Design & planning

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You could study for a higher national diploma or degree that includes computer-aided design work, such as:

• construction
• architectural technology
• product design
• design engineering
• production or manufacturing 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:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For 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:

• engineering technology
• 2D computer-aided design
• design and technology
• T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
• T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For 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 apply to do an apprenticeship that includes training in CAD design skills. These can be found in many industries, including engineering, manufacturing and construction.

Examples include:

• Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Civil Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Construction Design and Build Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For 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 can be useful to check job adverts to see which design software skills employers are looking for. Some software companies offer student packages or free trials that allow you to practise using them.

In construction design, it's helpful to have an understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Further information

You can find more about working and training in computer-aided design through Go Construct and the Institution of Engineering Designers.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could become a CAD project co-ordinator or design team manager.

You could register with the Engineering Council to achieve Engineering Technician (EngTech) status. This would demonstrate your skills and expertise in your particular industry.

You might also be a freelance CAD designer, working for companies on different contracts.

You can find more details about working and training in computer-aided design through Go Construct and The Institution of Engineering Designers.