What is the work like?

Computer aided design (CAD) technicians use software to create detailed 2D and 3D designs and blueprints in a wide range of industries, such as engineering, construction and manufacturing.

Technicians usually use two CAD techniques: surface modelling and solid modelling. They use surface modelling to create flat representations of products, for example new motor vehicle designs. Clients then give feedback on these designs before engineers build and test prototypes.

Technicians use solid modelling to build 3D images of structures and components. They can use these to test internal stresses and strains and identify weak points, for instance in tunnels or on bridges. They also use solid modelling to create 3D displays, which allow engineers to take a ‘virtual tour’ around a building or inside a piece of machinery.

As well as design plans, CAD technicians use the modelling techniques to help in the preparation of cost estimates, assembly instructions and maintenance manuals for the product in question.

Technicians can specialise in a variety of CAD work, including:
computer aided industrial design (CAID) computer aided engineering (CAE) computer aided styling (CAS) computer aided manufacturing (CAM).

CAD technicians normally work in a team, with each person working on a different part of the project under the guidance of a design engineer.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You may be able to become a CAD technician by starting as an apprentice with an engineering or construction firm. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, contact the NASEC team (in Further Information) or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

To get onto an apprenticeship scheme, you will need four GCSEs (A-C), such as maths, science, engineering, design and technology or equivalent qualifications.

An alternative way to gain CAD skills, is to take a college course.

These courses are open to all ages and include:
BTEC First Certificate in Engineering Level 2 BTEC National Certificates / Diplomas in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Civil Engineering City & Guilds Certificate in Computer Aided Design Parametric Modelling levels 1 to 3 City & Guilds Certificate in 2D Computer Aided Design (4353) Level 2, and Level 3, which allows you to specialise in 2D or 3D design.

There are many specialised CAD software packages, including AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Architectural, CATIA, PRO/Engineer, SolidWorks and 3ds Max, but the college training courses tend to use AutoCAD as the basis for learning.

What further training and development can I do?

Once you are working as a CAD technician, you can train in specific software relevant to your sector. For example, you might train on PDS (Plant Design Systems) if your company designs petrochemical facilities.

There are a number of qualifications available, which cover CAD but the exact award you take will depend on your job.

Courses include:
NVQ Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2 NVQ Engineering Technical Support Level 3 EAL Advanced Diploma in Engineering and Technology Level 3.BTEC HNC/HNDs and foundation degrees in Engineering / Construction and Civil Engineering also contain CAD units.