Hi All
 
I'm new to this forum and very new to autocad.
 
I'm really interested in learning and finding a new career with Autocad but wondered how realistic it is to get into something like this at my stage of life.
 
I'm 30 years old and although I am very good with computers I have no qualifications or previous training with this type of program.
 
I just wanted to ask if there is any kind of entry level job I could go for once I know what I'm doing? Is there an online course you would recommend? what are the first steps I should take towards starting a new career with Autocad?
 
If you feel its too late for me or it's alot harder than I'm thinking then please let me know your thoughts it will be greatly appreciated!
 
Thanks guys
 
 

Thanks guys

I see jobs for CAD operators all of the time. I'm not sure where you are from or what is available in your area as far as training facilities, but that's where I would start. A lot of your ability to find a job depends on your previous experience in your field. I find it ofter easier to teach someone that knows Architecture for example, how to use AutoCAD than teaching someone who knows CAD about Architecture. I was a college instructor and I had quite a few students that well over 30 that needed to find a profession that was less demanding physically, or just wanted a career change. It's just a matter of being able to get through school and come in at an entry level position most of the time.Hope that helps.~C

Thanks Capone that's very helpful
 
Is it possible to get into a job using autocad without being qualified in architechture or engineering?
 
I mean can you just get a qualification in autocad only and still get a job?

Absolutely. I was just using the architectural field as an example. AutoCAD is used in a seemingly endless number of applications. Mechanical, Architecture, electronics. It is of course not the only CAD program available, and it's better for some disciplines than others, but it is widely used throughout many industries. You should be able to get a job somewhere after school. It may be an entry level position while you get experience, but you don't always need prior industry experience in order to get a job.
Capone2008-05-08 15:41:49

I'm not at school mate I'm 30 years old
 
That's why I was a bit worried about getting a job
 
Its sounds easier than I thought though.
 
I've taken to Autocad like a duck to water

Do you have schooling in CAD though, or did you just start using it and found out you liked it?
 
With no schooling in CAD, at least in my area of the world (the mid western USA) it will be very hard to find a job.

No, no schooling yet just learning from the free CAD internet sites at the mo but there's quite a lot of free teaching sites if you look for them.
 
I'm going to start night school one day a week to a qualification and build up some kind of port folio. Money isnt an issue at the mo so I'll probably get some entry level job for starters then go from there.
 
I think Capone was taliking about night school now I look at it
 
I'm in the UK by the waySteadycad2008-05-09 19:45:00

[QUOTE=Steadycad]I think Capone was talking about night school now I look at it [/QUOTE]I was. Sorry for any confusion.  It sounds like you're on your way.