Which Engineering Design Technology Pathway is Right For Me?

Cerritos College Department of Engineering Design Technology

Welcome to the Cerritos College Department of Engineering Design Technology! We are thrilled to help you explore the diverse and rewarding career paths in engineering and technology. Our department offers a variety of programs to cater to your interests and career goals, including degrees in Engineering Technology, Engineering Design Technology, New Products Development, and Composites and Plastics Manufacturing.

Programs Offered:

High School Students and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Classes
If you are a high school student exploring a career in engineering or technology and are currently taking “Project Lead The Way” (PLTW) classes, you may already be on the path to completing an Engineering Technology: Mechanical Engineering Design Technician or Engineering Technology: Electrical Engineering Design Technician program. At Cerritos College, you can complete your Certificate of Achievement by taking just one or two additional classes. Additionally, you have the option to take our high school articulated PLTW classes at Cerritos College and transfer them to your high school.

Mechanical Design
For those interested in mastering mechanical design, the next step is to complete our Engineering Design Technology and Engineering Design and Production Technology pathway. In this program, you will become proficient in parametric 3D mechanical design using state-of-the-art PLM tools such as the latest versions of SOLIDWORKS, Inventor, Fusion360, and AutoCAD. Each class in the ENGT program offers the opportunity to earn standard industrial certifications, including Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate, Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional: Mechanical Design, Certified SOLIDWORKS Professionals for Advanced Specialties (Surfacing, Sheetmetal, Weldments, Drafting, Mold Design), and Certified AutoDESK users certifications.

Practical Applications: Mechanical and Electromechanical Products
If your interest lies in the practical aspects of building and troubleshooting mechanical or electromechanical products, the right pathway for you is to complete the Engineering Technology: Mechanical Engineering Technician or Engineering Technology: Electrical Engineering Technician program. These programs focus on hands-on learning and practical skills essential for a successful career in engineering technology. This program has emphasis on process technology, industrial process control and motor controls, and as such is applicable to many industries.

Being a Technical Entrepreneur or Inventor: New Products Development
If you are interested in new products development, we offer both certificate and degree programs where you can learn the processes and technologies for conceptualizing new products, designing prototypes, and marketing product launches. Our pathways provide two distinct sub-specializations: a more general New Products Development for Fabrication, and a specialized New Products Development for Automotive Aftermarkets.

Interested in  Composites and Plastics Manufacturing
For those intrigued by the fascinating world of composites and plastics manufacturing, Cerritos College offers dedicated pathways that prepare graduates for a variety of roles, including laminators, composites manufacturing technicians, injection molding setup technicians, and materials engineers. Completion of these programs is one of the fastest avenues to securing employment with top aerospace manufacturers such as Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and GKN. Many students find entry-level positions as laminator technicians after completing just one class, ENGT251 Composites Fabrication. For students interested in injection molding, our plastics manufacturing pathway offers ample job opportunities in local industries as machine operators, setup technicians, or plastics engineers.

Want to Become  Plastics and Composites Tool Designer or Toolmaker?
If you are interested in tooling design and manufacturing for plastics and composites, then our unique Plastics and Composites Tool Design pathway is right for you. In this pathway, you will learn a combination of necessary skills including CAD modeling, composites and plastics manufacturing, and machine tool technology to become ubiquitously effective as a composites and plastics tools designer and toolmaker.

Industrial Arts Associate of Science Degree
Exploring the intersection of art and technology, we offer an Industrial Arts Associate of Science degree tailored for individuals who seek to bridge these dynamic fields. This program is ideal for free thinkers eager to delve into diverse subjects and tools, such as CAD design, woodworking, machine tools technology, electronics, and photography. It is particularly suited for those aspiring to become shop teachers or technology educators, equipping them with a well-rounded education that fosters creativity and technical proficiency.

Join our Diverse Student Bodies
No matter if you are a high school student looking for a technology career, a traditional student, a working engineer or technician seeking to acquire additional skills, an aspiring inventor or entrepreneur, or a future shop teacher, enroll today in our engineering design technology or engineering technology classes to jump-start or boost your career and salary.

We invite you to join the Cerritos College Department of Engineering Technology to advance your education and career prospects in the dynamic fields of engineering and technology. Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills and certifications needed to excel in the industry. Explore your options and find the program that best aligns with your interests and career aspirations today!