Are you wondering whether a job in CAD is right for you? Can you do it even if you have no prior experience? Let’s find out!
A computer-aided design (CAD) software operator — sometimes called a drafter — is a professional job that is in demand in a wide range of fields, including architecture and mechanical design. Provided you have the necessary skills, there are no age restrictions, and it is possible to work in this field for a long period of time. In addition, it is sometimes possible to work from home — an arrangement that offers the advantage of a flexible work style that can be tailored to your lifestyle.
In many places, the CAD market is expanding, and there is a shortage of operators. For example, according to a market survey compiled by Yano Research Institute in Japan, the domestic market trends for CAD software in 2022 are showing steady growth year over year.
In other countries, such as the United States, the profession still offers promising job prospects despite less growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that overall employment of drafters will decline 1% from 2023 to 2033, but there will still be about 16,900 openings for drafters each year, on average, over the decade.
In this article, we will introduce the roadmap to becoming a professional CAD operator — which is gaining attention as a rewarding, lifelong career — and the optimal CAD software for honing your skills. Let’s start by delving deeper into the marketability of CAD operators.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Become a CAD Operator? What if You Have No Experience?
You can excel as a CAD operator at any age if you have solid skills; there’s no minimum or maximum age (apart from any restrictions mandated by labor laws where you live).
It is possible to become a CAD operator even without prior experience. Despite the specialized image associated with the name, if you prepare adequately and study thoroughly, transitioning into the field from an unrelated career — or even becoming a freelancer — is not out of reach. Consider earning software certifications to show prospective employers proof of your knowledge.
What Does a CAD Operator Do?
CAD operators use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create and edit technical drawings. They work in a wide range of fields, including architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical/electronics engineering.
The job requires concentration, attention to detail, and the ability to work at a computer for long stretches of time.
How Can You Become a CAD Operator?
Now, we will explore various approaches to becoming a CAD operator as a company employee or freelancer:
- Self-study. If you have experience similar to that of a CAD operator, you can learn the necessary knowledge through self-study. You can install low-cost CAD software on your computer to practice on your own schedule, and deepen your understanding by referencing YouTube videos and Help pages.
- Attend a CAD school. For those with no prior experience, attending an in-person CAD school or vocational school to systematically learn the skills is one standard approach. These days, online schools are also well-developed, so it is not difficult to learn while working. If possible, working at a construction or architecture company, design firm, or manufacturer of electrical, mechanical, equipment, or parts while attending school can accelerate learning through synergy with practical work.
- Obtain a certification. Obtaining one or more certifications is also a shortcut to becoming a CAD operator with no prior experience. Studying for a certification helps you acquire specialized knowledge, which can lead to higher pay and more efficient work. Furthermore, studying for a certification opens up opportunities for career transitions — not only to CAD operator roles, but also CAD instructors and sales positions at design firms. The difficulty and pass rates of CAD operator certification exams vary significantly depending on the level.
If your goal is to become a self-employed CAD operator, your career roadmap might look like one of these options:
- Roadmap 1: Work as an employee operator first, then become independent.
CAD drawings are valuable assets for companies; to be trusted with those assets as a freelancer, you need social credibility. Therefore, it is a more reliable approach to work for a company first rather than going independent from the start. After attending a CAD school to acquire basic knowledge, you build your career as an in-house CAD operator at a construction company, manufacturing company, or other business. Once you are well established and feel ready to strike out on your own, you can become a freelancer. Note that some companies allow CAD operators to work remotely, so even as an employee, there is flexibility in where and how you work.
- Roadmap 2: Start with a side job. If you are considering becoming a freelancer, one option is to take on CAD operator work as a side job from home. Even small projects can accumulate, leading to recognition from clients and potentially opening the door to freelancing.
Which CAD Software is Best for Beginners?
Beginners learning CAD need software that is affordable and easily accessible. However, it must also be powerful and professional, so they can prepare for real-world work environments. To accommodate all these needs, we recommend the ARES Trinity of CAD software from Graebert — a venerable developer based in Berlin, Germany. The lineup includes three integrated products, each tailored to a different platform: ARES Commander (desktop), ARES Touch (mobile), and ARES Kudo (cloud).
ARES Commander is DWG-based and fully compatible with AutoCAD, which holds the top market share in the CAD industry. It provides a comprehensive range of 2D and 3D CAD tools, while being more affordable than AutoCAD. In addition, many companies have adopted ARES as training software for new employees.
Plus, you’ll have the benefit of the Graebert Academy, a collection of free online courses to help you learn CAD and become a skilled user of ARES software. You can even earn a free certification!
Download a 30-day trial of ARES Commander CAD Software
Get started on your journey to becoming a CAD operator today with a 30-day free trial of the ARES Trinity of CAD softwar.