Today’s CAD training programs equip students with the fundamental design knowledge and software skills to bring a wide range of concepts and products to life.
CAD engineering technicians can find work in engineering firms, construction companies, equipment manufacturers, government offices and more. Most CAD technicians are required to work in small teams consisting of other technicians. Typically, each member of a team is assigned to complete a specific area of a project under the supervision of an engineer.
If you’re considering enrolling in CAD technician courses, or you have already started your program, read on to learn more about some of the skills you will develop during your CAD training.
AutoCAD Technicians Need Effective File Management Skills
While you’re enrolled in AutoCAD courses in Edmonton, you will learn that it is important to master the process of effectively organizing and titling all of your files. During school, you may only use a few files for each project; however, once you find employment, one design may require dozens of files.
Over the course of producing a design, some clients may require a range of revisions, both slight and major. Technicians who know how to properly archive files will save a lot of time and effort making these changes since they will be able to locate and access the files they need quickly and easily.
AutoCAD Technicians Should Have Layer Management Skills
One of the first things students learn in AutoCAD schools is that CAD software manages its data using layers. Experts know that layers group similar objects together. Such objects can include; construction lines, windows, doors, text, pavement and more.
Layers control the color, line type, line weight and printability of everything in your drawing. Every company will have its own way of managing layers to ensure quality control and to certify that everyone can work together. Developing your layer management skills will give you the flexibility to fit in quickly with a company’s drawing environment.
AutoCAD Technicians Must Have a Good Understanding of Xrefs in CAD
In CAD software, the term xrefs refers to referenced files. Usually, any project will have a base file—the main file containing the bulk of the work that makes up your project’s design. As you go along, other drawing files will be created that reference your base file.
Secondary files will contain annotations such as your design’s titleblock, dimensions, and notes. The company you’ll work for should have a system in place for managing what information goes into which xref file, but you’ll still need to know what to do when a drawing goes through a revision; therefore, it’s important to know which xrefs belong with which base file.
AutoCAD Technicians Should Have Good Hand-drawing Skills
Once you become a certified AutoCAD technician, you will notice that your software skills will help out with a lot of your drawing work. While most of your work will be done digitally, hand-drawing is still considered a valuable skill in the architectural and engineering industry. To many employers, your ability to draw represents your creative process and demonstrates your raw talent!
Are you interested in mastering your AutoCAD skills?
Check out our one-year diploma program for more information, or to speak with an advisor.
