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CAD technician

Alternative titles for this job include Structural technician, digital design technician, engineering design technician

Computer-aided design (CAD) technicians use software to design buildings, structures, vehicles, machinery and components.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become 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

More Information

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

More Information

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

More Information

More Information

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).

Further information

You can find more about working and training in computer-aided design through Go Construct and the Institution of Engineering Designers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a CAD project co-ordinator 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

CAD Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,313.60 a year Annually
  • Location: Unit 5, Easter Park, Baker Road, Cramlington

Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,500 a year Annually
  • Location: West Street, Chichester, West Sussex
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Computer Aided Design

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Smith's Wood

2D Computer Aided Design Level 2 Award

  • Provider: LANCASTER AND MORECAMBE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Lancaster
Find courses near you

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