An occupational survey to determine the entry level CAD skills and competencies required by employers of civil engineering technicians in the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the CAD related technical skills and competencies that are required for employability at an entry-level position as a civil engineering technician. The majority of employers represented in this study are civil engineering firms, governmental agencies, and surveying firms. Overall, civil engineering firms along with governmental agencies employ the greatest number of drafters. Civil drawings, survey maps, and topographical drawings are the most commonly prepared drawings by the respondents. Other reported drawing types include architectural, electrical/electronic, landscaping, structural, and technical illustrations. Almost all of the respondents use a CAD system for drafting functions. AutoCAD is the primary CAD platform used. MicroStation is also used, but to a much lesser extent. Of the employers that use CAD software, most use at least one collaborative software package with their primary CAD platform. Eagle Point is the most common collaborative software utilized. AutoCAD Land Development Desktop (ALDD) was noted to be the next commonly used collaborative software. Out of the 24 basic CAD skills that were listed on the survey, 14 were considered to be valid curriculum items and will be either retained or added to the program curriculum. Six of the 24 items will be reviewed for being valid curriculum items, and four of the items will not be included in the curriculum. Overall, most basic CAD skills were performed frequently or considered important. Out of the 29 advanced CAD skills that were listed on the survey, none were considered to be valid curriculum items. Sixteen of the 29 items will be reviewed for being valid curriculum items, and 13 of the items will not be included in the curriculum. Overall, most advanced CAD skills were not performed frequently nor considered important. Out of the 15 basic architectural drawing skills that were listed on the survey, none were considered to be valid curriculum items. Eight of the 15 items will be reviewed for being valid curriculum items, and seven of the items will not be included in the curriculum. Overall, most basic architectural drawing skills were not performed frequently nor considered important. None of the six basic structural drawing skills that were listed on the survey were considered to be valid curriculum items. One of the six items will be reviewed for being a valid curriculum item, and five of the items will not be included in the curriculum. Overall, most basic structural drawing skills were not performed frequently nor considered important.