Are AutoCAD Classes Worth It?

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design software that lets users draft, design, create, and edit 2D and 3D designs. Users can create architectural models, floor plans, construction purposes, and related fields. AutoCAD is predominantly used in a professional space and requires extensive study to master. Each course offers a different level of advancement or focus on certain skills. Hopeful AutoCAD experts have ample course options available to them, ranging from part-time and full-time courses to in-person and live online courses. If you are considering enrolling in an AutoCAD class, you will have to consider a few factors beforehand. For example, what is your purpose for learning AutoCAD? Some may need to use this software extensively in their professional lives whereas others may require basic knowledge. In addition, you may have to find a course that suits your weekly schedule. By researching and comparing all your options, you will easily be able to find a course that suits you best.

General Cost

No matter what, learning a new skill will require spending some money. Finances can be one of the most important factors to consider before doing anything, especially before enrolling in a class. Some AutoCAD classes are relatively low-cost because they are shorter, offer fewer resources, or are self-paced. On the other hand, some classes are rather pricey because they share as much information as possible, give students ample practice time, and offer additional resources and benefits to those enrolled. For example, an on-demand class is going to cost far less than a traditional live training course. University courses are far more expensive and often impractical, depending on the student’s specific needs. While there are cost-effective methods, these will not provide students with a thorough education suitable for professional advancement and are mostly used as supplemental material.

Advantages of an AutoCAD Class

Each AutoCAD class may differ in its level of advancement, cost, and specific subject matter, but they all intend to provide students with the best instruction possible. Likewise, each AutoCAD class offers its own advantages. If your goal is to leave the class feeling confident and capable of using AutoCAD, you will do so as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort. Here are a few benefits to enrolling in an AutoCAD class.

General Advantages

Among the most notable advantages of enrolling in an AutoCAD class is the learning environment. Whether you are in an in-person or live online class, the setup promotes interaction between students and instructors and allows students to gain real-world experience with the software. The instructor helps make the process easier by facilitating discussion and assisting with hands-on projects. Plus, working alongside peers has its perks too. Learning with a group of like-minded individuals can help you retain material more easily and perhaps open new doors for networking opportunities. Overall, the classroom is set up to help students succeed as many classes make it easier for students to find a job afterward since most classes value career readiness and offer benefits like additional mentoring and interview preparation.

Access to Software

AutoCAD is a subscription-only service from AutoDesk that can be relatively expensive for someone to purchase on their own. Although they offer month-by-month subscriptions in addition to their yearly or multi-year subscriptions, it can still be wasteful for users to spend that money outright, particularly those without any experience. Classes negate the need to purchase a subscription because the training center often offers students limited licenses throughout their enrollment in the course. Depending on finances, enrolling in a training course may be the only way for a person to access the software, so it is an incredible advantage to consider. Enrollment in the class may be expensive enough, so not having to worry about purchasing the software takes away a lot of stress.

Learning Design Theory and Principles

When it comes to professional training courses, there is something for everyone. AutoCAD classes make no exception. Depending on your reason for learning AutoCAD, some students may need a thorough education that includes everything from design theory and principles to terminology and the AutoCAD software itself. However, some may only need to learn how to perform basic functions on the software. Some classes teach design theory so students can understand why certain designs work. Other classes will cover concepts specific to a field where AutoCAD is frequently used, such as interior design, architecture, or engineering. Others will focus solely on AutoCAD basics, whereas others will focus on intermediate to advanced concepts. With all the choices available, it is easy to find a class that works for your needs.

Hands-On Opportunities

In AutoCAD classes, students will complete various projects that allow them to practice the software and learn to use its vast array of tools, features, and functions. The instructor will guide students through different hands-on projects that provide a more realistic expectation of how they can use AutoCAD in the future. Some classes will teach students how to create floor plans, sculptures, machine parts, electrical wiring systems, bridges, and other realistic projects one may encounter depending on their reason for learning AutoCAD. In the real world, these projects require someone with strong attention to detail and precision to ensure safety standards and relevant protocols are met. There is no better way to learn how to implement these skills than through sustained practice and exposure. Through a professional AutoCAD class, students can practice honing their skills and feel more capable of using AutoCAD long after the course ends.

Instructor Feedback

One of the biggest advantages of taking an AutoCAD course is the instructor's feedback on each project. While creating designs on AutoCAD, students can receive direct feedback from the instructor and learn new ways to fix or tweak their projects. Designing an object or creating a layout is a process; and like any process, these projects typically go through a series of drafts, editions, and changes. Learning multiple perspectives can make designs more aesthetically pleasing, sustainable, or safe, depending on the project. and perhaps some collaboration with peers, you will feel more confident creating realistic, scalable designs.

Portfolio Development

Virtually anyone who works with creative design software or in a creative field will have a portfolio that displays their abilities and previous projects. A professional portfolio can be shown to future employers during the job search and can make a huge difference in whether you get chosen to fill the position. AutoCAD classes also allow students to build upon or start their professional portfolio. By completing in-class projects, students can feel confident that their portfolio will look more well-developed once they leave. While you can try to complete projects and develop your portfolio outside of the classroom or on your own, it is much more effective to complete projects with a professional who can help with every aspect and ensure the project is effective, aesthetically pleasing, and ultimately, successful.

Considerations While Looking for an AutoCAD Class

Depending on your reason for learning AutoCAD, you may have a few considerations in mind. It is essential that you compare and contrast the classes available to you so you don’t wind up wasting your time, energy, or money. You may need a course that starts from the very beginning and covers the basics extensively; alternatively, you may feel confident using basic AutoCAD tools but need more guidance if you want to expand your capabilities. You may also need to check in with personal factors that may determine which class you choose.

General Considerations

There are personal considerations when choosing a class. As previously mentioned, the cost of the class and your budget will be a large factor. However, there are plenty of others to ask yourself. First, it is essential the course you choose is one that you can feasibly attend regularly. Whether in-person or live online, you will need to ensure you have the tools and abilities to make it to each lesson so you don’t fall behind. Missing class can cause you to lose precious time and miss out on vital information. Before enrolling in an in-person class, it is important to make sure you have ample time in your schedule and the ability to make the commute. For a live online format, you’ll need a strong WiFi connection and a quiet place to attend the classes. In addition, you’ll need a course that suits your current experience level. It can be incredibly overwhelming to feel lost in a classroom, so weigh your options and determine which level would be best given your current knowledge. By considering these factors, you are sure to find the right class for your needs.

Specific Needs: Balancing Theory and Practicality

Generally speaking, you want a class that gives you as much information as possible to help you feel confident using AutoCAD in the workplace, so you’ll want to gain realistic experience with this computer-aided software. In addition, your needs may differ based on your reason for learning AutoCAD. An Engineer won’t use this software the same way an Interior Designer will, so finding a class that suits your career path is ideal. However, if that is not possible, it is at least important to find a class that provides a balance of theory and practicality, especially if you want to use AutoCAD in a professional setting. Some just need basic skills and could skip out on learning the theory and nitty-gritty details behind AutoCAD. In this case, a simple beginner course may be the best option. However, it all depends on your needs and future goals.

What Skills You Need

Balancing theory and practicality tie into this next section, which discusses the importance of considering which specific skills you need. If you want to become a professional in a field or job position where AutoCAD is absolutely necessary, it makes sense to learn as much as you possibly can. However, if you work in a field, such as fashion design, where AutoCAD is only used in the beginning stages of a design, you may not need to know every single function, feature, and tool on AutoCAD. If you are only using AutoCAD now and then, it seems wasteful to spend a large amount of time, effort, and money on a class when you only need a base-level understanding. If you have experience with AutoCAD, this will also change the level of depth you need to explore, since you’ll benefit more from an advanced course rather than a beginner course.

Is It Worth Enrolling in an AutoCAD Class?

Who Will Find AutoCAD Classes Worthwhile?

Enrolling in an AutoCAD class is incredibly worthwhile, but who may benefit the most will differ. For instance, if you plan to work in a field where AutoCAD use is required, like interior design and architecture or engineering and manufacturing, you would benefit from an AutoCAD class. This software is used regularly in these fields, and ample experience is often required. Depending on the company and specific task, you may use AutoCAD exclusively or at least frequently. Whether AutoCAD is used every day, every week, or even just now and then, you will still benefit from enrolling in an AutoCAD class so that regular work tasks are less challenging and so you can provide better results for your projects.

Additionally, your experience with AutoCAD will determine whether you’ll benefit from a particular AutoCAD class. Namely, someone with absolutely zero experience would benefit greatly from an AutoCAD class. For example, the AutoCAD Level I course from Noble Desktop fosters an engaging environment where students will learn introductory information and functions on AutoCAD. Students will learn the basic tools and functions, such as layering, inserting blocks, and using text. After learning the basics, you can decide whether it’s necessary to continue your training or if the basics are suitable.

Who May Benefit from an AutoCAD Class?

Some people may benefit from an AutoCAD class, but perhaps not as much as others. For instance, someone who works in a related field could enroll in an AutoCAD class if they want to expand their capabilities. AutoCAD can be useful for fashion design, at least in the beginning stages. In this case, AutoCAD may not be used every day or even every week, but when it is necessary, you will want to know exactly how to use it. Even if AutoCAD is not a regularly used software, it is worth enrolling in a professional class so that when you need to use it, you won’t have to waste time researching troubleshooting techniques or asking questions about more basic features and tasks.

Likewise, someone who already has beginner-level experience with AutoCAD may want to advance their skills even if it’s not exactly necessary. If you need to go beyond the basics and obtain intermediate experience, an AutoCAD class may be worthwhile. Some classes only cover beginner-level information but other classes go a little beyond the basics. Students can enroll in intermediate courses, such as Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Level II before moving onto advanced courses like AutoCAD Level III. If this applies to you, and you want to impress your employers with your advanced skills, then a class may be beneficial.

Who May Not Need an AutoCAD Class?

However, an AutoCAD may not be necessary. Someone who doesn’t work in an AutoCAD field obviously wouldn’t need to learn how to use the software. While some hobbyists could learn AutoCAD for personal reasons, such as creating clothing designs or floorplans to rearrange their home, AutoCAD may be a little extreme to study solely for personal reasons. Similarly, someone who works in the field but doesn’t use AutoCAD for their specific role wouldn’t necessarily need a class. Although it may be useful to understand basic concepts, there are other more cost-effective ways to gain surface-level information.

Lastly, someone who is an expert with proficiency in AutoCAD would likely see these classes as a refresher more than anything else. While it can certainly be advantageous to remind oneself of the essentials and to update previously acquired information with new industry standards, this is on a case-by-case basis. If you already know how to use AutoCAD inside and out, another course method may be the best option for reviewing the basic AutoCAD functions and purposes.