CAD operators and CAD technicians use CAD (computer aided design) packages to produce drawings for construction and manufacturing purpose.
Salaries depend on location, employer and level of responsibility. Salaries and career options also improve with chartered status.
To gain CAD skills, you can take one of many college courses. These include:
College courses tend to use AutoCAD for learning, which would offer you a good understanding of technical design. Some colleges may also run more specialised software packages, including AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Architectural, CATIA, PRO/Engineer, SolidWorks and 3ds Max.
You have more training once you are doing the job. This is usually specific CAD software relevant to your industry. So, for example, you might train on PDS (Plant Design Systems) if your company designs petrochemical facilities.
You could take a work-based qualification (depending on your job) such as:
You could also work towards a BTEC HNC, HND or foundation degree in engineering, construction or civil engineering.
To get onto a construction apprenticeship scheme, you need five GCSEs (A-C) – or the equivalent – in subjects such as maths, science, engineering, design and technology. You have to find an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice, and many colleges, training providers and programmes introduce potential apprentices to interested employers.
CAD apprenticeships include a training qualification (known as the diploma or technical certificate), a work-based qualification (known as an NVQ), and basic English and maths (known as Functional Skills, or Essential Skills in Wales) and Employment Rights & Responsibilities to help you at work. It also covers employment responsibilities along with personal learning and thinking skills.
Experienced CAD technicians can register with the Engineering Council to gain EngTech status for professional development.
Claire Mathews is a senior CAD technician with Hyder Consulting.
Career trends and forecasts
16,690
additional staff needed
The UK construction industry will need an additional 16,690 non-construction professional, technical, IT and other office-based staff (which includes CAD operatives) to meet demand between 2017 - 2021, according to the latest Construction Skills Network research (LMI). The majority of this demand will be in the South West followed by East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, and Scotland and Wales.
Explore the progression opportunities below
For information on the CAD Operative role in Scotland please visit the Skills Development Scotland website My World of Work.
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