Updated December 2024
Like the idea of coming up with detailed plans for bringing buildings, machines, and other new products to life? An AutoCAD career could be perfect for you.
AutoCAD is computer-aided drafting software that allows you to create and edit 2D and 3D drawings and models. Those drawings and models provide the precise specifications for assembling a structure or product.
Becoming skilled in AutoCAD opens up career options in a wide range of industries, from architecture and manufacturing to engineering and industrial design.
Interested in working in this field? Hoping to get started as soon as possible?
In this post, we take you through the quickest way to launch an AutoCAD career in Canada.
Here are 5 steps that can help you reach your goal.
1. BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT AUTOCAD IS USED FOR
AutoCAD is versatile software that allows you to draw physical components in detail and to scale.
It also gives you the ability to view your drawings from various perspectives.
Manufacturers and construction teams use those drawings as precise instructions for creating the final product.
AutoCAD is commonly used to develop:
- Floor and site plans
- Assembly guides
- Materials lists
- Exploded views
- Electrical schematics
- Wiring diagrams
- Manufacturing blueprints
- Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
- Product animations and visualizations
2. RESEARCH THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF AUTOCAD CAREERS
AutoCAD has an enormous range of applications. That means you can specialize in an area that interests you most.
Common areas of focus include:
Architectural drafting—Creating blueprints for residential and commercial buildings
Mechanical drafting—Preparing drawings and models for machines, tools, and equipment
Industrial drafting—Developing technical drawings for piping, fasteners, assemblies, and circuits
Civil drafting—Producing plans for infrastructure projects like roads, sewers, and bridges
Roberto Romano is an instructor in the CAD and drafting program at Herzing College. He says newcomers typically begin their AutoCAD careers in the same way.
“Most graduates start out as junior CAD designers/drafters. This work usually involves doing corrections to drawings, preparing shop drawings in AutoCAD, and converting files over," he says.
"A junior designer is often responsible for answering client emails and calls, keeping clients updated on projects, maintaining logs, bills of materials, and other documentation.”
3. CHECK DEMAND FOR AUTOCAD SPECIALISTS
Assessing the job market is a key step. You will probably be able to launch your AutoCAD career more quickly if demand is strong where you live.
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, CAD technicians have a good employment outlook in Saskatchewan and a moderate one in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces. That means skilled pros in those areas should see stable demand for their services over the next few years.
Roberto says there are plenty of opportunities to start and advance an AutoCAD career. "If you do the work well, and your employer appreciates your efficiency and work ethic, there are definitely ways to move up. A junior drafter can get promoted to senior drafter, and even transfer into the design department.”
4. LOOK FOR AN ACCELERATED autoCAD TRAINING PROGRAM
If you really want to begin your AutoCAD career quickly, look for an accelerated program that provides comprehensive training in a short timeframe.
It’s possible to complete CAD training and be job-ready in less than two years. For instance, the CAD diploma at Herzing takes just 16 months.
In this kind of condensed program, you won’t spend time on electives or general education courses. Instead, you’ll focus just on developing the practical skills you need to get hired.
Some programs even offer training in multiple areas of CAD so that students can pursue careers in different industries (like architecture and engineering).
5. GET PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE THROUGH AN INTERNSHIP
Nothing kick-starts a career like a bit of practical experience. That’s why AutoCAD courses that include a work placement are so valuable.
An internship is a unique opportunity to connect with local employers, apply your skills, and get professional AutoCAD experience for your resume before you even graduate.
That can give you a huge advantage in the job market.
Many students even get hired straight from their internships. It can be one of the fastest ways to get your AutoCAD career started.
INTERESTED IN AN AUTOCAD CAREER?
A quality training program can help you get your AutoCAD career off the ground.
Have a look at the accelerated computer-aided design and drafting program at Herzing College. It’s just 16 months long, including an extensive four-month internship. Students get thorough training in AutoCAD for architecture and mechanical engineering.
Need more info? An admissions advisor can walk you through the details of the training and help you determine if it’s right for you.
Click below to explore the CAD program and chat live with an advisor. We’re here to help!
