CAD technician
Computer-aided design (CAD) technicians use software to design buildings, structures, vehicles, machinery and components.
Also known as: Structural technician, digital design technician, engineering design technician
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£42,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a CAD technician, you could:
- read and interpret engineering plans and instructions
- produce technical drawings and layouts, using 2D or 3D software
- check that drawings meet quality and technical standards
- find and fix inaccuracies or mistakes
- work closely with engineers, designers and project staff
- contribute to project meetings and presentations
- keep accurate records and maintain different versions of your design work
Working environment
You could work in an office or on a construction site.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- maths skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a cAD technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could study for a higher national diploma or degree that includes computer-aided design work, such as:
- construction
- architectural technology
- product design
- design engineering
- production or manufacturing engineering
Courses that include a year in industry or a summer internship will give you an opportunity to develop contacts and gain relevant work experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could train in computer-aided design by taking a college course like:
- engineering technology
- 2D computer-aided design
- design and technology
- T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
- T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship that includes training in CAD design skills. These can be found in many industries, including engineering, manufacturing and construction.
Examples include:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Civil Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Construction Design and Build Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a CAD project co-ordinator, Revit technician or design team manager.
You could register with the Engineering Council to achieve Engineering Technician (EngTech) status. This would demonstrate your skills and expertise in your particular industry.
You might also be a freelance CAD designer, working for companies on different contracts.
Career tips
It can be useful to check job adverts to see which design software skills employers are looking for. Some software companies offer student packages or free trials that allow you to practise using them.
In construction design, it's helpful to have an understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM) .
Guides for this industry
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