of the people doing this work.
California says this job usually needs: Associate's degree. 40% of the people doing it went less far than that.
- No high school diploma
- 2%
- High school diploma
- 12%
- Started college, no degree
- 26%
- Two-year degree
- 35%
- Four-year degree
- 20%
- Master's degree
- 4%
- Doctorate or professional degree
- 0.9%
Program details
This program provides in-person instruction only.
The Computer-Aided Design Drafter program provides training for both new and experienced students, giving them the skills needed to gain employment in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). The 30-week, 1050-hour class prepares students for entry-level employment as CAD Design Drafters. It is also available via distance education and hybrid models with training on how to use Zoom and Canvas LMS. The Computer-Aided Design Drafter course is designed for students with little or no previous CAD or computer experience. The course covers two dimensional geometric construction and advanced three dimensional solid modeling using AutoCAD. AutoCAD is used across a wide range of industries and is the gateway software that other specialized CAD programs use for advanced manufacturing, architectural design, game design and animation. The course also includes Manual Drafting, a critical part of the design process needed to clearly understand and communicate design ideas. The course also includes an introduction to the Windows computer operating system, word processing, and spreadsheet graphics. Students will also learn about 3D printing by designing a part in the computer and then fabricate a physical model using the in-class Rapid Prototyping 3D printer. They will also be given access to student versions of the official, licensed software directly from the software maker, Autodesk, which they can download for free allowing them to keep learning outside of class. Students will also attend career workshops that cover soft-skills, resume writing, and interview preparation. When they graduate, students are assisted in their job search by our in-house career placement counselors. Once they complete the course curriculum, students will have the opportunity to prepare for and take the Official Autodesk AutoCAD Certification Professional (ACP) Exam.
Someone else may be able to pay for this
This program was on California's Eligible Training Provider List when the state last reported it to the U.S. Department of Labor (2026-08-04). Programs on that list can be paid for through an Individual Training Account. Listings are renewed periodically and can lapse, so a program listed when the state last reported may not be listed today. Ask before you rely on it.
The place to ask is an America's Job Center of California
America`s Job Center of California OxnardComprehensive center
Phone: 805-648-WORK (9675)
2901 N. Ventura RoadThird FloorOxnard, CA 93036-1150about 3.2 miles away
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Has a veterans' representative
America`s Job Center of California - Simi ValleyAffiliate site
Phone: 805-648-WORK (9675) or toll-free at 833-810-9675
2900 N. Madera Rd.County of Ventura Human Services Center Suite 100Simi Valley, CA 93065about 24.6 miles away
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Distances are straight-line, so the drive is longer. Call before you travel: opening hours here are as the federal directory published them, and the state notes its own staff are not present at every location.
Find a center anywhere in California, and check what is on the list today:
CareerOneStop — American Job Center Finder (U.S. DOL) · California EDD — Office Locator · California EDD — Eligible Training Provider List
How this gets paid for, and what to ask →
Whether a person can have a program paid for is decided by their local workforce development board and the America's Job Center staff who interview them — not by this site, and not by the training provider. California has 45 local workforce development areas and each sets its own policies, so the answer can differ between two people in neighboring counties. Nothing here is a promise of funding or a determination of eligibility.
The rules cited here, and the state and federal sites linked to, are published in English.
How this site gets its figures, and what they do not tell you →