An AutoCAD bootcamp is an accelerated course designed to cover a comprehensive set of skills in a relatively short amount of time, preparing you for a career where you’ll be working with this application. While the best way to learn AutoCAD varies from person to person, many students find that a bootcamp is a great option. This article provides information about how AutoCAD is used, and discusses some of the pros and cons of different learning options, including bootcamps.
What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a computer-aided software design (CAD) program that is used to create and edit 2D and 3D models and drawings. It is a popular tool in many different design industries including architecture, engineering, product design, and interior design. AutoCAD’s automated features, specialized toolsets, and collaboration tools have made it extremely popular and it has millions of users worldwide. It can be utilized to create a wide variety of different types of designs, ranging from basic electrical plans to complete 3D skyscraper models. AutoCAD is owned by Autodesk and is available by subscription.
This application was first released in 1982 and was part of a revolution within the design industry. For the first time, computer-aided design was available on personal computers. This meant that designers no longer had to spend hours drawing everything by hand. Not only does AutoCAD save designers a lot of time, but it has increased accuracy and made revisions far easier. Today, AutoCAD is an industry-standard application in many fields. Autodesk continues to add new tools and features every year.
Why Learn AutoCAD?
AutoCAD knowledge is a foundational skill for many different types of design careers. It is not the only CAD program that professionals use, but it is one of the most popular. Designers use AutoCAD to create drawings that can be used to guide planning and construction, and they may also generate 3D models so that they can see what their designs will look like and analyze them for potential weaknesses. This application is used by Architects to create blueprints and models. It is also used by Engineers, to create plans of designs or parts of design, and by Industrial Designers, who design things like automobiles and machinery. Other professionals who use AutoCAD include Interior Designers and Fashion Designers.
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One reason AutoCAD is so popular is that it provides many different tools and features. For example, it has industry-specific toolsets like an Electrical toolset, an Architecture toolset, and a Mechanical toolset. Autodesk reports that these toolsets can increase productivity significantly. For example, it finds that the Architecture toolset is associated with a 61 percent increase in productivity, the Mechanical toolset with a 55 percent increase, and the Electrical toolset with a 95 percent increase. Overall, Autodesk says that according to seven different studies it conducted on AutoCAD toolsets, there was an average productivity increase of 63 percent when a toolset was used.
There are many other benefits associated with using AutoCAD. One is that you can see what your finished product will look like before you actually build it. This means that you can analyze it to make sure that it works as planned and to find any flaws or weaknesses. You can then make changes to your design before you invest a lot of time and money in making it. AutoCAD also makes collaboration easy for design teams. Users can create, edit, and share drawings on any mobile device or in a web browser. Finally, AutoCAD remains competitive because it is continually updated with new features. For example, new features for 2024 included something called floating windows, where drawing windows can be displayed side by side or on multiple monitors.
What Careers Use AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a popular tool in many different design industries including architecture, engineering, product design, and interior design. Drafters work in all of these industries, where they create technical plans and drawings, and they frequently use AutoCAD. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), the majority of drafting jobs are for Architectural and Civil Drafters, followed by Mechanical Drafters, then Electrical and Electronics Drafters. the BLS reports that between 2023 and 2033, jobs in this field will grow by 4 percent, which is about average. It says that the median pay for a Drafter is about $62,000 per year.
Architects design buildings and often use AutoCAD to produce detailed blueprints and models of their designs. As reported by the BLS, growth in this job field will be 8 percent over the next decade, which is faster than average. It states, “Architects are expected to be needed to make plans and designs, particularly in sustainable design, for the construction and renovation of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and other structures.” The median salary for an Architect is $93,000 per year, according to the BLS.
Engineers design, develop, and maintain a wide variety of different systems and structures. Common specializations include mechanical, civil, industrial, electrical, and electronics engineering. AutoCAD is commonly used in engineering for creating and testing designs. According to the BLS, over the next ten years, electrical and electronics engineering jobs will grow by 9 percent and civil engineering jobs will grow by 6 percent. Civil Engineers have a median salary of $95,000 yearly, and Electrical and Electronics Engineers earn about $109,000.
How to Learn AutoCAD
If you want to learn AutoCAD, you’ll find a number of different class options. In-person courses are the traditional way to learn a new skill, and they remain popular. When you take an in-person class, you learn while inside a classroom, as part of a group of students. You have a live instructor and you can easily interact with both the instructor and other students. Many people find this to be the most engaging format, and they like that it provides opportunities for networking. In addition, some instructors say that with in-person learning, it can be easier to see when students need additional help. Another advantage of in-person learning is that you’re in a space dedicated to learning, with minimal distractions. However, there are also downsides to this format. One of the biggest is that you have to commute to class, which can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Additionally, you’re limited to classes that run in your immediate vicinity.
In recent years, live online classes have become increasingly popular as an alternative to in-person learning. These are similar to in-person classes, with real-time instruction and the opportunity to interact with your instructor and classmates. However, rather than commuting to class, you attend a live online class by logging in on your computer. Live online classes allow more learning flexibility and they also give you access to a greater number of class options. Additionally, since people can attend from all over the country, you may find that your class group is more diverse. A downside is that you have to supply your own equipment and software. You’ll also have to solve any technical difficulties that may arise.
Another learning option is an on-demand class. Unlike in-person and live online classes, on-demand classes are asynchronous, meaning that there is no live instructor. Instead, the material is pre-recorded and you work through it at your own pace. On-demand learning offers the most flexibility; you can stop and start whenever you need to, and you can even rewind or fast-forward the content as necessary. However, one of its biggest downsides is the lack of live instruction, which means you can’t get immediate feedback or answers to your questions. Since there is no live instructor, on-demand classes are usually the cheapest class format.
Self-paced classes are another type of asynchronous learning option. These are similar to on-demand classes in that you have the freedom to log in whenever you want and work through the material at your own pace, however, they come with more instructor support. For instance, you’ll get regular advice and feedback on your work. In many cases, you’ll also interact with classmates in discussion forums. A downside to self-paced classes is that since you have so much control over your learning, you need to have a higher level of motivation and be good at working by yourself. Additionally, depending on where you learn from, you may face more distractions.
Advantages of Enrolling in an AutoCAD Class
There are a number of advantages that come from enrolling in an AutoCAD class. One is that you’ll have access to an instructor who can guide you through a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything you need to learn to master this application. A skilled instructor can also provide answers to your questions and offer feedback on your progress. The ability to get help and feedback can help you advance more quickly since you’ll be able to understand what you’re doing right and wrong, and where you need to improve. Without this type of guidance, you could spend a lot of time using incorrect techniques or searching for answers to your questions.
Another advantage associated with a class is that there will be structure and accountability. You’ll cover a set curriculum and you’ll have specific assignments and due dates. This helps you learn the correct skills in the correct order, and it also helps you stay focused and on track. With a class, you’ll be accountable to an instructor and to a group of fellow students. In contrast, if you try to learn AutoCAD by yourself it can be much easier to fall behind or to give up altogether.
A third benefit of learning AutoCAD in a class is that you’ll be able to benefit from all of the experience that your instructor has. There are many AutoCAD skills and insights that come through time and practice, which are things that your instructor will have. An experienced instructor can offer insight on things like best practices, pitfalls to avoid, tips and tricks, and how to succeed in a professional AutoCAD career. In contrast, much of this insider knowledge can take some time to figure out by yourself.
Training Format Comparison
Comparison to College Degree Programs
Some students learn AutoCAD as part of a college degree program. This learning path is generally the longest and most expensive. According to a recent article titled “Average Cost of College & Tuition, ” on the Education Data Initiative website, in the United States, the average cost of college—including living expenses—is about $38,000 per year. In total, the author reports that the cost of a degree can be substantial, stating, “Considering student loan interest and loss of income, investing in a bachelor’s degree can ultimately cost in excess of $500,000.” In contrast, most bootcamps cost no more than $20,000 to $30,000 in total. Bootcamps are also much quicker to complete, generally taking only a matter of months, compared to the years required for a college degree.
Another difference between a bootcamp and a college degree is what you’ll learn. College degrees usually provide a much more comprehensive education. To start, you typically have to complete numerous general education requirements, which are often unrelated to the focus of your degree. After that, you’ll cover a broad range of courses that include AutoCAD in addition to many other topics. For example, you might learn AutoCAD as part of an engineering degree or an architectural degree. Most bootcamps are focused on learning specific skills such as AutoCAD, which is one reason that they can be completed far more quickly than degree programs.
Comparison to Shorter Classes
Another way to learn AutoCAD is to take a short training class. While college degree programs are more comprehensive than bootcamps, short AutoCAD classes usually cover a lot less than bootcamps. Most bootcamps are designed to help you prepare for a career where you’ll use AutoCAD, and so they cover a wide range of skills and take you from a beginner to an advanced level. In contrast, short classes typically take only a day or two to complete, and cover a smaller number of skills.
Many short classes are focused on a specific level or skill. For instance, you’ll find short AutoCAD classes for beginners. There are also AutoCAD classes focused on specific uses of this application such as creating construction documents. Short classes can be a good option if you just want to learn some basic skills, or if you already have experience with AutoCAD and want to learn a specific new skill.
Comparison to Free Training Resources
Using free resources is another way to learn AutoCAD. If you don’t know a lot about this application, free resources can be a good way to get an overview of what it is and how it is used, and to learn a few basic skills. However, free resources are usually not very comprehensive. Additionally, some are outdated or even incorrect. If you decide to utilize free resources, you’ll need to spend some time verifying their accuracy and currency.
Free resources can help you decide whether you’re serious about learning and want to invest money in a class. If you’re serious about learning AutoCAD, however, you’ll likely want to opt for a bootcamp or other type of formal class. Formal classes follow a structured curriculum that covers all the skills and topics that you need to know. They also include instructor feedback, which can help you learn more quickly and avoid mistakes. Many also come with a certificate or other proof of completion that you can add to your resume to show your new skills.
Learn AutoCAD with Self-Paced VDCI Courses
The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of AutoCAD training options. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule and include software access while you’re taking the course. You’ll also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects, and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk.
If you want to get to cover the basics and get to an intermediate level of mastery, the AutoCAD Fundamentals Course Bundle is a great option. This is a multi-week course that starts with beginner skills like understanding the user interface and basic commands, including drawing, modifying, layering standards, text, dimensioning, and plotting. You’ll create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and a floor plan, and will integrate all of the information. After that, you’ll learn more advanced topics including file referencing across the project data, user coordinate systems, dynamic viewing, and paper/model space conventions. You’ll create a set of CAD construction documents for a Habitat for Humanity project, including the floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and building elevations. This bundle comes with a bonus live one-on-one training session.
Another option is the CAD Certificate Program. This bootcamp takes multiple months to complete. It includes six AutoCAD units which cover basic and intermediate Auto CAD skills as well as detailing, project management, and construction document skills. In addition, you’ll take elective courses and can choose to add a specialization in Revit, Civil 3D, or SketchUp Pro. Finally, there is a capstone project. This program comes with six live one-on-one mentoring sessions and job placement assistance.
There is also a CAD/BIM Certificate Program which is designed to prepare you to use AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM in a career in the construction industry. You’ll take classes in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM and will learn to utilize best practices, use industry-standard workflows, and create professional construction documents. You can also choose elective courses and you’ll work on a capstone project, where you can apply your skills in a real-work project. This course comes with eight live one-on-one mentoring sessions.
If you want to earn an AutoCAD certification, VDCI offers an AutoCAD Certification Training Bundle. In this course, you’ll learn the skills needed to use AutoCAD in the construction industry. In addition, you’ll prepare for the Autodesk CAD certification. The bundle includes a voucher for the exam, and a free exam retake. It also comes with a live one-on-one training session.
Finally, VDCI also offers shorter AutoCAD classes. For instance, In AutoCAD Construction Documents I and AutoCAD Construction Documents II, you’ll develop a complete set of construction documents for a residential project. You’ll draft a floor plan, multi-scale enlarged plans, roof plan, and elevations. You’ll also create a titleblock from scratch, modify details, create a metes and bounds site plan drawing, work on a cover sheet, and import images and notes.