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"I Have a Dream To Build Tall Buildings"

Anthony Cirinelli recently graduated from San Benito High School. Sue Flanagan, SCROP Coordinator recently asked Anthony how ROP classes helped guide his future plans. He completed ROP CAD and Advanced CAD.

Why did you enroll in CAD? I really enjoyed working on computers and designing things. This class looked like an opportunity to do both and to increase my skills. I've learned 2D and 3D drawing. I've learned to operate AUTOCAD and other programs such as Rhinoceros and Architectural Desktop

Are you presently working in this field? Yes, I am employed by Leal's Drafting in Hollister.

How did you get the job? I interviewed with them and brought CAD drawings I had created. The architects in their office do not use computers and they were impressed with my knowledge.

Tell me a little more about what you do on the job? At first I just assisted one of the architects, but now I have my own projects. At first I was afraid to speak to clients on the phone and now I go out to their homes to discuss their needs and present my plans. I meet with the clients, take all the measurements of the areas they are interested in remodeling, talk to them about their ideas and take all that back to the office and create plans using Autocad. I work about 15 hours a week and am able to make $1,000 - $3,000 a month depending on the project. All my salary is based on commission.

How has the class helped you? Without this class, I couldn't begin to do this job. AutoCad is a very complex program and it would be very difficult to learn on my own. I also found I needed more in-depth knowledge of the standards of architecture and my teacher has given me a book which I've studied extensively. I have already been accepted to San Jose State and plan to pursue a career in Civil Engineering. I understand that the opportunity to earn a consistent living will always be in home architecture, but I have a dream to build "tall buildings". I plan to continue at my job while going to school. I really enjoy this field and see myself doing new things all the time. Some of the other students get bored with "just drawing" because they don't see the real potential of this program. "I'm not confused, I know what I'm going to do" If I hadn't enrolled in my first CAD class, I would never be where I am now -Focused on a career and very excited about my future.

Santa Clara County Regional Occupational Program (ROP)  
700 W. 6th Street, Suite L, Gilroy, CA 95020 - Phone (408) 842-0361 / Fax (408) 842-0653  

Email: david_matuszak@sccoe.org