CAD and Computer Modeling Pathway Cohort

Youth Economic Advancement (sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative

Limited access to skill development and stable employment adversely affects opportunity youth, justice-involved youth, and transition-aged youth. High unemployment rates among these populations perpetuate social inequality and hinder professional growth. Nationally, the unemployment rate for opportunity youth is a staggering 14.8%. Justice-involved youth face significant barriers to employment, with unemployment rates as high as 50% within a year of release. Urgent action is needed to break the cycle of limited opportunities, address barriers, and provide pathways to meaningful careers. Alex, TAY, struggled to find a job due to limited education and skills. His passion for design remains untapped without training in CAD and his dreams remain out of reach. The absence of technical training programs hinders his ability to secure stable employment and create a positive future. Addressing this problem breaks generational disadvantage in an emerging sector to provide equal opportunity.

Every product we use today was developed through the industrial design process, and the manufacturing industry is changing rapidly with the development of new manufacturing processes. The use of computer-aided drafting and design (CAD) to drive innovation means there is a large untapped workforce talent that can enter this field. In this 4-month program, participants will learn and experience the industrial design process through immersive project-based learning. The program begins with an exploration of design thinking concepts, hand sketching, and design prototyping on manual tools and machines. Students will use several industry standard softwares and learn typical interface patterns, specific tool-sets, workflow, and modeling best practices. This cohort prepares students with the foundational CAD skills necessary for success in DMF fabrication and a career in digital modeling and fabrication. The demand for CAD professionals in Los Angeles is high across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, product design, architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and entertainment. LA is also known for its thriving entertainment industry, in which CAD professionals in this sector contribute to the creation of visual effects, set designs, character modeling, and 3D animation. CAD skills are extremely transferable and youth are best positioned to take full advantage of this emerging sector.

With the rise of technology and the power of AI, automation has led to increased efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes, resulting in a reduced demand for manual labor. The availability of Kaimore's CAD training programs in Los Angeles can transform the lives of marginalized groups and reduce job insecurity caused by automation. It contributes to economic growth, empowers individuals with valuable skills, and creates opportunities for a brighter future. By developing a skilled CAD workforce, job prospects will increase in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, design, etc. In the short term, underserved youth gain in-demand skills and experience, opening doors to high-demand industries. In any industry, CAD knowledge makes individuals desirable in the era of automation, providing a unique value add. The program empowers them to overcome challenges, increase employability with upward mobility, and achieve financial independence.

Kaimore focuses on creating shared value and actionable insights to strengthen understanding and produce sector-specific learning. Our goals are to establish accountability, inform decision making, and generate evidence of success. Impact KPI metrics include participant demographics, # of learners/workers reached, # of learners/workers upskilled/reached (high-touch, formal training, on the job or with job placement program), $ average wage gained, # of credentials earned; # of job placed. In our previous workforce training and financial training programs, we collect extensive data through pre-, during, and post-intake processes, leveraging our in house AI model to determine the best course of action with high success rates. 80% of graduates from our programs experience improved financial standing and 70% retain employment over a 6-month time frame. These metrics serve as an accountability mechanism and provide valuable insights.