Paisley Marderness, a rising senior in the Drafting Design Technology program at BCTC and a student from Conrad Weiser, is gaining valuable real-world experience this summer through a co-op placement at Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. Her work combines technical precision, creativity, and problem-solving while contributing to projects that customers across the country will see.
Working alongside the engineering and marketing departments, Paisley has taken on the enormous task of updating the company's catalog—an assignment that requires careful attention to detail. The catalogs span more than 700 pages and feature multiple product lines with both imperial and metric measurements.
"I'm considered a CAD technician because I don't really have one specific role," Paisley explained. "I've been working with the marketing department to update the catalog, redrawing, recoloring, and reframing cabinet illustrations. Sometimes we're creating new drawings, and other times we're fixing or updating existing ones."
The responsibility goes far beyond simple edits. Every drawing she completes becomes part of the company's marketing materials and helps customers visualize products before making purchasing decisions.
One of Paisley's biggest challenges has been learning to navigate years of archived files and locating the correct versions of AutoCAD drawings.
"Sometimes it's figuring out where files are located, what version they're in, or even finding someone who knows where they are," she said. "It's really taught me how important organization and communication are in a professional environment."
Paisley's journey to BCTC began with an interest in art. Originally considering a career in Advertising Art and Design Technology, she visited BCTC as an eighth grader and explored several programs before discovering Drafting Design Technology.
"I've always been artistic, but I've also always loved numbers," she said. "When I toured the drafting program, I knew this was where I belonged. Looking back now, almost four years later, I don't regret my decision at all."
Outside of the classroom and workplace, Paisley serves as BCTC’s West Campus SkillsUSA President and Student Ambassador, demonstrating her leadership while representing fellow students and promoting career and technical education.
Looking ahead, Paisley plans to continue her education by earning a degree in engineering. While she's still exploring which engineering specialty is the best fit, her co-op experience has strengthened her interest in mechanical design and engineering careers.
"I'm looking at colleges and universities where I can continue studying engineering," she said. "I'd love to work in a department similar to where I am now—maybe as an engineer or eventually in a management role."
Paisley encourages younger students to keep an open mind as they explore career opportunities. "Find your niche," she advised. "You have to find something you enjoy. If you don't like what you're doing, you're not going to enjoy your future. At BCTC, you have so many opportunities to try different career paths. If one isn't the right fit, don't be afraid to explore another one until you find where you belong."
Through her leadership, dedication, and hands-on experience, Paisley is building more than technical skills—she's laying the foundation for a successful future in engineering, one drawing at a time.