Computer-Aided Design Technology Internship

Course Description

ETD2942 — Computer-Aided Design Technology Internship — is a 2-credit, supervised field experience course within the Engineering Technologies: Engineering Design Drafting taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications and to develop proficiency in AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry software. Students are placed with a qualified AEC professional or company for a minimum of 90–100 supervised internship hours. Individual competencies will vary depending on the employer (host site) and the specific discipline within the industry. Seminars or reflective activities may be a component of this course.

This course is typically taken during the second year of the Computer-Aided Design Technologies A.S. degree program, after students have completed at least 75% of their required coursework. The internship exposes students to different sub-disciplines within the CAD/drafting field and can lead directly to entry-level employment upon graduation.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply CAD drafting and design skills acquired in the classroom to real-world, employer-directed projects within the AEC industry.
• Operate industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) to produce accurate drawings and design documentation under professional supervision.
• Demonstrate professional workplace behaviors, including punctuality, communication, collaboration, and adherence to workplace policies and safety standards.
• Interpret and follow technical specifications, blueprints, and project documentation as directed by a supervising AEC professional.
• Identify and describe, through written reports or journals, technical problems and solutions encountered on the job.
• Complete a minimum of 90–100 supervised internship hours at an approved host site to qualify as a valid learning experience.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on the host site and specialty discipline, students may also:

• Apply Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques using Revit or Navisworks for architectural or construction projects.
• Produce civil drafting deliverables such as site plans, roadway alignments, profiles, or contour maps using Civil 3D.
• Create mechanical or parametric 3D models using software such as Inventor, SolidWorks, or Creo for engineering or manufacturing applications.
• Participate in project coordination meetings with engineers, architects, project managers, or fabricators.
• Contribute to design activity in a specialty area such as architectural design, structural systems, civil engineering, mechanical/manufacturing design, or interior design documentation.
• Develop a professional portfolio of work samples produced during the internship for use in future job applications.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following topics are common across all verified Florida college offerings of ETD2942 and equivalent supervised CAD internship courses:

• Internship Orientation & Site Expectations: Host site policies, professional conduct standards, safety protocols, and project assignment review.
• Application of CAD Software in a Professional Setting: Use of industry-standard tools (AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent) to complete employer-assigned drafting and design tasks.
• Technical Drawing Production: Creation of accurate 2D drawings and/or 3D models conforming to employer and industry standards.
• Blueprint and Specification Interpretation: Reading and applying project documents, technical specifications, and construction drawings as required by the host employer.
• Workplace Communication: Written and verbal communication with supervisors, engineers, architects, and project team members.
• Reflective Reporting: Periodic written reports, journals, or seminar participation documenting technical tasks, challenges, and professional growth throughout the internship.

Optional Topics

Coverage of the following topics depends on the host site's industry focus:

• Architectural Drafting: Floor plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and construction document sets for residential or commercial buildings.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Use of Revit or Navisworks for 3D architectural models, clash detection, and construction coordination.
• Civil Engineering Drafting: Property boundary layouts, grading and contour plans, roadway alignments, profiles, and cut/fill diagrams using Civil 3D.
• Mechanical/Manufacturing Design: Solid modeling, assembly drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and parametric part design using Inventor, SolidWorks, or Creo.
• Structural Drafting: Steel framing systems, foundation layouts, structural details, and annotation schedules.
• Rapid Prototyping Support: Preparing digital models for 3D printing or physical prototyping as directed by the host employer.
• Virtual Design & Construction (VDC): Coordination of digital models for construction sequencing or project visualization.

Resources & Tools

• CAD Software (as applicable to host site): AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Inventor, Civil 3D, SolidWorks, Creo, Navisworks, Enscape
• Internship Learning Agreement / Contract: A formal document establishing learning objectives, supervisor responsibilities, and hour requirements, signed by the student, faculty coordinator, and host employer.
• Internship Log / Timesheet: Required documentation of daily hours worked, tasks completed, and skills applied, submitted to the faculty coordinator.
• Reflective Journals or Reports: Written records of technical challenges, problem-solving strategies, and professional development milestones.
• Industry Standards References: ANSI/ASME Y14 standards for technical drawings; applicable building codes and project specifications as directed by the host employer.
• Faculty Coordinator Oversight: Regular check-ins and site visits (as applicable) by a college-assigned faculty coordinator to verify learning progress and site suitability.

Career Pathways

The ETD2942 internship connects students directly to employment opportunities in the AEC and manufacturing industries. Graduates of Florida CAD programs who complete an internship have found employment with firms such as engineering services companies, architectural practices, civil consulting firms, aerospace manufacturers, and construction contractors.

• CAD Operator / CAD Specialist — Produces 2D and 3D technical drawings using industry software for engineering or architectural firms.
• Drafting Technician — Translates design concepts, sketches, and specifications into complete working drawings conforming to nationally recognized standards.
• Architectural Drafter — Prepares construction document sets for residential and commercial building projects.
• Civil Drafter — Creates land development drawings, roadway plans, utility layouts, and site plans for civil engineering projects.
• Mechanical Drafter — Develops part and assembly drawings for manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial applications.
• BIM Technician — Supports Building Information Modeling workflows using Revit or Navisworks in construction and architectural firms.
• Lead Drafter / Design Technician — An advancement role involving greater involvement in the design process and project coordination.

Drafters work across multiple sectors: approximately one-third in engineering and architectural services, one-third in manufacturing, and the remainder in construction and utilities. The internship experience frequently leads directly to job offers upon graduation.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

Although ETD2942 is a field experience course and does not itself confer certification, the professional skills practiced during the internship directly support preparation for industry-recognized credentials commonly pursued by Florida CAD graduates:

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — AutoCAD: Validates foundational proficiency in AutoCAD software used in most host site environments.
• Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) — Revit: Demonstrates advanced BIM competency; prior college credit may be awarded at some Florida institutions for passing this exam.
• Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) — Inventor: Validates mechanical design and parametric modeling skills applicable to manufacturing internship placements.
• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — Civil 3D: Supports civil drafting internship placements and career entry in land development and infrastructure firms.

Program & Registration Notes

• Students must secure an approved AEC host employer prior to registration; instructor or program coordinator consent is typically required.
• At Eastern Florida State College, students enrolled in the A.S. Drafting and Design program must have completed at least 75% of their program before registering for the internship elective.
• At Seminole State College, a minimum of 100 internship hours under the guidance of an AEC professional or company is required to satisfy the course.
• At Eastern Florida State College, a minimum of 90 hours must be worked in a long-term internship placement; the course may be taken for a maximum of 6 credit hours total.
• Internship placements are typically paid positions; students contribute directly to employer projects and are not used for routine non-technical tasks.