Mechanical Engineering Technology

Program Overview

The Engineering Technology Program provides an on-the-job atmosphere similar to an actual engineering firm. The four basic areas of mechanical, civil, and architectural, and computer-aided drafting are covered. Students will train on the same type of advanced technical equipment, drafting boards, computers, and software that the industry uses.

The applied drafting subjects such as Geometric Construction, Mechanical Drafting, Architectural Drafting, and CAD (Computer Aided Design) provide the necessary job skills for the graduate to be successful. Mathematical applications are used throughout the various subjects and applied in actual job situations. Mathematical applications are introduced in basic and intermediate forms and expanded to higher levels throughout the course of the study.

Course Outline Engineering Remodel Gallery

Degree and Certificate Options

Associate of Applied Science
(or Technical Certificate)

Projected Salary

$38,000– $60,000 per year

Estimated Costs

Download the Estimated Program Costs Worksheet

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Faculty

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Admissions Checklist

Below is a list of items Fort Hays Tech | Northwest’s Admissions Team will need prior to your acceptance into the Engineering & Drafting Technology program.

A Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Application Completed and Submitted
High School or GED Transcript Submitted
(If Applicable) College Transcript Submitted
ACT or AccuPlacer Scores Submitted (AccuPlacer Testing can be scheduled on-site at the Fort Hays Tech | Northwest campus)

Required items can be submitted in person at the Fort Hays Tech | Northwest campus, via postal mail addressed to: Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Admissions, 1209 Harrison, Goodland, KS, or through email communications with admissions@nwktc.edu.

Job Placement

In 2020, Engineering & Drafting Technology placed 67% of its graduates.

Graduate Placement Report

Within the last couple of years, students have been placed at the following companies after graduation:

Aztec Consultants, Denver CO

Atwell, Denver CO

Driggs Design Group, Hays KS

BHC Rhodes, Kansas City KS

Kiewit, Denver CO

Cashco, Ellsworth KS

The most recent average starting salary for graduates was $50,000 per year. The advisory committee for the program has set the expected salary range for graduates of this program to $38,000 to $50,000 per year.

The graduates of the program are highly sought after in the industry and are being hired as CAD Technicians, Designers, Survey Technicians, Construction Inspectors, etc.

Here is what one company has to say about the program and the graduates:

“Here at HNTB we have been hiring engineering technology students from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest from the very first class in 1966. We have hired countless graduates from this school. The students from this school have the necessary skills to become productive right away. They learn good work ethics, and are ready to enter the workforce. We have been very pleased with the quality of this school and look forward to hiring these graduates in the future.”
– Wayne Gregory, HNTB

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:

Apply the theory of engineering to specific jobs using critical thinking/reasoning.
Draw multi-view projections.
Apply geometry to geometric designs.
Draw prints from sectional views.
Develop and prepare drawings for intersecting and transitional pieces.
Analyze and perform surveying procedures.
Apply architectural commands for office design.
Prepare drawings in mechanical, civil, and architectural areas.
Demonstrate mathematical and reasoning skills.
Demonstrate effective reading, writing, speaking, listening, and time management skills.

Advisory Committee

Andy Pelster
Tod Bunker
Rene Hernandez
Roy Marken
Mike Grant
Dustin Delgado
Frank Mercurio
Dave Harms
Douglas Roeder
Tony Peall
Adam Schart
Jenny Ryan