Metallica Scholar, CADD student hopes to open 3D printing business

ECTC Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) student and Metallica Scholar Caitlin Bean has been interested in CADD since she took an introduction to engineering class in high school.

“It completely captivated me – the ability to build 3D models and create detailed drawings to plan out what I was doing,” she said. “I knew that studying CADD at ECTC meant I would be learning more about the program I originally fell in love with.”

Bean wasn’t sure exactly which direction she wanted to take her CADD studies, but ECTC allowed her the opportunity to experience different specialties.

“At ECTC I’ve been able to learn about architectural design and mechanical and civil engineering,” she said. “I’m not sure I would have had that at other colleges.”

“Caitlin was a pleasure to have in class,” said CADD Program Coordinator Brent Doty. “She really took to the 3D printing class and did more than needed to learn how to run the machines and create some great work.”

After she graduates in December, Bean’s immediate plans are to open a 3D printing business, using what she’s learned at ECTC. She’s considering earning a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering, with the end goal of designing and drafting floor plans for residential houses.

Bean will put her Metallica Scholars scholarship toward books, materials and tuition for class.

“I was a little worried about how we would make do, but this has eased our financial burden so I can just focus on getting my degree,” she said. “My goal was to be awarded this scholarship before I graduated. Technical fields make the world work, so I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the All Within My Hands Foundation for highlighting these programs.”