Cad technician Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a CAD technician, you could work in 2D design, known as surface modelling, and 3D design, known as solid modelling.

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.

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

CAD work could have different names depending on the industry, including:

• computer aided industrial design (CAID)
• computer aided engineering (CAE)
• computer aided styling (CAS)
• computer aided manufacturing (CAM).

You would normally work in a small team managed by a design engineer, with each person working on a different part of a project.

Hours

You would work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You would be based at a design office, working at a CAD design workstation or on a PC.

For construction and engineering design work you might be asked to work on site for part of the project.

Income

Junior CAD technicians can earn between £15,000 and £20,000 a year.

Average salaries for experienced technicians are between £23,000 and £30,000 a year, and senior technicians can earn up to £40,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You could become a CAD technician by starting as an advanced apprentice with an engineering, manufacturing or construction firm. See the National Apprenticeships Service website for details about technician apprenticeships.

• National Apprenticeships Service

To get onto an Advanced Apprenticeship scheme, you will need four or five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and a science subject.

Another way to gain CAD skills is to take a college course that covers computer design skills, such as:

• BTEC Certificates and Diplomas in Engineering levels 2 and 3
• BTEC Certificates and Diplomas in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Civil Engineering Level 3
• City & Guilds Award/Certificate in Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing at Level 1, 2 and 3, which allows you to specialise in 2D or 3D design
• EAL Certificates and Diplomas in Engineering and Technology Level 2 and 3.

College courses use a wide range of software for learning, which would give you a good understanding of technical design. Some colleges may also use more specialised software packages, including AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Architectural, CATIA, SolidWorks and 3ds Max. Check with your local college for exact details of the software packages they offer.

See the SEMTA, Tomorrow's Engineers and ECITB websites for more information about careers in engineering and construction.

• Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB)
• SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance)
• Tomorrow's Engineers

Training and development

Once you are working, you would receive further training from your employer in CAD software relevant to your industry. For example, you might train on Plant Design Systems if the company you work for designs petrochemical facilities.

You could take one of a number of work-based qualifications that cover CAD depending on your job. Qualifications include:

• NVQ Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2
• NVQ Engineering Technical Support level 2 and 3
• EAL Diploma in Engineering and Technology Level 3.

Technology changes quickly in this field, so it is important for CAD technicians to keep their knowledge and skills up to date though Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

You could also work towards a BTEC HNC, HND or foundation degree in engineering, construction or civil engineering.

As an experienced CAD technician you could register with the Engineering Council to gain Engineering Technician (EngTech) status, which could help your career prospects. See the Engineering Council website for more details.

• Engineering Council

Skills and knowledge

To be a CAD technician, you will need to have:

• a knowledge of engineering design principles
• good maths and IT skills
• good communication skills
• an understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methods
• good problem-solving skills
• creative ability
• the ability to work as part of a team
• the ability to meet deadlines.

More information

SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies in the UK)
14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0845 643 9001
www.semta.org.uk

Women into Science, Engineering and Construction
Athlone Wing
Old Building
Great Horton Road
Bradford
BD7 1AY
Tel: 01274 436485
www.theukrc.org/wise

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB)
Blue Court
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
www.ecitb.org.uk

Tomorrow's Engineers
EngineeringUK
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7EX
Email: careers@engineeringuk.com
Tel: 020 3206 0400
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk

Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland)
Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
www.etcni.org.uk

Institution of Engineering Designers
Courtleigh
Westbury Leigh
Westbury
Wiltshire
BA13 3TA
www.ied.org.uk

Opportunities

You can find work as a CAD technician in many industries, including light and heavy engineering, construction, aerospace, railways, electronics and telecommunications. Vehicle and consumer goods manufacturers are other common employers.

With experience, you could be promoted to team or section leader, project manager or site manager. With further training, you could become a design engineer. You may also be able to work freelance.

You may find the following websites useful for vacancies and general reading (links open in a new window):

• Just Engineers
• The Engineer Online
• Totally Engineering
• Flipside Magazine
• Directgov (Jobseekers page)

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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