Where to Find AutoCAD Classes

Training centers, universities, and on-demand platforms all across the country offer AutoCAD classes at varying levels. There are other ways to learn that may or may not benefit you depending on your needs, such as free resources. Additionally, other less conventional learning methods, such as apprenticeships, may not be as widely accessible depending on your intended field. Before choosing a class, you will want to consider your needs, learning preferences, and schedule. If you are not sure where to start, below are a few options that may be suited to your needs. 

Noble Desktop and Other Professional Training Centers

Training centers are some of the most accessible ways to learn new skills because they offer a wide variety of classes that vary in subject, length, purpose, and outcome. Many training centers, such as Noble Desktop, emphasize professional development and as a result, enable their students to develop the necessary skills in a more interactive environment. The instructor will guide students through projects, lectures, lessons, and in-class activities that give students a glimpse into the professional world of AutoCAD. In addition, many offer courses in a variety of lengths, ranging from a few hours to days and weeks to months. Training centers often host classes in-person or in a live online format as well as part-time and full-time. Training centers also offer classes in varying levels, so you can advance in your AutoCAD education as far as you wish. The classes are often segmented into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, but many offer certificate classes and bootcamps. To widen your class search and find the best one for your needs, you can access the Classes Near Me section of the Noble Desktop website, where students can scroll through different classes at training centers such as Simplilearn, General Assembly, or New Horizons. It is worthwhile to know all your options so you sign up for the best class possible. Other advantages to enrolling in classes at a professional training center include financing options and access to additional resources like bonus training, video collections, setup assistance, or career development. Noble Desktop and other training centers also allow students to retake the class at no additional cost within a set timeframe. Professional training centers are some of the best course providers for students due to their accessibility, versatility, professional development, and student benefits.

Universities and Community Colleges

You can also browse through university and community college course catalogs for an AutoCAD class. Institutions local to you often provide classes in AutoCAD or classes that focus heavily on AutoCAD use within a particular field. Although universities won’t offer a degree program specifically in AutoCAD, they will offer degree programs in fields where AutoCAD experience is relevant, such as some engineering fields, interior design, architecture, and urban planning. This option is not suited for everyone, mainly due to its length and large expense. Many programs last multiple years, ranging from a two-year Associate’s degree to a six or more year Master’s or Doctoral degree. In addition, the majority of university programs are tens of thousands of dollars. Of course, this may vary from institution to institution as well as your schedule semester by semester. Some students can receive financial aid or scholarships, but this may not be enough to make the cost worth the effort. Plus, many colleges require students to pay for additional departmental fees and course materials. This may also depend on whether you enroll as a full-time or part-time student. However, if a degree program is too far-fetched or out of range with your needs, there are still some viable learning options. You can search for classes in the continuing education departments of universities and community colleges across the country. Many offer certificate courses and bootcamps that focus on professional development and practical use as opposed to going in-depth with the nitty gritty theoretical details. A university or community college course may be worthwhile depending on your schedule, finances, and needs. While this may be one of the best ways to start a career, it is not suited to or necessary for everyone and must be considered heavily before enrolling.

Coursera, Udemy, and Other On-Demand Platforms

On-demand classes provided by platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Masterclass, and Skillshare offer students fast, easily accessible courses in a variety of subjects and skills. An on-demand AutoCAD class is a self-paced option where students opt out of in-person or live instruction and instead follow along with course materials on their own time. Students will receive a variety of course materials, such as pre-recorded video lectures, readings, tutorials, and recordings to guide them through the modules and help them complete different projects. This is a hands-off method of learning that is easy for virtually anyone to access, but may not be as worthwhile for someone who needs to gain foundational experience. This learning method is well-suited for someone with ample experience who may not need as much direct assistance with more complex concepts. Likewise, someone who is learning AutoCAD for personal reasons may choose this option because it is relatively cost-effective and fairly short. Most on-demand classes can be found online and last anywhere from a few days to a few months. While easy to access, they lack the interaction that is typically required to gain foundational skills.

Apprenticeships

Some students are lucky enough to find apprenticeships, either paid or unpaid, that give them hands-on experience with AutoCAD in a realistic setting. Apprenticeships are often awarded to highly regarded individuals who work alongside a professional in the field and learn more about the day-to-day tasks associated with the job. For example, someone who wants to become a Mechanical CAD Designer, CAD Technician, or Electrical Engineer may be able to find apprenticeships at big-name companies. Additionally, many graduate students earn an apprenticeship or assistantship upcoming acceptance into the program. They may help professors with lectures and projects and help teach other students how to use AutoCAD. Apprenticeships provide a unique and hands-on way to learn but they aren’t necessarily common for a total beginner to acquire. Most will find it difficult to find an apprenticeship if they have zero experience or have an underdeveloped portfolio. Plus, these apprenticeships can be found in relatively competitive fields where the postings get taken down as quickly as they are put up. Depending on your location, apprenticeships may be limited or too far away to attend. They provide an incredibly immersive experience but will be more challenging to find. You may have more success finding an introductory course and moving up the ranks before finding an apprenticeship or just moving on to the job search.

Free and Low-Cost Resources

You can also access free and low-cost resources online and in person. If you have a local library, it’s worth popping in to see if they offer books, videos, and brochures about AutoCAD. Some libraries even offer free lectures on different subjects and technical skills. In addition, a quick Google search can open a new world of learning opportunities. YouTube, TikTok, and other video-based social media platforms allow users to post content related to AutoCAD or a relevant field. Noble Desktop’s free seminar page also posts pre-recorded lectures taught by experts in the subject or skill, including AutoCAD. It is good to know that these resources exist because they can truly help with the learning process; they offer students a cost-effective, speedy way to get answers to questions or provide supplemental information. However, it is important to remember that these resources are just that: purely supplemental. They can give you more insight into troubleshooting techniques, additional tricks, and design tips, but they cannot provide a thorough education. There is a time and place for these resources, but to become a master at using AutoCAD, you will most likely need to dedicate your time and effort to a live or in-person class.