Are AutoCAD Bootcamps Worth It?

While each student will determine the worth of a class differently, it is safe to say bootcamps are advantageous for several reasons. Each bootcamp differs but each aims to educate students on the most essential, practical uses for AutoCAD. In addition, bootcamps are immersive and hands-on, which lets students gain more experience with the material as opposed to learning on their own. Many training centers that host bootcamps will offer additional benefits to students, such as financing options, setup assistance, 1-on-1 training, and a chance to retake the course for free within a period of time. Plus, bootcamps are ideal for beginners and those who want to start their careers quickly. A bootcamp will provide students with foundational knowledge before discussing intermediate and even advanced-level information. With these considerations in mind, it is easy to see why a bootcamp can be a great option for a hopeful AutoCAD expert. This article intends to provide readers with more insight into AutoCAD and the ways they can flourish after completing a bootcamp. 

General Cost

University isn’t for everyone, which is why many opt for bootcamps provided by professional training centers. All courses will vary in their price, particularly from provider to provider. Before enrollment, it is best to know that a course’s price doesn’t necessarily determine its effectiveness and usefulness. This will be determined largely by your personal goals. You may only need base-level knowledge in AutoCAD, and a bootcamp could be wasteful. However, if you want to enter a field where AutoCAD is widely used, you will want to enroll in a bootcamp or lengthier, more involved class. Free and lower-cost options are available, but they are mainly used as additional study materials rather than a learning method. While a bootcamp is still considered costly, it is far less expensive than enrolling in a university or community college and provides an in-depth education that will serve students well. All in all, a bootcamp is a great option for anyone who wants to learn quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Advantages of an AutoCAD Bootcamp

Generally speaking, bootcamps are one of the most effective, flexible ways to learn AutoCAD. This style of course offers the best learning opportunities both during and after the bootcamp ends. They are led by an instructor with ample experience with AutoCAD and are offered in both live online and in-person settings as well as part-time and full-time. They are interactive and focus heavily on career development. Training centers such as Noble Desktop offer bootcamps in a variety of subjects, technologies, and skills, including AutoCAD. Many community colleges and universities also host bootcamps through their continuing education programs.

General Advantages

Aside from the aforementioned advantages, bootcamps offer participants additional benefits and resources, such as mock interviews, 1-on-1 mentoring, portfolio development, and hands-on projects rooted in realistic scenarios and workplace tasks. These benefits combined ensure each student feels confident using AutoCAD once they enter their intended field. Additionally, some bootcamps come with their own unique networking opportunities, either through partnerships with companies or discussions with peers. As bootcamps value career readiness, all these benefits are worth the effort, time, and money spent on. There may be other benefits specific to the bootcamp provider, which may include free bootcamp retakes, pricing options, and discounts. Noble Desktop, for example, allows students to retake courses within a year of the original enrollment date at no additional cost. The hands-on format encourages students to gain as many skills as possible, which is what makes a bootcamp so advantageous compared to other less interactive options.

Access to Software

Bootcamps come with numerous advantages that may not initially cross your mind. For instance, you may be so concerned with the cost of the bootcamp that you entirely forget about the cost of acquiring software. AutoCAD software can be rather expensive and may not be worth it to a beginner-level user or someone with zero experience. AutoCAD, from the company Autodesk, is a subscription-based service that is considered costly to most. Without a discount, employer sponsorship, or student account, it may be impossible to obtain AutoCAD. However, most bootcamps offer their participants limited licenses to the software throughout the course, which takes away the worry of affording costly software. Without the added stress, students can focus on learning new skills rather than making additional payments for software.

Learning Design Theory and Principles

Depending on the bootcamp, you may learn the theory and purpose behind an effective design. AutoCAD designs often have to be intricate, precise, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the bootcamp, you may focus on engineering design and methodology, which will differ greatly from mechanical design like cars and plane parts. Similarly, interior design and architecture are related and work in tandem with one another, but a bootcamp rooted in either field will focus on different sets of design principles. The diversity across different AutoCAD bootcamps is an added benefit as well since students can learn a wide variety of skills and theories. However, if you only need surface-level skills in AutoCAD, you may want to opt out of a bootcamp that discusses theory and stick to classes that are rooted in real-life applications.

Hands-On Opportunities

Bootcamps also foster a hands-on environment where students gain practical experience using AutoCAD. Many bootcamps guide students through design projects such as simple floor plans, mechanical gear, bridges, and electrical systems. These projects will depend on the specific course but are all realistic depictions of what you may create in a future job position. It is difficult or nearly impossible to gain hands-on experience using AutoCAD without access to the software or an understanding of how AutoCAD works. The instructor in a bootcamp provides the assistance and feedback necessary for creating a precise and detailed design. Through these projects, the guidance of the instructor, and the interaction between classmates, projects become easier to complete and the skills gained will be easily translated into the professional world.

Instructor Feedback

An additional benefit to a live bootcamp is the instructor feedback. Bootcamp instructors are professionals who have ample experience using AutoCAD. Many work or worked in fields where AutoCAD is used extensively, which makes them qualified to give advice, feedback, and insight on student projects. They lead students through the techniques and functions that make completing projects easier and more successful. Overall, the instructor will provide constructive criticism on projects and show students ways to maintain accuracy, precision, and consistency. As a result of the personalized feedback and attention to detail, you will have a better sense of what to expect and aim for while working in the professional field.

Portfolio Development

Most design professionals have a portfolio that helps them land a job after their training. Many companies require applicants for design positions to have portfolios that display their previous works and potential in future projects. The projects students complete in bootcamps are reflective of real-life projects that CAD Designers use for engineering, mechanical, or architectural purposes. As a result of this pragmatic classroom approach, you will leave the bootcamp with a well-developed portfolio full of projects that showcase your abilities during job interviews and the ways you can become an asset to the company. Having a portfolio is essential for those who want to enter the design field, but many won’t have the opportunity to complete projects without the assistance of a professor and a bootcamp at a professional training center. 

Considerations While Looking for an AutoCAD Bootcamp

No two AutoCAD bootcamps are alike so you should consider certain factors before enrollment. Most will consider their budget before applying, but you may be interested in bootcamps that offer payment plans or have flexible pricing. In addition, you may search for part-time bootcamps that fit in nicely between your work schedule and home life. You should also find a bootcamp that suits your current skill level. Many bootcamps take students from beginner-level skills to advanced skills, but others avoid novice information and skip right ahead to more advanced concepts. You may also need to address your reason for learning AutoCAD, as that can play a part in choosing a bootcamp. Below are a few general considerations and specifications that each student should consider before enrolling.

General Considerations

The most obvious considerations include schedule, budget, and course delivery method. Specifically, you will pick a bootcamp that suits your budget and that you know will pay off in the long run. As previously mentioned, many bootcamps offer flexible payment plans and discounts, so these may be preferable. In addition, a full-time or part-time bootcamp is necessary. One may fit better in your current schedule than the other. Lastly, consider the way you prefer to learn. Depending on your learning needs, you may benefit more from in-person instruction rather than a live online bootcamp. While both are great ways to gain new skills, the bootcamp delivery method you choose may depend on your personal preference, transportation, schedule, budget, or internet connection strength.

Specific Needs: Balancing Theory and Practicality

Beyond cost and schedule, you will need to revisit your reason for learning. Specifically, you should ask yourself what degree of theoretical training you need versus practical application skills. If you work in a field where AutoCAD is sparingly used, a bootcamp may not be a suitable option. Instead, you may opt for an introductory course. Alternatively, suppose you pursue a job position where you will use AutoCAD regularly. In that case, it is in your best interest to learn as much theory as you can in addition to the practical skills. Navigating the AutoCAD interface and learning to use the commands can come more easily than understanding the behind-the-scenes theory that makes the design successful.

What Skills You Need

In addition, ask yourself what level of advancement you need. Bootcamps are incredibly immersive and hands-on, so you will expect to learn a great deal of functions, commands, and tools. This makes bootcamps an ideal way to prepare for certification exams, which require much more time devoted to studying. However, if you need simple AutoCAD skills, a bootcamp may not be necessary. If you are an expert and only need a refresher or to learn updated industry standards, an on-demand class may be the best option. Although bootcamps are ideal ways to learn, some may benefit from them more than others.

Is It Worth Enrolling in an AutoCAD Bootcamp?

Who Will Find AutoCAD Bootcamps Worthwhile?

Bootcamps are beneficial to many, but some more than others. For instance, bootcamps are an ideal place for beginners to start. Many bootcamps take students through introductory to intermediate and beyond, so they can get an all-encompassing education without having to pick between and enroll in multiple classes. Additionally, anyone pursuing work in a field where AutoCAD use is often required, like interior design and architecture or some engineering and manufacturing fields, would absolutely benefit from an AutoCAD bootcamp. Because bootcamps value career readiness, many budding professionals start their portfolios in class and leave feeling assured in their capabilities.

Although, someone with basic experience would benefit greatly from an AutoCAD class as well. In fact, someone with beginner-level skills would feel comfortable in the bootcamp since they aren’t starting completely from scratch. Some material may be more of a review than anything else, but it is always good to brush up on foundational skills. As the bootcamp progresses, the beginner will slowly become an intermediate, and before they know it, an expert in AutoCAD. In both these scenarios, an AutoCAD bootcamp would be incredibly worthwhile.

Who May Benefit from an AutoCAD Bootcamp?

There are some cases where enrolling in an AutoCAD bootcamp has the potential to be worthwhile. Someone who works in a related field could enroll in an AutoCAD bootcamp to expand their capabilities. For example, a fashion designer may or may not use AutoCAD, typically in the beginning stages of a design. Although its use may vary from company to company, it can be useful for someone working in fashion design to know in the event a new career opportunity or workplace responsibility arises. Whether or not AutoCAD is regularly used in this position, it may be good to know if only as a way to impress interviewers and future employers.

Someone with intermediate experience could also find opportunities for growth in an AutoCAD bootcamp. The bootcamp covers as much information in as little time as possible, so students with some previous experience will benefit in two distinct ways: first, they will receive a refresher on the basics and second, they will learn more advanced concepts past their current skill level. Many intermediates would see the material covered as a review, but it is still a good practice in maintaining industry standards or remembering the basics. Advanced material is likely covered as well, so there will be something for everyone to learn.

Who May Not Need an AutoCAD Bootcamp?

However, an AutoCAD bootcamp is not for everyone. Of course, someone who works in a field where AutoCAD isn’t used would not need to enroll in a bootcamp. Although some work in fields where AutoCAD is used, their specific job role may not call for it. In this case, it could be useful to learn basic terminology and AutoCAD functions, but it may not be necessary to spend time, money, and effort in a bootcamp. Some may want to learn AutoCAD for personal use, such as building structures like a home or a shed on their property. This could be a valid reason to learn AutoCAD, but even hobbyists have other options that may suit their needs more. For example, an on-demand class may be preferable to a bootcamp-style class in this scenario. However, this applies entirely on a case-by-case basis. 

Likewise, an expert with proficiency in AutoCAD would likely see the bootcamp more as a review than anything else. While it is useful to refresh one’s skills, a bootcamp may cover everything that a professional would already know. The more reasonable option for a review would likely be a live class or even an on-demand class. This allows the expert to review the material and perhaps learn new industry standards and software updates, so overall, these options would be a better use of time and resources for an AutoCAD professional.