SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling application that is used in a variety of design-related fields including landscaping, architecture, video game design, and mechanical engineering.An important aspect of receiving professional SketchUp training to set yourself up for a career change is learning what kinds of fields and industries that training will help you find work in. Each industry will have different requirements and expectations for prospective employees, and you should consider these expectations when you start your training. This is true for students who have an idea of what kind of work they want to do and for students who aren’t yet sure what path they want to take after learning SketchUp skills.

What is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a 3D modeling application. It can be used to create and manipulate 3D and 2D models for use in a wide variety of design fields including interior design, architecture, video game design, mechanical engineering, and landscaping. It can also be used to create and download models for 3D printers. This application is owned by Trimble Inc. It has a free version and a pro version and is used by both hobbyists and professionals.

Most users say that SketchUp is relatively easy to learn and use. One unique feature of the application is that you can push and pull shapes into 3D models. You can also add textures, colors, and styles to your models to make them look more realistic and appealing. SketchUp has a large library of pre-built models and objects that users can download, and it supports many plug-ins. In addition, it has a large community of users who share models and tips online.

What Can You Do with SketchUp Skills?

The use of 3D models has become increasingly popular in many types of design because it allows all involved parties to easily visualize the proposed design, find potential flaws, and make any needed changes. SketchUp is used by designers in a wide range of different industries including architecture, interior design, landscape design, engineering, and video game design. 

Common Industries That Use SketchUp

SketchUp is used in many different design industries including architecture, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, and video game design.

Architecture

Architects use SketchUp to create detailed 3D models of their designs. These designs can be shared with teammates and clients. Models also make it easier to understand what a design will actually look like and to find and fix potential flaws before construction starts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that gathers labor market statistics and publishes a variety of reports based on those statistics. It predicts that between 2022 and 2023, Architects will see 5 percent job growth, which is faster than the average job growth rate of 3 percent. The agency says, “Architects are expected to be needed to make plans and designs, particularly in sustainable design, for the construction and renovation of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and other structures.” BLS notes that a significant percentage of architects–about 13 percent–are self-employed.

Interior Design

Like Architects, Interior Designers use SketchUp to visualize their designs and share them with other people. BLS predicts a 4 percent job growth in interior design over the next ten years, with about 9,000 job openings every year. It notes, “As the demand for renovation projects increases, homeowners and companies are expected to need services provided by interior designers to help create safe and functional spaces. A greater focus on building codes, as well as the need to design spaces that meet accessibility standards, may also help to create jobs for these workers.” 

Civil and Mechanical Engineering

Many Civil and Mechanical Engineers use SketchUp. This application lets them create simulated versions of their designs so that they can look for flaws, and make any needed fixes before the design is actually constructed. According to BLS, mechanical engineering jobs will increase by 10 percent over the next decade. It explains, “As manufacturing processes incorporate more complex automation machinery, mechanical engineers are expected to be needed to help plan for and design this equipment.” Civil engineering jobs are expected to increase by 5 percent. According to BLS, “With continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.”

Video Game Design

Some Video Game Designers use SketchUp as a tool for creating the scenes and graphics that bring their video games to life. BLS groups Video Game Designers into the category of Special Effects Artists and Animators, for which it predicts 8 percent job growth over the next decade. It explains, “Consumer demand will continue for more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies. Additional special effects artists and animators will be required to meet increased demand for these enhanced visual complexities.”

Learn SketchUp Skills with Noble Desktop

If you want to learn SketchUp, you’ll find a comprehensive, beginner-friendly course offered by Noble Desktop. The SketchUp Pro Bootcamp is a multi-day class that is designed to give you hands-on experience using this application and will 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 connect and generate forms, generate 3D text, and export models to Google Earth. Noble Desktop is located in New York City, where it offers in-person classes. However, all of its classes also run in a live online format. Students can even access recordings of each class session for up to a month after the session. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department. Its courses come with a certificate of completion, and students also have the option of a free course retake within one year.

Noble also offers a number of live AutoCAD classes. These include AutoCAD Level 1, which is a short class that covers AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools; AutoCAD Level 2, which covers more advanced and technical projects; and AutoCAD Level 3, which is an advanced course that provides students with instruction in annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. Students looking for a more comprehensive class might also consider the AutoCAD Masterclass. This course takes students from beginner to advanced, and students will work on a number of projects that allow them to practice their skills. Noble also has an AutoDesk Certification Program that is designed for students who want to earn the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. This course includes three AutoCAD classes and six hours of private tutoring. The course fee includes the exam, proctoring, and a free exam retake if needed.