MEET THE PRO: Caleb Hoffman, CAM Drafter
By Arkansas Next on Friday, October 13, 2023
Hometown: Black Rock
Age: 20
Where I Trained: University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
What I Earned: Associate degree in industrial technology, technical certificate in mechatronics
Job Title: Design Engineer
Employer: Roach Conveyors
Caleb Hoffman was always mechanically minded growing up. He knew for quite some time that he wanted to build a career in engineering, but it wasn’t until he’d already started college that Caleb realized he wanted to pursue this goal in a different way.
“I was planning on going the traditional route for an engineer and getting a four-year degree, and then a license,” Caleb said. “However, once I realized how much I loved the design and prototyping process, I decided to start with a technical degree and see where it would take me.”
He earned an associate degree in industrial technology and a technical certificate in mechatronics from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. He’s also completed extensive work-related training that has opened many doors for him.
“I have been able to move up to higher stations in my field sooner than I would have if I had gotten a four-year degree,” Caleb said. “Instead, my hard work and perseverance moved me forward.”
As a design engineer at Roach Conveyors, Caleb uses computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to design parts for conveyor systems. He turns 2D files of the parts into 3D models so that engineers can use them to configure conveyor systems in the future, which makes the design process much easier.
“I love that I can design a part and then watch it get made and hold it in my hands,” Caleb said.
When considering their future careers, Caleb encourages students to follow their own path and remember that it doesn’t have to be identical to other people’s paths.
“Just do what is right for you,” Caleb said. “God has a plan for your life, and it might not be the same as everybody else’s.”
WHAT DOES A CAM DRAFTER DO?
Prepare wirings, circuit diagrams and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation or repair of electrical equipment.
Education Needed:
Associate degree
You'll be great at this too if...
► You’re always doodling in class
► You’re inspired by architects and graphic designers
► You use your left brain and right brain equally
► You like watching HGTV
► You want to be a part of projects that have a big impact
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$66,160 Annual
$31.80 Hourly
Median wages in Arkansas
$61,750 Annual
$29.69 Hourly
WHERE TO LEARN
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
- Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- Phillips Community College, University of Arkansas
- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
- University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
- W&W|AFCO Steel
WHERE TO WORK
- Hytrol
- Riceland Foods
- W&W|AFCO Steel
Sources: careeronestop.org
