Graphic Design Technology | Dakota County Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 17-3011.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisCritical ThinkingActive LearningWritingActive ListeningMathematics

Knowledge

DesignBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionVisualizationNear VisionDeductive ReasoningOral ExpressionFluency of IdeasOriginalityInductive Reasoning

Tasks

Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, u
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to
Use drone technology to capture aerial views and topographical data for civil engineering projects.

Technology

Pattern design softwareDocument management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareComputer aided design CAD software

Tools

Architects' scalesBacklit digitizersCompassesComputer aided design CAD multi-unit display graphics cardsDesktop computersElectronic scalesEstimating keypadsFlexible curvesFrench curvesGraphics tabletsHandheld calculatorsLarge-format digitizersNotebook computersPlottersPressure-sensitive graphic tablets

Work Values

SupportWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognitionIndependenceRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium17-3011.00	Architectural and Civil Drafters	title_inference	$64,280 median$98,190 top	+4.16%	460

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

CAD drafting systems — produce complete sets of construction drawings for structures such as highways and sewage disposal systems from engineer-supplied sketches with limited oversight.
Detailed civil and architectural plans — draft independently for mid-complexity projects including site grading, utility layouts, and building elevations in a production drafting environment.
Orthographic and isometric presentation methods — select and apply the appropriate drawing type based on project requirements and client expectations without supervisor direction.
Building codes, zoning by-laws, and site requirements — analyze and integrate regulatory constraints into design drawings, flagging conflicts for architect or engineer review.
Cross-sections, subsurface formation profiles, and topographic contours — draw accurately from survey data using CAD or map creation software on routine civil projects.
Interior commercial space layouts — plan and coordinate room arrangements in CAD, accounting for code-required clearances and client-specified area programs.
Structural, electrical, and mechanical drawing sets — coordinate across disciplines to identify spatial conflicts and maintain drawing consistency on multi-trade projects.
Document management and revision control systems — maintain current drawing files, update title blocks, and distribute issued-for-construction sets according to office procedures.
Time management techniques — prioritize concurrent drafting assignments to meet project milestones within a fast-paced architecture or civil engineering firm.
Technical written reports and specification sections — draft clear descriptive text to accompany drawing packages, applying English language and writing skills to professional standards.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.