I am a
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CAD technician

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

Average annual salary

£17,000 to £35,000

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Entry Requirements:

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, such as:

  • construction
  • architectural technology
  • product design
  • design 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:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

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

  • Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technology
  • Level 2 or 3 Award in 2D Computer-Aided Design
  • Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Design and Draughting
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
  • T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements:

  • 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

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:

  • 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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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:
  • design skills and knowledge
  • maths skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of English language
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to read English
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • concentration skills
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What you'll do:

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

You could:

  • use 2D or 3D software to produce sketches, schemes, models and detailed drawings
  • check that drawings meet quality and technical standards
  • find and fix inaccuracies or mistakes
  • communicate with engineers, designers and project staff
  • read and interpret engineers' drawings
  • do mathematical calculations to work out angles, weights and costs
  • keep accurate records of different versions of your design work

Location : You could work in an office or on a construction site.

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Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

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Career Path:

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

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

You could also work freelance.

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