CAD Technician

Computer aided design (CAD) technicians use software to create design plans for buildings/machinery in industries such as engineering, construction and manufacturing.

They work in 2D design (surface modelling) and 3D design (solid modelling).

CAD work can also be called computer aided industrial design; computer aided engineering; computer aided styling; and computer aided manufacturing.

CAD technicians normally work in a small team under the guidance of a design engineer.

In solid modelling, you would create a 3D display of a structure or component. Engineers can then use this, for example, to take a ‘virtual tour’ around the inside of a new building to plan where to fit electrical cabling, or to 'look inside' a piece of manufacturing machinery to see where improvements to parts could be made. You would use surface modelling to draw a flat representation of a product, for example a design for a new motor vehicle.

Clients could then see the plans and give feedback before engineers build and test a prototype.

You would also use your designs to help prepare cost estimates on projects, and produce assembly instructions and maintenance manuals for installation, service and repair technicians.

Junior CAD technicians earn between £15,500 and £20,000 a year. Average salaries for experienced technicians are between £23,000 and £30,000.

Senior CAD technicians can earn up to £40,000 a year.

You may be able to become a CAD technician by starting as an apprentice with an engineering or construction firm. See the goengineer website for details about technician apprenticeships in the engineering construction industry.

To get onto an apprenticeship scheme, you may need some GCSEs (A-C), such as maths, science, engineering, design and technology, or equivalent qualifications. However, enthusiasm for the industry is often just as important as qualifications.

An alternative way to gain CAD skills is to take a college course that covers computer design skills, such as: BCS Certificate in 2D Computer Aided Design (ECDL CAD) Level 2; BTEC Certificates and Diplomas in Engineering levels 2 and 3; BTEC National Certificates and Diplomas in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Civil Engineering Level 3; City & Guilds Certificate in Computer Aided Design Parametric Modelling levels 1 to 3; and City & Guilds Certificate in 2D Computer Aided Design (4353) Level 2, and Level 3, which allows you to specialise in 2D or 3D design.

College courses tend to use AutoCAD for learning, which give a good understanding of technical design. Some colleges run more specialised software packages, including AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Architectural, CATIA, PRO/Engineer, SolidWorks and 3D Studio Max. 

Check with your local college for exact details of the packages they offer.

See the SEMTA, Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction websites for more information.