I want to do an AutoCAD short course in London. What AutoCAD qualification is most recognised in industry?

Question

I have studied graphic/web/print publication/logo design and am good at using various image editing programs for 2D projects. I want to be able to gain skills that I can apply to other 3D design programs (3D studio max, vectorworks etc). I am looking for a reputable institution and recognised accreditation. Many jobs specify AutoCAD proficiency but not specific qualifications. I would appreciate any advice (there may be online tutorials that are better that I could practice with a demo version of AutoCAD) as there seem to be a lot of bogus 'courses'. Thanks!!

Answer 1

There is no easy answer to your dilema. The people asking for AutoCAD proficiency are actually looking for 'Drafting and Design Technicians' that know how to run that particular program. Others ask for MicroStation or Terra Model proficiency which are different Computer Drafting programs. This is not something one can pick up in a short course.

Before personal computers came along we went to techinical school for quite some time and entered into an entry level job where we apprenticed for years. Gradually we mastered the 'tools' of the trade on our drafting boards and those that were artistic, precise and responsible gradually rose in the profession.

Learning to operate the software alone does not make a person qualified for this type of position. It is a good first step though to entering this area of expertise. Just like learning to operate a calculator does not really qualify a person as a Mathematician but it does help in the process of becoming one.

I suggest that you go to your local community college or the equilivant in your country and take an beginners class in Computer Aided Drafting and Design. The professor would introduce you to the concepts that AutoCAD is designed to work within and you would soon know what to do next.

Additionally, as a student you would qualify to purchase the software at an incredible discount. For several hundred dollars you would be able to aquire a license to operate a program that the rest of humanity must pay over $4000 to have. You could then practice and learn to run the program in your free time.

Answer 2

Autocad Course London

Answer 3

Excellent answer from Smurra60.
AutoCAD is a TOOL, nothing else, a VERY powerful tool, mind you!
As Smurra said, it takes years to become an engineer.
So, learn the engineering part of your profession, and, in the meantime, "play" with AutoCAD.
And, no, you can't have a "short course" on AutoCAD: I have worked with it for over 20 years, and I am STILL discovering new things regularly.
Good for you to use 3Ds max 8: your 3D in AutoCAD can be imported easilly there (I do so: check www.skytargets.com, the Phoenix Dodge City Game, where I explain how to go between each programs...)

Answer 4

I'm sure you can find it on the 'net somewhere but it's not legal. We just paid $4,500 a seat for AutoCad 2007 electrical, which is a HUGE waste of money!