Are SketchUp Classes Worth It?

A SketchUp class can cost hundreds of dollars and take hours of your time, and a common question from students looking to learn this application is whether a class is worth it. It is true that a class can be a significant investment, however, when you start looking at what you get with a class you’ll realize that most classes come with a lot of benefits. When you take a SketchUp class, you’ll be guided through a comprehensive curriculum by an instructor who is an expert in this application. That instructor will be able to answer your questions and give you feedback throughout the learning process. You’ll also have access to other resources, like a group of peers and career support services. If you’re serious about mastering SketchUp, you’ll likely decide that a class is definitely worth it, however, it's always a good idea to understand your options. Keep reading for more information about some of the pros and cons of a SketchUp class. 

What Is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a 3D modeling application. It is used in many different design fields including interior design, architecture, video game design, mechanical engineering, and landscaping. This application was first released in 2000 and has changed ownership multiple times. In 2006 it was acquired by Google, after SketchUp created a plugin that let users integrate the application with Google Earth. In 2012, SketchUp was acquired by Trimble Inc. Trimble offers a free version, and also a number of paid versions, which are available by yearly subscription.

What Can You Do With SketchUp?

SketchUp can be used to create visualizations of many different types of designs. Users begin with a basic shape and use the application’s tools to create a 3D model of that shape. They can add details like shadows, lighting, and textures to make the model look more realistic. SketchUp also has many different extensions that can be used for customizing designs. As a designer, you can use SketchUp to understand what your design will look like in real life and find any potential flaws. Sketchup’s 3D models also make it easy to share your designs.

Advantages of SketchUp Classes

If you want to learn SketchUp, taking a class is a great way to do so. Classes have many unique advantages including a comprehensive curriculum, expert guidance, peer interaction, access to resources, and career support. Because of all these benefits, most people who are serious about learning this application decide to do so through a class.

Comprehensive Curriculum

While SketchUp has a reputation for being relatively straightforward to learn and use, when you’re new to this program you’ll find that there are a lot of new tools to master. If you don’t know much about 3D design, it can be very difficult to even figure out what you need to learn. By taking a class you can be confident that you’ll learn everything you need to know to be successful with this application. A SketchUp class will follow a structured curriculum that has been designed by an expert and covers all of the fundamentals of creating, editing, and exporting 3D models. Most classes will also include hands-on practice so that you’ll be prepared to use your new skills in real-world situations.

A Defined Learning Path

Another thing many students like about taking a class is that you’ll be given a defined learning path that clearly sets out the goals and expectations of the course, and gives you a plan for achieving them. In a 2022 article titled “Self-Study vs. Classroom: Which One Is Better for Learning IT?” certification provider CompTIA explains, “In a traditional classroom environment, the time is set for you. You know up front that you’re enrolling in a class that will take a certain number of weeks or months to complete. You are typically given a syllabus in the beginning of the class that shows you how the learning experience breaks out over that period, giving you definite expectations for your learning outcome.” In contrast, it says, “When self-studying, time is not necessarily structured, unless you purposely make it that way. . . . If you don’t have that drive to learn at your own pace, this time flexibility can quickly become a disadvantage.”

Guidance from an Expert

A significant benefit of taking a SketchUp class is that you’ll be guided through the learning process by an expert. You’ll be able to get answers to your questions and regular feedback on your progress. Your instructor will most likely have years of professional experience and can also share insights about the industry such as trends, best practices, and common challenges. Most students report that learning under an experienced instructor helps them learn much more quickly and comprehensively. In addition, there is some evidence that the accountability associated with a formal class leads to a higher completion rate compared to self-guided learning, where students often get frustrated and give up prematurely.

Connection with a Peer Group

When you learn SketchUp by taking a class, you’ll be learning as part of a group, which can also benefit you in a number of different ways. Many people find that group learning is more engaging, and say that it can be easier to stay focused and motivated. In addition, with peer interaction, you’ll gain a diversity of perspectives, which can also enrich the learning process and help you develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Another benefit of group interaction is that it can help prepare you for collaborative work in the future, which is common in the field of design. Group classes often include many different collaborative activities, such as group projects and discussions. Finally, when you learn as part of a group you’ll have the opportunity to develop valuable networking relationships.

Career Support

Many classes also include career support, which is a significant benefit to students. Some longer classes--like bootcamps or certificate programs--are specifically designed to get students career-ready, so the curriculum includes learning about things like how to create a strong portfolio and how to interview for a job. Many classes actually include work on projects that you can use for your portfolio. Some classes offer access to career support services outside of class time. For instance, many Noble Desktop design courses include one-on-one mentoring sessions where you can do things like get advice about your resume and the job search and interview process.

Career Opportunities

When you take a SketchUp class, you’ll also be gaining a skill that can help you qualify for a number of stable and relatively well-paying job fields. For instance, this application is commonly used by Architects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over the next ten years, jobs in this field will grow by about 5 percent, which is faster than average. The agency reports that the median yearly pay for an Architect is about $92,000, which is also above average. Interior design is another job field where SketchUp is often used. BLS predicts 4 percent job growth for Interior Designers over the next decade and reports that the median salary for this occupation is $62,000. Yet another field where SketchUp is utilized is mechanical engineering. According to BLS, mechanical engineering jobs will grow by 10 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than average. The average pay for this job is about $99,000.

Access to Resources

By taking a class, you’ll also have access to resources that you may not get otherwise. For example, if you learn in person, in most cases you’ll also be provided with the computer equipment that you need for that class, in addition to industry-standard software. Technology changes quickly in design, and keeping up with it is important, making access to these resources a definite asset.

Types of Classes

There are a number of different types of SketchUp classes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The decision about which one to take will vary from person to person, and depend on factors like budget, schedule, and learning style. In-person classes are a popular way to learn this application. Students like in-person learning because they tend to find it more engaging and they like that they can interact with their instructor in real-time for feedback and answers to their questions. In-person classes also make collaboration and networking with peers relatively easy. Another benefit of this format is that learning takes place in a classroom, with minimal distractions. One of the biggest downsides to in-person classes is their inflexibility; you’re required to get to a specific location at a specific time, and you’re limited to class options in your physical location.

In contrast, live online learning takes place via computer, so no commute is required. Instead, you can attend from any location with internet service. This means that you’re likely to have a greater number of class options. Like in-person learning, live online learning takes place in real time, and students are able to get live feedback from their instructor and collaborate and network with peers. A downside to live online training is that in most cases, students have to supply their own software and computer equipment.

A third class format is on-demand training. On-demand classes are asynchronous, with students working through pre-recorded material at their own pace. This makes them the most flexible option. Some students like on-demand learning because they can proceed at their own pace, and stop or start learning whenever they want. For example, they can pause or rewind content that they need more time with, or fast-forward through sections that they already understand. A downside to on-demand classes is that there is no live instruction. Because classes are pre-recorded, there is also the chance that material can become outdated. 

Classes Compared to Free Options

Another way to learn SketchUp is to teach yourself by using free resources. You’ll find a number of different free options online, such as tutorials on YouTube, short free classes offered by some on-demand schools, and advice from more experienced users offered on online forums. When you use free resources, you’ll have the ability to structure your own learning in whatever way you want to. However, it can take a lot of time to sort through free resources to find reliable, comprehensive, and up-to-date material. When you’re using free options, it’s always important to keep in mind that anyone can post material online, whether they are an expert or not. As explained in a Georgetown University Library article titled “Evaluating Internet Resources,” “Information available on the Internet is not regulated for quality or accuracy; therefore, it is particularly important for the individual Internet user to evaluate the resource or information.” Because of the overwhelming quality of information posted online, and the challenge of sorting through it, most people who are serious about learning SketchUp opt for a paid class, where they can learn under the guidance of a trusted expert.

Learn SketchUp with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is based in New York City and offers a wide variety of design classes. It has both short courses that can help you quickly master the basics, and longer, more comprehensive programs that are intended to get you career-ready in a relatively short amount of time. These classes are offered in person at its Manhattan facility or in a live online format, where you can sign on from any location in the world. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department. All courses include a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year.

If you want to learn SketchUp, you can enroll in Noble’s SketchUp Pro Bootcamp, which is a multi-day class designed to get you ready to start building 3D models. It covers a wide range of topics including interface navigation, drawing shapes, adding volume, and transforming elements. You’ll also learn to use the SketchUp Warehouse. This class includes plenty of hands-on practice. No prior experience is required, other than the ability to use a computer.

If you’re interested in 3D modeling, Noble also offers a number of live AutoCAD classes. These include Level 1, 2, and 3 classes. There is also an AutoCAD Masterclass, which covers beginner, intermediate, and advanced skills. Finally, Noble offers an AutoDesk Certification Program. This course includes three AutoCAD classes in addition to six hours of private tutoring. You’ll finish the course by taking the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam. Proctoring and a free retake are included with your tuition.