Drafter Information Booklet

DRAFTER

INFORMATION BOOKLET

Table of ContentAbout the Alliance

Information about Merchanical Drafter

Information about Electronic Drafter

Information about Electrical Drafter

Information about Architectural Drafter

About the Program

About the Alliance

Since our inception in July of 1985—nearly thirty years ago—Alliance for Multicultural Community Services has managed to transform the lives of countless refugees. The Alliance aspires to help people achieve independence and success as they acclimatize to their new lives here in the United States.

The Alliance’s Programs:

Refugee Resettlement ServicesThe goal of the Refugee Resettlement Program is to promote early self-sufficiency and cultural adjustment among newly arrived refugees. The program provides core services in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner for recently arrived refugees, who have fled their countries because of war or persecution. Alliance is a resettlement affiliate/branch office of the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC). Through ECDC, we provide Reception and Placement (R&P) services. These R&P activities are paid for, in part, through financial assistance by the Department of State.

R & P Services:The Reception & Placement Services provided to refugees are: airport pick-up, initial housing, furnishings, food, clothing, and orientation. Additionally, we provide counseling and assistance in accessing programs and benefits for which refugees are eligible. For example, transportation assistance, medical and employment referrals, school enrollment, sponsorship of relatives overseas, and assistance with applications for Social Security, Food Stamps, and Medicaid.Core services are made available for at least 30 days after a refugee’s arrival, while Reception and Placement follow-up and self-sufficiency services are provided at a minimum, for the first 180 days of a refugee’s arrival.

Matching Grant:Refugees receive cash assistance and employment either through the Matching Grant program or Refugee Cash Assistance. The goal of the Matching Grant program is to guide refugee households toward economic self-sufficiency within six months of eligibility. Economic self-sufficiency means earning a total family income at a level that enables a family unit to support itself without receipt of additional cash assistance. MG offers refugees short-term cash, rental, and medical assistance; employment training and placement, and extra focus on support services, such as English language instruction, childcare and transportation subsidies. MG tends to give more help at first, but end sooner. It is beneficial for clients who can secure employment quickly.

Refugee Cash Assistant:Refugees receive cash assistance and employment either through the Matching Grant program or Refugee Cash Assistance. Through this program, participants receive cash and rental assistance during their first four months while their total income is less than 125% of the Federal Poverty Income Level. Participants receive cash assistance during their 5th-8th months if their income is less than 165% of the Federal Poverty Income Level.

Preferred Communities:The Preferred Community Program offers intensive case management services to clients with special needs, including single mothers, youth without parents, seniors who lack family support and those with mental health and medical needs. Through one-on-one assistance, case managers assist clients who require extended help in order to integrate and adjust.

Social Adjustment Services:Social Adjustment Services are aimed at addressing the barriers that refugees typically face and strengthen the ability of a refugee individual, family, or refugee community to achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency, family stability, and community integration.Refugees resettling in Houston, Texas are able to participate in a consortium-wide provision of comprehensive services, a unique model partnering five of Houston’s major resettlement agencies to provide holistic, culturally and linguistically competent and cost effective services to refugees. With Alliance as the lead agency, this long standing model partnership of social adjustment services has successfully assisted thousands with the acculturation process and with becoming self-sufficient.Case Managers serve refugees through orientation, advocacy, and active assistance with service access. The SAS program hold regular Refugee Health Education events. These health fairs provide refugees and low-income residents with critical services such as health screening and vaccinations. The SAS program has also developed a mental health assessment tool with Dr. Banu of the Center for International Trauma Survivors, which has led to greater awareness of mental health issues and capacity to refer individuals to follow-up care.

Employment Services:Alliance Employment Counselors provide intensive job search assistance, job readiness and job skills training for refugees and asylees. Alliance assists approximately 750 individuals annually. The Employment Counselors regularly lead orientations that are directly related to job readiness and retention. The Job Orientation sessions are based on strong evidence that culturally-competent, small group instruction is highly effective at helping participants acquire new skills and knowledge. The Employment Department also organizes quarterly job fairs, which are well attended by employers and refugee clients.After a participant is placed successfully in a job, the Employment Counselors provide follow-up services for several months. In terms of long-term support, our Employment Department reaches out to refugees resettled within the past five years to encourage them to attend job fairs, vocational training and other events or classes.

Alliance Language NetworkInterpreters:Our interpreters are the voice for your multilingual customers and the communication medium between your customers and service representatives. That voice must be accurate, clear, and precise. That voice must also consistently demonstrate the ability to accurately conserve the meaning of a source language when rendering it into English—at an efficient pace without omissions or additions. That’s the goal of AMCS’s Language

Without Boundaries basic interpreter training program, which culminates in advanced-level certification opportunities.Benefits:According to latest US Census, more than 46 million people, or approximately 17 percent of the U.S. population, speak a language other than English in their homes, a number that is projected to increase in the coming decades. For this growing portion of the population, poor communication while accessing social & healthcare services can result in serious consequences.

Adult Education and Training Program:ESL Classes:ESL classes are offered from 9AM-12PM, 12:30 PM- 3:30PM, and 5:30PM to 8:30PM. All class are Monday-Thursday. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of all classes, and are progress tested after 60 hours. AMCS offers four levels of instruction; Basic, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. All students are required to attend an orientation, conducted in the students’ native language whenever possible, prior to enrolling in class (see orientation schedule for days and times). Students must register in person, and a valid picture ID is required, social security cards are preferred. Attendance on the first day of classes is mandatory. Low cost childcare is offered for children ages six months to 6 years while their parents attend classes. The cost is $100 per ten week session, per child. Due to high demand, there is a limit of two children per parent for morning classes. Current vaccination records are required for children prior to enrollment. AMCS Adult Education collaborates with Houston Metro in order to provide Q cards for students at a 50% discount.

Workforce Training Classes:AMCS, in partnership with Houston Community College and the United Way of Greater Houston is now offering AutoCAD training with a contextualized support class. Houston Community College provides an instructor to conduct the skills training, so the students receive a certificate from HCC upon successful completion of the program. The support class consists of contextualized reading, writing, and math for AutoCAD as well as career planning, job search as well as resume and cover letter writing as well as interviewing practice. This model of training allows students to quickly complete certificate programs in high demand occupations while improving their English and other basic skills including job readiness, resume writing, and job search skills with a curriculum specifically designed for the occupation for which they are training. This model also allows AMCS to enroll students at lower functioning level than would normally be accepted for a training program because the students are receiving the support of the adult education instructor in English, reading, writing and math that is directly related to what they are learning in the skills training classes. This model has been extremely successful in getting students through the training programs successfully, and into jobs. All job training participants also enroll with our Financial Opportunity Center in order to take advantage of their bundled services. Upon enrolling in the program, students will be able to utilize the following services—income support counseling, career and financial coaching in order to achieve financial stability and mobility. In addition to coaching, our center offers several asset building tools for individuals, including the Small Business

Administration (SBA), Credit Builder, and IDA (Individual Development Account) and Matched Savings programs. For more information on eligibility and how to enroll, please see our flyers below.

Vocational ESL:ProgramAMCS will be offering Vocational English as A Second Language (VESL) classes at AMCS’ Hillcroft location and the Los Arcos Apartment Complex. Classes will be offered Monday – Saturday in the mornings, afternoons and evenings to accommodate all schedules.Class will consist of instruction in English as A Second Language, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and life skills such as job readiness, job search, financial literacy and interview preparation skills for students who are unable to communicate in English.

Tuition & Fees $640

Classes are 8 weeks (96 hours)Financial aid available for some studentsServicesGeneral OrientationJob placement assistanceResume developmentInterview preparationReferral to Dress for Success

Financial Opportunity Program:

The Asset Building Program is an integral part of our organization. The program focuses on developing sustainable resources to provide Individual Development Account Program (IDA) for the creation of wealth-building assets (i.e. home, post-secondary education and micro enterprise) among the low-income population.

We also focus a great deal on developing and sustaining resources to provide small business training, financing and technical assistance to low-income people and minorities that wants to start their own business.

The strategy for economic development is to recruit existing and potential entrepreneurs from the low-income community and equip them with training, and provide them micro-loans and technical assistance in order to assist them to develop their potential and enhance their economic wellbeing thereby creating additional jobs and economically revitalizing the area and their community..

Youth Program:

The mission of the Kijana Youth Program is to serve school-aged children in the Houston area through after-school youth empowerment classes which cover computer technology, life skills, and recreational and cultural activities, including music, field trips, and volunteer projects. Staff counselors encourage youth leadership and service and also tutor students to improve performance at school.

Driver’s Education:

All TEA certified and bilingual (some even trilingual), our instructors effectively teach participants how to drive through classroom lessons and on-the-wheel training. Their multiculturalism lends a hand to their patience and ability to understand a variety of participants and communicate at an optimal level.

The benefits of refugees, or any eligible driver, participating in our program are indispensable. Because Houston is a very wide spread city, relying on public transportation can disadvantage individuals. By completing our program and obtaining a driver’s license, persons have the potential to buy their own car, which increases their employment opportunities, flexibility in scheduling appointments or attending classes.

ACA Health Insurance Navigators

The Alliance is offering assistance with enrollment in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Health Plans. The ACA Marketplace is a new way to find coverage for health insurance. Navigators can be reached Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm at (713) 595-8647. Bilingual Navigators are available.

Naya Alliance Designs Program:

Naya Alliance Designs provides an intensive, tutition-free course aimed at helping clients who have a sewing background to become more self-sufficient and increase their English language skills. The classes cover a broad range of sewing skills, financial literacy, customer service skills, and marketing strategies. Naya Alliance Designs teachers introduce students to fair-trade stores and help them navigate buying supplies. The students learn to sew on a serge machine, new stitches, to follow patterns and to choose fabrics. Several of our refugee tailors’ designs and custom clothes have been featured at the Langford Market Boutique, World Refugee Day, cultural festivals and in the Houston Chronicle. The Alliance is working with Houston-based designers to help secure more contract work for Naya Alliance Designs students and help fund additional classes. The extra income that the women earn for themselves and their families can be critical to gaining financial independence. For questions, more information, or requests, please contact Nnenna Amugo at [email protected]

Information about Merchanical Drafter

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Median Wages: $25.10 hourly, $52,200 annual

Tasks: Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment,

dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment. Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional

relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines. Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail

components and systems and to resolve design or other problems. Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials. Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to

assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.

Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.

Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.

Position instructions and comments onto drawings.

Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.

Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.

Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.

Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.

Shade or color drawings to clarify and emphasize details and dimensions or eliminate background using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays.

Detailed Work Activities:

Verify mathematical calculations.

Discuss designs or plans with clients.

Supervise engineering or other technical personnel

Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.

Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.

Design electromechanical equipment or systems.

Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.

Information about Electronic Drafter



Tasks:

Consult with engineers to discuss and interpret design concepts, and determine requirements of detailed working drawings.

Examine electronic schematics and supporting documents to develop, compute, and verify specifications for drafting data, such as configuration of parts, dimensions, and tolerances.

Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry and printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.

Locate files relating to specified design project in database library, load program into computer, and record completed job data.

Review work orders and procedural manuals and confer with vendors and design staff to resolve problems and modify design.

Generate computer tapes of final layout design to produce layered photo masks and photo plotting design onto film.

Key and program specified commands and engineering specifications into computer system to change functions and test final layout.

Supervise and coordinate work activities of workers engaged in drafting, designing layouts, assembling, and testing printed circuit boards.

Compare logic element configuration on display screen with engineering schematics and calculate figures to convert, redesign, and modify element.

Review blueprints to determine customer requirements and consult with assembler regarding schematics, wiring procedures, and conductor paths.

Select drill size to drill test head, according to test design and specifications, and submit guide layout to designated department.

Plot electrical test points on layout sheets and draw schematics for wiring test fixture heads to frames.

Detailed Work Activities

Consult with engineers to discuss and interpret design concepts, and determine requirements of detailed working drawings.

Examine electronic schematics and supporting documents to develop, compute, and verify specifications for drafting data, such as configuration of parts, dimensions, and tolerances.

Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry and printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.

Locate files relating to specified design project in database library, load program into computer, and record completed job data.

Review work orders and procedural manuals and confer with vendors and design staff to resolve problems and modify design.

Generate computer tapes of final layout design to produce layered photo masks and photo plotting design onto film.

Key and program specified commands and engineering specifications into computer system to change functions and test final layout.

Supervise and coordinate work activities of workers engaged in drafting, designing layouts, assembling, and testing printed circuit boards.

Compare logic element configuration on display screen with engineering schematics and calculate figures to convert, redesign, and modify element.

Review blueprints to determine customer requirements and consult with assembler regarding schematics, wiring procedures, and conductor paths.

Select drill size to drill test head, according to test design and specifications, and submit guide layout to designated department.

Plot electrical test points on layout sheets and draw schematics for wiring test fixture heads to frames.

Information about Electrical Drafter

Median Salary: $28.26 hourly, $58,790 annual


Tasks:

Use computer-aided drafting equipment or conventional drafting stations, technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and traditional drafting tools, such as boards, pencils, protractors, and T-squares.

Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.

Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets which are checked by an engineer or an architect.

Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.

Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.

Measure factors that affect installation and arrangement of equipment, such as distances to be spanned by wire and cable.

Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.

Draw master sketches to scale showing relation of proposed installations to existing facilities and exact specifications and dimensions.

Study work order requests to determine type of service, such as lighting or power, demanded by installation.

Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.

Reproduce working drawings on copy machines or trace drawings in ink.

Determine the order of work and the method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.

Visit proposed installation sites and draw rough sketches of location.

Prepare and interpret specifications, calculating weights, volumes, and stress factors.

Supervise and train other technologists, technicians and drafters.

Detailed Work Activities

Create electrical schematics.

Document technical design details.

Review technical documents to plan work.

Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.

Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.

Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.

Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.

Prepare detailed work plans.

Collect data about project sites.

Design electrical equipment or systems.

Prepare technical reports for internal use.

Information about Architectural Drafter

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.


Tasks:

Operate computer-aided drafting (CAD) equipment or conventional drafting station to produce designs, working drawings, charts, forms and records.

Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.

Coordinate structural, electrical and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.

Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data.

Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.

Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.

Supervise, coordinate, and inspect the work of draftspersons, technicians, and technologists on construction projects.

Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.

Represent architect on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under architect's supervision.

Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.

Analyze technical implications of architect's design concept, calculating weights, volumes, and stress factors.

Prepare cost estimates, contracts, bidding documents and technical reports for specific projects under an architect's supervision.

Work Activities

Verify mathematical calculations.

Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

Operate computer systems.

Direct design or development activities.

Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.

Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.

Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

Provide technical guidance to other personnel.

Monitor processes for compliance with standards.

Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.

Determine operational methods.

Collect data about project sites.

Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.

Estimate operational costs.

Create physical models or prototypes.

Prepare technical reports for internal use.

About the Program

Cost: $130 fee ($80 refundable upon successful completion of both classes. Newly arrived refugees, asylees, SIV’s may receive a waiver for $50.00 of the fee)

Requirements:

Legally able to work in the United States

Attend a contextualized support class in addition to skills training

English proficient

Pass a screening test (test and interview)

Must be at-least 18 years old.

High School Diploma

Drafter Information Booklet

Documents

Transcript of Drafter Information Booklet