CAD technician

You would draw plans and create 3D designs for buildings and machinery so that engineers and technicians can understand their construction.

You’d use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create design plans for buildings and machinery.

You could work in a wide range of industries, such as engineering, construction and manufacturing.

The engineering team would meet with you to discuss what they are planning to build. You’d then create a clear and detailed drawing or model of the item.

The engineers would use it to test their ideas before they build a prototype. The designs would also be used to help prepare cost estimates for projects.

For some projects - for example, a design for a new car - you’d use surface modelling to draw a flat 2D representation.

To create a 3D display of a structure or component you'd use solid modelling. The engineers could then use the model to take a virtual tour. For example, they could ‘go inside’ a new building to decide where to fit electrical cabling or to 'look inside' a piece of manufacturing machinery to see where they could make improvements.

The production staff in the factory would use your detailed diagrams as a guide to make the product; you might need to explain the designs to them.

You'd also write and draw the instructions for assembling the product or create guides for the technicians who do the installation, servicing and repairs.

CAD work could have different names depending on the industry, including:

• Computer aided industrial design (CAID)

• Computer aided engineering (CAE)

• Computer aided styling (CAS)

• Computer aided manufacturing (CAM)

You would usually work in a small team managed by a design engineer, with each person working on a different part of a project.

• Tomorrow's Engineers - Careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering

• Institution of Engineering Designers - training and qualifications