CAD technician
Computer-aided design (CAD) technicians use software to design buildings, structures, vehicles, machinery and components.
Typical Salary
£23,000 – £40,000
per year
Working Hours
37–42
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a CAD technician, you could:
- read and interpret engineering plans and instructions
- produce technical drawings and layouts, using 2D or 3D software
- check that drawings meet quality and technical standards
- find and fix inaccuracies or mistakes
- work closely with engineers, designers and project staff
- contribute to project meetings and presentations
- keep accurate records and maintain different versions of your design work
Skills needed
- design skills and knowledge
- maths skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
Career progression
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.