JJC to Host High School CAD/Drafting Competition

The Joliet Junior College Technical Department will host approximately 100 students from area high schools will participate in the 2023 Regional Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Drafting Competition on Friday, March 3. The competition will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the T-Building on the JJC Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road. 

The Illinois Drafting Educators Association (IDEA) coordinates the event, which immerses high school students in a challenging and competitive design experience that tests their skills and prepares them for the state-wide competition.  

 

The high schools represented in the 2023 competition include students from Lincoln-Way East and West, Lockport Township, Lemont, Joliet West, Joliet Central and Seneca. 

 

Students will be tasked with different designs based on categories chosen by their high school teachers, such as mechanical machine parts and architectural floor plans. After the submissions are judged by industry professionals, prizes are awarded for each category. The first and second place winners are eligible to proceed to the state competition.  

Scott Boudreau, JJC CAD professor and IDEA Regional Director says the competition is a great way for students to explore a career in CAD drafting. 

“It’s a fun way for them to be challenged and get creative, while at the same time learning some of the things that will be involved with studying CAD at the college level. Plus, it’s a stepping stone to the state competition, and a way to see if they’re ready to compete at that level.” 

 

The state competition, which will include high school teams from all across the state, will be held at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill. on April 23. 

For more information about this event, call Scott Boudreau at (815) 280-2410. 

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Manager Katie Smith at 815-280-2844 or katherine.smith@jjc.edu.