We often see students taking electives such as choir, band, art, and foreign languages. These electives are packed with students ready to learn a new skill. But the high school offers many skill teaching programs that are lesser known.
Some of my favorite and most beneficial electives I have taken at the high school are the drafting courses. The sole purpose of these classes are to teach students how to use computer aided design, which can be used to create products across many fields such as engineering and architecture. I started these classes my freshman year and have continued them into my senior year. Each year I continue to learn and grow my technological and creative skills.
The first class you take, which can be taken any year you are at the high school, is introduction to drafting. In this class, students learn the basics of AutoCAD, a design program. Students are able to learn how to make technical drawings of 3D figures and also work on creative projects such as a dartboard design competition and the designing of a cabin.
After the intro class, students can choose between an engineering or architectural based path. 3D Solid Modeling, the engineering route, allows students to expand their knowledge in a program called AutoCAD Inventor. This program allows for more complex and precise drawings. Some of my favorite projects from this class include designing and 3D printing a rubber band car, making a functional catapult, and drawing and constructing a Honda car part. On the other hand, the architectural route expands students' knowledge in an architecture specific design program called Revit. In this class, students have had the opportunity to design a veterinarian clinic, a house, a multi-floor building, all while learning about the structure of buildings and intricate floor plans.
These classes do not only teach students, but they also open a door to many opportunities. To begin, people who take these classes are able to compete in drafting competitions. This past year, four students won their competitions at state and were able to go to nationals. These students were able to learn about their specific fields of interest, grow relationships with field experts, and were granted scholarships. But if college is not the route a student wants to take, there is another option. Through these classes, students are able to take free certification tests for all three computer aided design programs. Being certified allows students the opportunity to potentially get a job as a drafting technician which currently has a starting median salary of over $56,000 according to salary.com. Two years of these classes can be the start of a student’s career and future! So whether a student wants to go to college, join the workforce, or just expand their creativity, the high school’s drafting classes will provide.
If a student has any questions about these classes they can contact their counselor or Mr. Brooks, the drafting teacher at the main campus, at brookssc@vhcs.us.
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