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cad technician
Computer aided design (CAD) technicians, sometimes known as CAD draughtsmen/women, work in all branches of engineering, architecture, construction and manufacturing. They use CAD software to produce detailed 2D and 3D designs and specifications on a wide range of projects. These vary in scale from small mechanical components, for example dies and tools, through to large structural engineering schemes, such as bridges and tunnels.
CAD is a generic term covering a variety of specialised roles, including computer aided industrial design (CAID), computer aided engineering (CAE), computer aided styling (CAS) and computer aided manufacturing design (CAM).
CAD design work tends to fall into two categories:
Solid modelling - used on engineering and construction projects to analyse how changes in materials or combinations of materials affect the internal stresses and tolerances of the component or structure. Technicians use this technique to eliminate potential problems, weaknesses and product failure.
Surface modelling - used for sophisticated rendering, animation and photorealistic visualisation of products in development. This allows technicians to collate client feedback in a rapid and cost-effective manner before prototypes are built and tested. Automotive design is a common example.
Technicians normally work in a team, with each working on a different part of the project. A design engineer usually has overall responsibility for managing the project and team.
As well as producing detailed blueprints, technicians use the specification parameters to prepare cost estimates, tenders, compliance documents, and manufacturing, assembly and maintenance instructions for the project in question.
Hours and Environment
CAD technicians work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
They work in a design office at a CAD design workstation or PC. Depending on the job, there may be some temporary relocation to the project site.
Skills and Interests
To be a CAD technician you need:
- a knowledge of the practical application of engineering design principles
- good numeracy and computer literacy skills
- good communication skills
- an appreciation of material properties
- an understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methods
- good analytical skills
- creative flair
- to be able to work as part of a team and to deadlines.
Entry
A common route for young people is to train as a technician apprentice in engineering. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24 (see the Training section for contacts). You will need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), such as maths, science, engineering, design and technology or appropriate equivalents. Check with training providers for exact entry requirements.
Alternative introductory qualifications containing units on CAD, include:
- Edexcel (BTEC) First Certificate in Engineering Level 2
- BTEC First Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering Level 2
- City & Guilds Certificate in 2D Computer Aided Design (4353) Level 2
- City & Guilds Certificate in Computer Aided Design Parametric Modelling levels 1 and 2.
These are open to any age group and are widely available at colleges throughout the country. The Training section below outlines follow-on courses.
There are many specialised CAD software packages, including AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Architectural, CATIA, PRO/Engineer, SolidWorks and 3ds Max, but the training courses at this level tend to use AutoCAD as the basis for learning. Check with local colleges for exact details of the packages they cover.
For information about careers within the construction and engineering sectors, see the SEMTA, Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and Women into Science and Engineering websites in Further Information. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their website in Further Information.
Training
Once in a job, you train in specific software relevant to your sector. For example, you might train on PDS (Plant Design Systems) if your company designs petrochemical facilities.
For those working as technicians, there are NVQs/SVQs and other awards available, which cover CAD. These include:
- NVQ/SVQ Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2
- NVQ/SVQ Engineering Technical Support Level 3
- EAL Advanced Diploma in Engineering and Technology Level 3
- City & Guilds Level 2 Progression Awards in Production Engineering: CNC Manufacturing, and Applying Engineering Principles.
- BTEC National Certificates / Diplomas in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Civil Engineering
- City & Guilds Certificate in Computer Aided Design (4353) Level 3 (allows specialism in 2D or 3D design).
- City & Guilds Certificate in Computer Aided Design Parametric Modelling Level 3.
BTEC HNC/HNDs and foundation degrees in Engineering / Construction and Civil Engineering also contain CAD units. These are offered at colleges and universities.
For professional development, suitably qualified/experienced CAD technicians could consider registering with the Engineering Council to attain EngTech status. For more details, see the EngTech website in Further Information.
You may be able to enter through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships may be available to people in certain priority groups. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland.
Opportunities
In addition to light and heavy engineering, CAD technicians are trained and work in many industries including construction, construction engineering, aerospace, railways, electronics, broadcasting and telecommunications industries. Vehicle and consumer goods manufacturers are other common employers.
Progression routes include promotion to team or section leader, project manager and site manager. With further training, design engineering may be a possibility. Freelance work may be another option for experienced technicians.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Junior CAD technicians earn between £15,500 and £19,500 a year.
Average salaries for experienced technicians are between £22,000 and £26,000.
Senior CAD technicians can earn upwards of £27,000 a year.
Further information
20-24 York Street
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BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
Tel: 020 7557 6426
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration Team: 01923 402155
London
WC2R 3ER
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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