In recent years engineering and technology programs are challenged to prepare graduates to meet the globalization of the engineering profession and the real world demands of the global workforce. For the past several years, mechanical engineering and technology programs embarked on reforming the curricula by introducing new courses at the freshman level to enhance student motivation and improve retention. This paper talks about how the existing courses at freshman level in the area of mechanical detailing, technical graphics and manufacturing methods were used innovatively to provide the real world experience of product design, manufacturing and operation. It also shows how the program addresses part of the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) framework. Students taking the mechanical detailing course are involved in reverse engineering project. Students work in teams in redesigning the product, developing technical drawings, exchanging drawings with a different group to manufacture their product, and test and operate the product. This approach demonstrates the real world workplace environment of product design and manufacturing in which technical knowledge and other skills are learned and practiced. The freshman course project is an early exposure to students to demonstrate the relevance of mechanical engineering technology. It helps the students see graduates as practitioners of the profession, implementers of technology, jobready and focused on applied engineering.