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A CAD (Computer Aided Design) Operator creates design drawings for use on building and construction projects. You’ll use various CAD software to prepare plans and blueprints for a range of projects and you’ll work closely with architects and engineers. CAD Operators may work from given specifications or you might attend building sites to gather required information. You’ll ensure plans meet all relevant building standards and legislation.
A CAD Operator should have excellent attention to detail and strong time management skills. It’s important that you can communicate with clients, colleagues and other project stakeholders. CAD Operators should be skilled in a range of design software and have a strong knowledge of the building industry.
There are 19 courses available for people who want to become a CAD Operator. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering (52873WA) is for construction managers, trade workers, leading hands, site supervisors, and engineers who need a working knowledge of civil engineering. The course is completed over 24 months and covers; roads, steel, concrete, pavement, drainage, soil, water supply and sewerage — as well as engineering technologies, constructions sites, 2D and 3D CAD design, and technical drawing. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, study units, and training dates..
Average duration: 24 months.
This graduate certificate will equip you with the necessary skills to address the demands of the structural engineering industry. Students with a background in civil, construction, transport, and systems engineering will especially benefit from this program as it prepares them for further career development in the structural engineering industry. Upon completion of this program, you will gain skills and knowledge in the latest and developing technologies in civil and structural engineering..
Average duration: 6 months.
Computational methods are at the forefront of industrial evolution, particularly in mechanical and manufacturing engineering. The Graduate Certificate in CAD and Computational Techniques covers knowledge and skills underpinning finite element method, advanced fluid dynamics and aerodynamics. This certificate will also prepare you to use CAD to design innovative and efficient engineering solutions. The learning outcomes of the course is designed to equip students with professional engineering skills and knowledge to formulate the models necessary to study, analyse, and design efficient engineering systems through the application of these concepts, communicate the solutions effectively and to develop the problem-solving skills essential to good engineering practice..
Students emerge from the course able to demonstrate specialised and integrated technical and theoretical knowledge, with considerable depth, in subject matter related to electrical engineering. This program is designed to meet the specialised needs of industry. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to contribute to the capacity of electrical engineering and related industries, particularly the renewable energy sector, to maintain their competitiveness in a global marketplace through the application of latest technologies, value adding to existing products, process and services and the development of new, sustainable and innovative solutions..
This Advanced Diploma will equip you with the necessary skills to address the demands of the civil and structural engineering industry with a focus on material testing. This course is focused on the skills needed to select construction materials suitable for different applications, such as buildings, bridges, roads, and tunnels among other civil construction projects. Upon completion of this program, you will gain skills and knowledge in conventional and emerging construction materials, covering materials characterization, quality control and standards..
In Australia, a full time CAD Operator generally earns $1,800 per week ($93,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There has been strong growth in employment numbers in this industry over the last five years. There are currently 77,000 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a CAD Operator. CAD Operators may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If a career as a CAD Operator interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting. This course will allow you to produce freehand sketches and basic engineering drawings and advance to 3D models using CAD systems. You could also consider an Advanced Diploma of Engineering, an Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering or an Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering.
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Here are some potential career pathways within civil engineering and construction. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Civil Engineering and Construction
Apprentice Engineer
$960 weekly pay
Assistant Site Manager
$1,150 weekly pay
Engineering Tradesperson
Advanced Engineering Tradesperson
$1,800 weekly pay
Asset Engineer
$1,920 weekly pay
CAD Operator
Draftsperson
$1,830 weekly pay
Hydraulic Designer
$1,600 weekly pay
Structural Engineer
Civil Engineer
$2,020 weekly pay
Development Engineer
$1,730 weekly pay
Engineering Consultant
Forensic Engineer
$2,115 weekly pay
Geotechnical Engineer
$2,100 weekly pay
Naval Architect
Planning Engineer
$2,850 weekly pay
Research Engineer
$2,300 weekly pay
Site Engineer
Learn more about CAD Operator courses in your area.