An industrial survey to determine criteria for a program guide for drafting and design technology in Texas junior colleges

Abstract

Purpose of research. -The objective of this study w as to identify through industrial survey essential requisites for employment in occupations requiring training in drafting and design technology. Procedure of research. -A survey instrument was designed to explore, through occupational analysis, the requirements inherent to predominant areas of industrial drafting specialization. Instructional topics for drafting technology programs were evaluated according to a ten-point rating scale by field specialists. The criterion for evaluation was the occupational value of the item to the company. A five year projection of the relative value of the instructional topics was obtained concurrently with the industrial evaluation. The questionnaires were submitted to a stratified sample of 565 industrial concerns selected on the basis of: (1) area of specialization; (2) volume of employment; and (3) regional location. Application of research. - The ultimate goal of the project was the development of a portion of a planning guide to implement drafting and design technology programs in Texas junior colleges. Industrial requisites were presented in the form of descriptive statistics to facilitate the analysis of the material by drafting instructors. The industrial specifications were submitted to the Texas Education Agency in the form of a document to be used as a planning tool by any person or group designated with the responsibility of establishing or upgrading junior college drafting and design technology programs. Recommendations. - The following recommendations were submitted as a result of the study: 1. Drafting and design technology program representatives should develop, maintain, and administer modes of reciprocal communication with local industry. 2. Industrial knowledge should be considered a potential institutional resource and be utilized to supplement and upgrade drafting technology programs..