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Computer Aided Design (CAD) Education and Training

Use computer aided design (CAD) education and training made to order for your business

By Katherine Kay
CAD education, as is all education, can be an individualized process today. No longer do students just register at the local technical institute or college and start classes. The choices and options for training and education are many. There are online courses, certifications, mentorships and free CAD tutorials. There are also two-year colleges and tech schools.

The student today needs to look at the equation at a deeper level and ask questions, “Do I need a diploma for my career?” or, “Do I need a quick and rigorous program to get me into the workforce quickly—accredited or not?” You can find good non-accredited training. There are plenty of con artists on the web offering less than sterling classes, however. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for computer aided design training:

1. Go to a two-year college or tech school for CAD design training.

2. Find a rigorous online CAD class.

3. Use free tutorials, forums and other CAD resources.

 

Attend a college program for CAD education

Go to an established school for a good education, degree or certification that will hold up under scrutiny. Fully accredited schools will give you something no one can take from you. Most two-year colleges and tech schools offer classes in computer-aided drafting.
Try: Attend a school like ITT Technical Institute for CAD. ITT is in San Antonio and offers an Associates Degree for CAD. North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is a two-year college that offers classes in CAD.

Take a rigorous computer aided design classes online

There are many fine training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.
Try: CADD Train has online AutoCAD training courses. You can also get CAD training online with CAD Institute.

Use forums, free tutorials and other resources to further your CAD education

Do research and define your needs by doing a little research and networking on the web. You will find lots of free information and people who will answer questions.
Try: Network with other CAD users and students at CADforum. MY CAD SITE offers free online CAD tutorials. Many CAD users will tell you that a real program or class is the best way to learn CAD. Go to A2ZColleges and find a two-year college near you where you can take a CAD class.

 

  • Training programs and schools have popped up all over the Internet. It's a great opportunity for convenient computer aided design education. However, watch the fine print. Look at the testimonials. Check Better Business Bureaus. Check prices and make sure the school is not too expensive compared to other schools, and that it offers a good solid program.
  • Go to forums and talk to other CAD users. Most of these users advise real courses, hands-on with instructors with credentials for your training. Also, look at your industry or field, because CAD is complex and can perform a wide variety of functions for different job settings. College courses will give you the big picture, and later you can home in on your specialty.

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