Digital Modeling & Fabrication
Get Certified in 3D Modeling, CAD, and CNC Programming
Digital Modeling & Fabrication | Accredited 9 month program
Meets Monday through Friday, 8:30-5 | Rolling Admissions
Starts in September
The Digital Modeling & Fabrication program at IYRS is an immersive, hands-on experience where technology meets craftsmanship. Over the course of nine months, students engage in project-based learning designed to build expertise in digital modeling software, CAD systems, and CNC programming—all backed by industry-recognized certifications.
Perfect for career changers, high school graduates, military veterans, and professionals looking to upskill, this ACCSC-accredited program fuses design thinking with real-world fabrication. Students explore the design-to-production pipeline from concept sketches to final builds using CNC routers, manual mills and lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers, and more. The result: job-ready graduates with a portfolio of professional work and a deep understanding of the tools that power modern manufacturing.
Program Quick Facts
9-month program
Learn new skills through a project-based approach, and step into the workforce in less than a year.
Earn 2 industry-standard software certifications
Prepare for SOLIDWORKS® and Mastercam Certifications
Rolling admissions
With rolling admissions, our admissions counselors are ready to help you apply when it’s convenient for you.
Why Choose Digital Modeling & Fabrication?
The Digital Modeling & Fabrication program at IYRS opens doors to rewarding careers across the country’s fastest-growing industries. With job growth projected across CNC programming, fabrication, and digital modeling, IYRS prepares students to meet rising demand with real-world expertise and credentials (Deloitte & The Manufacturing Institute, 2024).
Digital modeling enhances product design and manufacturing by bringing ideas to life with precision and efficiency. Additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques allow for rapid prototyping, design iteration, and scalable production—capabilities that are transforming how industries operate.
Graduates of IYRS’s Digital Modeling & Fabrication program have launched careers as CNC programmers, fabrication technicians, machinists, CAD designers, and prototyping specialists. Companies hire IYRS alumni to apply precision manufacturing knowledge across a broad range of industries from consumer products to marine technology.
This program is ideal for those who want to work with their hands, think creatively, and turn technical knowledge into tangible outcomes. Whether you’re designing the next breakthrough product or fabricating high-performance components, a certificate from IYRS positions you at the forefront of modern manufacturing.
Hands-On Training & Certification Process
IYRS provides students with access to both traditional and advanced technology:
- 3D printers (additive manufacturing)
- CNC mills and lathes (subtractive manufacturing)
- Manual machines like lathes and mills
- Laser cutting
Students learn the skills to sit for certification exams in SOLIDWORKS® and Mastercam while building proficiency in Rhino 3D.
Beyond software, the program emphasizes problem-solving, iterative design, and precision fabrication. Students complete multiple fabrication projects and build a capstone project from concept to execution. This final build is not just a test—it's a key portfolio piece that demonstrates readiness for the workforce.
Program Details
Program Highlights
SHOP SKILLS
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Hand & Power Tool Use
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Design Principles
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SOLIDWORKS®
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Mastercam
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Rhino
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Manual Machining with Mills and Lathes
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CNC programming
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CNC mill and lathe operation
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Laser Cutting
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3D Printing & Prototyping
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
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Craftsmanship
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Design Thinking
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Shop Safety
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Portfolio Development
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Presentation Skills
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Teamwork & Communication
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Time Management
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- CNC Programmer
- Machinist
- Fabrication Designer
- CAD Designer
- Fabrication Technician
- Prototyping Specialist
Our alumni find success with employers like...
Career Opportunities & Industry Demand
Graduates are equipped for a wide range of roles:
- CNC Programmer
- Machinist
- Fabrication Designer
- CAD Designer
- Fabrication Technician
- Prototyping Specialist
Precision manufacturing and product development companies hire IYRS Digital Modeling & Fabrication graduates to apply their knowledge across a broad range of applications and industries. Our Career Development team works closely with students to support job placement, externships, and resume development. With an average placement rate of 85%+, IYRS sets graduates on a path to long-term success in high-demand fields.
How to Apply & Next Steps
Applying to the Digital Modeling & Fabrication program at IYRS is simple, thanks to our rolling admissions process. This means you can apply any time of year and start planning your next step when you're ready. To begin, prospective students should complete an online application and be prepared to discuss their interests in design, fabrication, or technology. While no prior experience is required, curiosity and a hands-on mindset are essential.
Applicants come from a wide range of backgrounds—high school graduates, college alumni, military veterans, and working professionals—all seeking a skillset that blends creative thinking with technical know-how.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and IYRS proudly supports veterans and active-duty military members through dedicated education benefits. With over 79% of IYRS students receiving financial assistance, our Admissions and Financial Aid teams are ready to help make your education accessible and affordable.
Whether you’re looking to pivot your career or launch a new one, this is your moment to take the next step.
Start Your Career in Digital Modeling & Fabrication
Ready to turn your ideas into real-world creations? With IYRS’s Digital Modeling & Fabrication program, you’ll gain the skills, certifications, and confidence to apply precision manufacturing to today’s most in-demand industries.
- Prepare for 2 industry-standard software certification exams in just 9 months.
- Gain hands-on experience in CNC programming, 3D printing, SOLIDWORKS®, and Rhino.
- Launch your career in advanced manufacturing, and prototyping
- Learn from experienced instructors in a collaborative, project-based environment.
NEWSWEEK NAMES IYRS ONE OF THE BEST MAKER SCHOOLS IN THE WORLD
Newsweek named IYRS one of the Best Maker Schools in the world for 2021. Winners of this prestigious award are institutions of higher education that have curricula that encourages learning by doing; are supported by educators committed to collaborative problem-solving; have well-developed makerspaces, labs, and studios; and which support diverse, interactive communities that engage in knowledge and skill sharing.
The award highlights institutions with innovative programs that demonstrate the ingenuity and community engagement that are hallmarks of the maker movement.
Explore the Digital Modeling & Fabrication program
IYRS isn't just about machines – it's about learning the hands-on skills that build confidence and unlock creativity.
- Mackenzy Thompson-Johnson '25