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Design Technician (CAD)

Getting hands on with the latest design software to produce accurate drawings and models

How this role makes a difference

Machinery, goods, components, and structures are all developed using computer-aided design (CAD). CAD brings ideas to life, tests concepts and produces detailed drawings that direct how things need to be made.

There are different software packages for designing different types of product or structure. The accuracy of the drawings produced helps people to imagine what’s possible. You could be the technician who helps to make great ideas a reality.

The kind of work you’ll do

  • Using 2D or 3D software to produce sketches, models and drawings
  • Checking that drawings meet quality and technical standards
  • Finding and fixing inaccuracies or mistakes
  • Communicating with engineers, designers and project managers
  • Reading and interpreting engineers’ drawings
  • Undertaking calculations to work out angles, weights and costs
  • Keeping accurate records of different versions of your design work
Useful skills
Logical thinking
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Critical thinking
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Technologically minded
Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

An interest in design.

Excellent listening and understanding skills.

The ability to think carefully about a subject or idea, ask questions and act on what you’ve learned.

A natural tendency to think about a problem from different angles before deciding on the best way forward.

An enjoyment of collaborating with others.

Confidence with computers and an aptitude for learning how to use new software.

You could also be right for this role if you have any of the following interests:

- art, film, fashion and design

- exploring problems and finding answers

£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

You could become a design manager leading a team or project, work as a freelance designer or, with further training, become a design or software engineer.

With experience you could also become an engineer, registering with the Engineering Council to get Engineering Technician status.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:  

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Building information modelling (BIM) is a growing field of work in the construction industry that you could get involved in. BIM doesn’t produce a single visual of a building, it produces detailed insights on how a building will be used and the resources it requires, at every stage from design through to construction and live operations. This analysis enables more control over the use of resources.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

CAD Technician
Structural Technician
BIM Technician
Digital Design Technician
Engineering Design Technician

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What are your next steps?

Discover our expert advice on the different pathways available and how to get into your dream role.

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