How to become a CAD technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could start by doing a higher national diploma or degree that includes computer-aided design work. For example:
- construction
- architectural technology
- product design
- design engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could train in computer-aided design by taking a college course like:
- Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Technology
- Level 2 Certificate in Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing
- Level 3 Diploma in Design and Draughting
- T level in Design, Surveying and Planning
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You could complete an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in engineering, manufacturing or construction. The exact apprenticeship you take will depend on your job role but there are several that include computer-aided design work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Career tips
Some colleges may specialise in particular computer-aided design packages, for example:
- AutoCAD LT
- Civil 3D
- SolidWorks
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Revit
Further information
You can find more details about working and training in computer-aided design through Go Construct and The Institution of Engineering Designers.