Colorado's Engineering pathway develops foundational knowledge and skills for careers in engineering disciplines and technical fields. Colorado's aerospace, manufacturing, and technology industries create strong demand for engineering professionals and technicians.
Students develop competency in engineering design, CAD software, physics and mathematics applications, problem-solving, and project management. They work on real engineering projects and gain experience through partnerships with engineering firms and manufacturers.
Graduates pursue careers as engineering technicians, CAD technicians, or continue studies in engineering at Colorado universities including CU Boulder, Colorado State, and University of Colorado Denver. Many work with aerospace contractors, manufacturing companies, and technology firms throughout the state.
Engineering at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Colorado's engineering standards align with ABET standards and engineering best practices. Standards cover design principles, CAD proficiency, technical analysis, and project management.
Students complete hands-on assessments on engineering projects demonstrating competency in design, technical drawing, problem-solving, and communication. Assessment includes CAD proficiency and design portfolio development.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Engineering Design and CAD |
| Engineering Applications and Analysis |
| Advanced Engineering Projects |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
CAD Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $61,100 - $93,680
Engineering Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $60,000 - $79,450
Project Coordinator
ExperiencedSalary range: $45,810 - $61,520
Engineering Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $158,900 - $219,230
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with engineering firms, manufacturers, aerospace contractors, construction companies, and utilities throughout Colorado.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Colorado CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Colorado Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Colorado's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Colorado standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Colorado
Advanced Manufacturing
Colorado's Advanced Manufacturing pathway prepares students for careers in modern manufacturing, precision machining, and production operations. Colorado's manufacturing sector creates strong demand for skilled technicians. Students develop competency in CNC operations, CAD/CAM software, lean manufacturing, quality control, and advanced production systems. They work with modern manufacturing equipment and gain experience through partnerships with manufacturers. Graduates work as manufacturing technicians, CNC operators, or quality specialists. Many advance to programming or supervisory roles. Colorado's diverse manufacturing base ensures strong employment.
STEM, Arts, Design & Information TechnologyProgramming
Colorado's Programming pathway prepares students for careers in application development and software engineering. Colorado's technology sector, with headquarters in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, creates strong demand for developers. Students develop competency in multiple programming languages, software design patterns, debugging, testing, and software development practices. They work on real projects and gain experience through partnerships with software companies. Graduates work as junior developers, application developers, or software engineers. Many pursue advanced certifications and higher education in computer science. Strong career growth and competitive compensation ensure excellent prospects.
STEM, Arts, Design & Information TechnologyRobotics & Automation
Colorado's Robotics & Automation pathway prepares students for careers in robotics technology, automation systems, and industrial robotics. Colorado's manufacturing sector increasingly adopts robotics and automation technologies. Students develop competency in robotic systems, programming, automation design, system integration, and troubleshooting. They work with actual robotic systems and gain experience through partnerships with manufacturing companies. Graduates work as robotics technicians, automation specialists, or systems integrators. Strong demand for skilled robotics professionals ensures excellent career prospects throughout Colorado.
STEM, Arts, Design & Information TechnologyReady to Build Engineering Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Engineering in Colorado.