Best CAD Classes in Atlanta

What is CAD?

CAD, or computer-aided design, is software used to create detailed drawings and 3D models. It’s widespread across industries like architecture, engineering, and product design because it’s essential for planning and visualizing everything from buildings to mechanical parts. CAD helps designers create precise technical drawings without all the guesswork of hand-drawing everything.

Originally developed in the 1960s, CAD has evolved tremendously over the years, moving from rudimentary drafts to complex 3D models and simulations. Today, it is an absolute necessity for designers, allowing them to streamline their work and test ideas before bringing them to life.

Best CAD Classes in Atlanta

In VDCI’s CAD Certificate Program, you will spend 280 total hours learning necessary skills for construction design and will learn to create, manage, and organize CAD drawings with precision. This opens doors to careers in fields like architecture, engineering, and construction. You’ll study industry practices and develop mastery in 2D drafting and technical design with AutoCAD. Through projects and practice, you’ll be able to apply the best practices for file organization, document creation, and project management. With the skills you acquire, you’ll recognize the importance of accuracy and standardization through the technical drawings. The course ends with a capstone project. You’ll earn a certificate of completion and other resources to help you truly succeed.

Learn CAD

• Nationally accredited
• Create your own portfolio
• Free student software
• Learn at your convenience
• Authorized Autodesk training center

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Likewise, the CAD/BIM Certificate Program from VDCI is a part-time, ten-month course that allows you to learn at your own pace. In this certificate-granting program, you will explore AutoCAD for drafting construction documents and Revit to design 3D models and create 3D parametric families. Additionally, you’ll practice creating construction documents for commercial sites and learn to provide plan, section, and elevation views of the project for sheet layout. This certificate allows you to specialize in AutoCAD Construction Documents, Revit MEP, or Revit Structure so you can get the education you want to succeed in the field of your choice.

VDCI also offers an AutoCAD Certification Training Bundle, which focuses on providing students with the skills they need to complete the AutoCAD professional certification exam. This is a career-focused course that aims to help students get hands-on AutoCAD training and guided support through exercises that are modeled after the kinds of questions and tasks that they will need to pass when sitting for the exam. This is an ideal course for anyone looking to work with AutoCAD at a professional level and students will have the option to complete the exam as a part of their course tuition.

Noble Desktop also offers an AutoCAD Certification Program that takes students through three levels of advancement and provides six additional hours of private tutoring. In this program, you’ll learn what it takes to become certified in AutoCAD, including how to use the basic tools for drawing to more complex skills like incorporating blocks and attributes. The course comes with a free retake of the class within a year as well as proctoring for the Autodesk Certified Professional exam, which also comes with a free take. By the end of the course, you’ll feel like an AutoCAD pro and have the credentials to prove it.

They also offer an AutoCAD Bootcamp that covers basic drawing and editing commands, such as using text to annotate your drawing. You’ll also cover more advanced techniques like object types and layering techniques as well as working with tracking points and construction lines. In addition, you’ll learn how to create data tables, which are essential for keeping information organized and structured. By working through the projects and activities, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, and your confidence in using AutoCAD for projects both big and small will skyrocket.

What Can You Do with CAD Training?

CAD training grants you opportunities in a wide range of projects and careers, depending on your field of interest. For instance, Architects and Engineers use CAD to create building designs, structural layouts, and system blueprints. Product Designers also use CAD to plan the details of products before they become reality. The applications for this tool are virtually endless, from designing machines to planning entire cities.

Beyond drawings, CAD training also teaches you how to refine and optimize them for real-world use. You’ll learn how to apply your skills to various structural elements, materials, and mechanical components that are essential to creating the finished product. The software allows for more precise and intricate designs that align with codes or regulations. Whether you are designing an intricate part of machinery or a large-scale building project, CAD makes it easy to visualize, analyze, and test your designs before they become real.

CAD skills are useful for urban planning, interior design, or even landscaping. Knowing how to use CAD can help you start your own business or work in a variety of fields that keep things exciting and engaging. If you want to work in a field where you make an impact and enhance the lives of those in your community or around the globe, CAD skills can help you find your place.

What Will I Learn in a CAD Class?

In a typical CAD class, you can expect to learn some core skills that get you familiarized with the software and help you develop the necessary skills to design all kinds of products and projects. You will learn to create and modify basic shapes, lines, and curves as well as set up a workspace, navigate the interface, and use commands to draw accurate designs. From there you will dive deeper into more complex techniques like 3D modeling, rendering, and creating detailed technical drawings. These skills are essential for making your ideas become a reality.

In addition, you’ll practice working with various materials and components. For instance, through various projects and practices, you’ll create simulations that show how all the parts of a product or structure work together and function. CAD training can also make it easier to prepare designs for manufacturing or construction by creating detailed blueprints and technical specifications.

Beyond the technical skills you’ll acquire in a CAD class, you’ll also develop necessary soft skills like attention to detail and resourcefulness. As you work on various projects, you’ll get more comfortable analyzing complex structures and ultimately creating an effective, precise design. These skills make the technical skills work and go hand-in-hand with becoming proficient in CAD.

What Kinds of Training Options are Available to Learn CAD?

When you’re starting to learn CAD, you will have to consider a bunch of different training options to choose from. What works best for you will depend mainly on your options, preferences, goals, and needs. For instance, you may opt for in-person training if you prefer the traditional learning route. You will meet regularly in a neutral environment and follow along with a structured curriculum. You can ask questions, get answers, and feel supported throughout. 

On the other hand, you may prefer live online training. You still get an instructor and benefit from a live classroom experience but without the hassle of a commute. You learn from the comfort of home, the office, or a coffee shop -- whatever works for you. It’s convenient and thorough which makes it both enjoyable and effective.

For those who like to learn at a slower or faster pace than the average class, there are always self-directed courses. This training method gives you a blend of reading materials, videos, and activities that you can work through during your own time. The training provider typically offers additional resources so you aren’t completely in the dark while learning CAD.

Finally, you can choose on-demand courses, which are the ultimate flexible option. You are tasked with reviewing pre-recorded lectures and video tutorials and then completing assignments once you are ready. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer CAD courses that, despite the lack of live interaction, offer a flexible, affordable, and independent way to learn.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

With any educational pursuit, you’ll want to consider several factors before deciding which training method is right for you. In-person training offers interaction and hands-on experience which makes it easy to pick up the skills. An instructor is also there to help you progress through the curriculum and you can network with others in the class. However, you need to be present for each class, which means having the time, transportation, and funds to attend. If you have a flexible schedule and live within a reasonable distance from the training center, an in-person course is a great option. This is especially true if you want to take your training from the classroom to the workplace.

Those who can’t attend an in-person class but still want structured, professional training can opt for a live online class. You can attend from anywhere with an internet connection without needing to leave the house. The classes are interactive and collaborative and you still follow course guidelines and timelines, which works for busy professionals who want to learn new skills. Still, you have to consider several factors. First, live online training gives you more options but you may have to consider time zones. Likewise, you’ll want to avoid technical issues that could potentially disrupt your experience. Although live online training is flexible, you still have to attend a class so your schedule has to be somewhat open.

Self-directed courses give you the option to pace yourself. You can access a mentor if you need clarification, but otherwise, the course is hands-off. This method is ideal for driven individuals who don’t need someone hovering over them to make sure they get their work done. On the other hand, this requires such a high level of discipline that it could be easy for even the most determined learner to fall off course. Plus, the limited interaction makes it a little less effective if that’s not your vibe. You might find that you spend more time on certain trickier topics and fall a little behind where you thought you would be.

Lastly, on-demand classes are incredibly flexible and offer a wide range of options, from beginner to advanced and short courses to certificates. They are cost-effective and allow you to revisit material as you wish, skip information that you feel is unnecessary, and study according to your comfort level. However, these classes lack interaction, so you can procrastinate or lose motivation as a result. Most importantly, consider the quality of the on-demand course you pick. Some providers have a wide variety of courses, but some are not aligned with current industry standards. Above all else, ensure the provider is reputable before choosing an on-demand course.

CAD Job Titles and Salaries

A CAD Designer uses computer-aided design software to create technical drawings and 3D models of buildings, products, and machines. They ensure designs are accurate, functional, and ready for production. In Atlanta, CAD Designers typically earn 12% higher than the national average. Indeed states the average base salary is close to $77,000. However, the range depends greatly on expertise. Junior CAD Designers earn an average of $62,000 whereas Senior CAD Designers earn closer to $86,000.

Product Designers focus on creating user-centric products, considering functionality, aesthetics, and the overall user experience. They work closely with engineering professionals to ensure the design is manufacturable. Indeed reports that Atlanta-based Product Designers earn roughly $138,000, which is 10% higher than the national average. Entry-level roles can expect to start closer to $90,000 whereas senior-level roles earn nearly $160,000, but this provides that there is substantial room for growth in this position.

An Architectural Designer creates designs for buildings and spaces alongside Architects. They develop concepts, plans, and 3D models to bring the project to life and consider all structural and environmental aspects. Indeed shares that the average base salary for an Architectural Designer in Atlanta is close to $69,000 with a broader expected salary range of $50,000 to $97,000.

CAD Corporate Training

Corporate training has become a standard among many professions and companies due to its effectiveness in getting teams on the same page and practical approach. If you are interested in offering your employees corporate training in CAD, you’ll want to find a specialized method that provides hands-on instruction, interaction, and personalization. VDCI offers corporate training for CAD with various options that can be customized to fit your team’s goals. If they’re already well-versed in basic CAD but want to learn more advanced features, the instructors can create the lessons to fit their needs. Your team can also choose between in-person or live online training, giving your team even more options for their training.

If you need to train multiple teams at once, VDCI offers discounted bulk vouchers for regular classes. This is a cost-effective way to get everyone trained without breaking your budget. To learn more about the training options, pricing, and scheduling availability, contact VDCI at partnerships@vdci.edu where a helpful team member will be ready to chat.