Job Description

Being a CAD Technician is a really interesting job, involving the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) to develop ideas created by Civil Engineers or Architects on a computer, as well as using sophisticated material and joint testing and stress testing facilities to help the outcome of a design. The use of Rapid Prototyping may be needed, including CNC and 3D printing devices

Entry Requirements

You can get this job through:

College

You could train in computer-aided design by taking a college course like:

BTEC Certificates and Diplomas in Engineering Levels 2 and 3
BTEC National Certificates and Diplomas in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Civil Engineering Level 3

The following local colleges offer courses in Engineering:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

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.

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

Click here to search for 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

You'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Career tips

Some colleges may specialise in particular computer-aided design packages, for example:

AutoCAD LT
Civil 3D
SolidWorks
Autodesk 3ds Max
Revit

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

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could register with the Engineering Council to get Engineering Technician (EngTech) status.

You could become a team or section leader, project manager or site manager. With further training, you could become a design or software engineer.

Required Skills

Excellent IT skills
knowledge of manufacturing processes and construction methods
creativity
well organised
able to work well in part of a team
use your own initiative
problem solving skills
good communication skills

Salary Range

£15,000 to £35,000

CAD Technician