Performance analysis in CAD to update the design subject, with alignment to competency standards

Abstract

The update of the academic program based on CAD competency standards optimized practical training, aligning academia with labor demands. The results validated the need to structure subjects under professional certifications, ensuring that students acquired relevant technical skills. (Florida, 2024). The study demonstrated that an experimental approach to teaching industrial design, supported by tools validated in the industry, is key to reducing training gaps and enhancing technological-business development. This study analyzed the level of performance in CAD tools (SolidWorks and AutoCAD 2D) among industrial engineering students, and proposed an update as an improvement of the current academic program through the integration of the industrial design subject developed by merging and aligning with the competency standards of the required certifications (CSWA in SolidWorks and Basic 2D AutoCAD). (SOLIDWORKS, 2025). Required in the labor market. This research was of the applied, explanatory, and quantitative type, with a cross-sectional experimental approach and a hypothetical-deductive method. A sample of 100 students was evaluated through pre-intervention academic results, comparing their performance before and after updating the program with certifications. Statistical tests were applied (significance level 0.05) to measure differences in the mean (255 vs. 286.5) and to calculate confidence intervals. Previously, students showed low mastery (average: 30.5/335). After the update, the post-intervention mean was 286.5, with a 95% confidence interval (281.29–291.71), demonstrating a 97% improvement in efficiency. The significant difference (p < 0.05) confirmed that the integration of certifications increased performance, ensuring the basic competencies required in the industry.