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CAD technician
Structural technician, BIM technician, digital design technician, engineering design technician
Computer-aided design (CAD) technicians use software to design structures, machinery, goods and components.
Average salary (a year)
£17000
Starter
£35000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
You may need:
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
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
You'll usually need:
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
More Information
Career Tips
It's useful to find out the common design software packages used by companies you want to work for. Some software companies offer student packages or free trials that allow you to practise using them.
In construction design, it's useful to have an understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Further Information
You can find more details about working and training in computer-aided design through:Go Construct, the Institution of Engineering Designers
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in an office or on a construction site.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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