Recommended CAD and IT Courses for Beginners

Hi everyone!

I’m starting this topic to share and ask about good CAD and IT courses for beginners. If you’ve taken any helpful courses or training, please share your experience!

Here are a few questions to guide the discussion:

  • What CAD software is best to start with? (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.)
  • Are there free or affordable courses you’d recommend?
  • What basic IT skills should a beginner learn first? (programming, networking, cybersecurity?)
  • Are certifications (like CCNA or AutoCAD Certified) useful for getting a job?
2 Comments
 

For beginners diving into CAD and IT, here’s a breakdown based on the most helpful WSO content:

CAD Recommendations:

  1. Best CAD Software to Start With:

    • AutoCAD: A great starting point for general CAD work, especially in architecture and engineering.
    • SolidWorks: Ideal for mechanical design and 3D modeling.
    • Revit: If you’re leaning towards commercial development or construction, this is a must-learn.
  2. Free or Affordable CAD Courses:

    • Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer beginner-friendly courses at reasonable prices.
    • Free resources like Khan Academy or Codecademy (for related IT skills) can also be helpful.
  3. Certifications:

    • AutoCAD Certified User: A solid credential for entry-level roles.
    • Revit Certification: Valuable for those in construction or real estate development.

IT Recommendations:

  1. Basic IT Skills to Learn First:

    • Programming: Start with Python or JavaScript for versatility.
    • Networking: Understanding the basics of how networks function is crucial.
    • Cybersecurity: Learn foundational concepts to protect systems and data.
  2. Certifications:

    • CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): Highly regarded for networking beginners.
    • CompTIA A+: Covers essential IT skills and is a great entry-level certification.
  3. Free or Affordable IT Courses:

    • Codecademy: Excellent for programming basics.
    • Udemy: Offers affordable courses on networking, cybersecurity, and more.
    • Coursera: Provides structured learning paths from top universities.

Additional Tips:

  • For CAD, focus on mastering one software before branching out.
  • In IT, prioritize hands-on practice through labs or projects to solidify your skills.
  • Certifications can boost your resume but ensure they align with your career goals.

Good luck on your learning journey!

Sources: The new wave of Certificates from IVY & Target Schools - Thoughts?, Best way to break into CRE coming from a computer science background?, Software Engineering seems like the best job one could have, 4 Things you can do before your full-time consulting start, Most Valuable Skills in Development and Acquisition

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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