Learn More About AutoCAD Classes & Certifications in Denver
Across multiple industries, professionals use a program called AutoCAD to create models, schematics, and blueprints to scale. A few of the fields that leverage this software are engineering, manufacturing, interior design, and architecture, though it can be applied anywhere that involves drafting plans and prototypes. Computer-aided design (CAD) encompasses both 2D and 3D design, though its 3D capabilities are still evolving alongside the 3D printing industry itself.
AutoCAD is a popular program to learn because it saves time, increases productivity and accuracy, and decreases errors. All of this leads to finished products of better quality since the CAD software is more consistent than traditional pen-and-paper drawings used previously. It is easier to understand designs generated by AutoCAD, meaning designers and related professionals can showcase their work to anyone, whether or not they are familiar with the field.
If you are looking for a powerful drafting tool that will streamline your drafting and designing needs, AutoCAD is the program for you. CAD is a growing field with myriad career opportunities. Training in the software would be a key asset for several design and engineering positions.
AutoCAD Careers in Denver
Some of the paths you can pursue for AutoCAD careers in Denver include Designer, Drafter, and the more specialized role of AutoCAD Designer. While learning AutoCAD would be useful in any of these jobs, you will need education and experience in your desired field to qualify. A Designer working in engineering, for instance, would need to have a related background as a supplement to AutoCAD skills. In Denver, you can expect to earn an annual salary between $65,000 and $75,000 in the AutoCAD roles listed above.
Denver’s strong presence in aerospace makes it an excellent city for professionals with AutoCAD skills. Colorado ranks as the top state for aerospace employment, with companies such as Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and Sierra Nevada Corporation operating in the region. Engineers and designers in these organizations use AutoCAD to create detailed schematics for aircraft, spacecraft, and satellite components. Mastery of AutoCAD enables professionals to draft precise technical drawings, model complex structures, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, making it an essential tool in the aerospace industry.
Advanced manufacturing and industrial design also provide significant opportunities for AutoCAD users in Denver. Companies like Arrow Electronics, Garmin, and Woodward, Inc. rely on CAD software to design mechanical components, assembly lines, and product prototypes. AutoCAD is used to develop detailed 2D and 3D drawings, optimize manufacturing processes, and ensure products meet technical and safety standards.
Infrastructure engineering and transportation projects in Denver further expand the demand for AutoCAD expertise. Firms such as CH2M Hill (now Jacobs Engineering), HDR, Inc., and Felsburg Holt & Ullevig employ AutoCAD for civil engineering, urban planning, and transportation design. Designers and Engineers use the software to draft plans for roads, bridges, public transit systems, and water management projects, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local regulations.
AutoCAD Classes in Denver
Noble Desktop is a New York City-based coding and design school that offers a variety of live online AutoCAD courses. Licensed by the New York State Education Department, the school provides certificates of completion for all classes, and students have the option to retake any course for free within one year. Most courses are designed for PC users, although Mac users can also participate; however, the interface demonstrated by instructors will differ from the Mac version.
For those seeking shorter courses, Noble offers AutoCAD Level 1, a multi-day class that teaches basic drawing and editing tools for architectural and mechanical projects. AutoCAD Level 2 is an intermediate class where students work on more complex projects, learn to create templates by setting units, scales, and drawing limits, and gain proficiency with advanced layers and blocks. AutoCAD Level 3 is an advanced course covering annotation, dynamic blocks, attributes, collaboration, publishing, and customization, allowing students to execute comprehensive projects efficiently. For a longer option, the AutoCAD Bootcamp combines the beginner and intermediate courses and is available at a 10% discount.
For a full progression from beginner to advanced, the AutoCAD Masterclass provides comprehensive training. Students begin with fundamental skills like navigating the interface, creating drawings, using object snap tracking, and editing commands, then advance to templates, layouts, block creation, and external references. Advanced topics include tables, text objects, attributes, dynamic blocks, and project work. Noble also offers an Autodesk Certification Program for those pursuing the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. This program includes three courses covering beginner to advanced skills, six hours of private tutoring for personalized support, and the Autodesk exam with proctoring and a free retake. Students who prefer not to take the exam can use the extra tutoring hour instead.
Self-Guided AutoCAD Programs
Students who are looking to make a career out of using AutoCAD might also be interested in their options for career-focused, self-guided classes. These courses allow students to learn at their own pace (with guidance and assistance from a professional mentor) and provide students with career-focused training and job placement support. While many students find it desirable to learn from a live instructor, these self-paced classes are the perfect fit for self-motivated students looking to make a career out of their AutoCAD training.
AutoCAD Certificate Program
The Visual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers an immersive AutoCAD certificate program that aims to help students become career-ready within only a few weeks of training. This program provides students with hands-on, job-focused training in the use of AutoCAD, and the course is designed with new students in mind, meaning that you’ll move from your first construction draft to a capstone project to add to your professional portfolio over the course of the certificate program. This program also offers students the opportunity to take up to 80 hours of electives to help them specialize in subjects including Revit, SketchUp, and Civil 3D Pro. With this option for specialization and the focus on career development training, this certificate program is an ideal entry point for aspiring Designers, Architects, and Engineers looking to learn how to use AutoCAD in a professional capacity.
AutoCAD Fundamentals
Students looking for an accelerated introduction to AutoCAD and computer-aided design generally may be interested in taking this introductory course offered by VDCI. Students will learn the basics of using AutoCAD and practical skills that they can bring back to their current jobs or use as the baseline for future CAD training (including some of the other advanced classes offered through VDCI). In this class, students will get live, hands-on instruction in the use of AutoCAD, including exercises in which they create drafting symbols, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, a floor plan, and deliverable file sheets. While you’ll need more training if you want to make a career out of your AutoCAD skills, this course is an excellent introduction to the kinds of projects that AutoCAD professionals will need to utilize.
AutoCAD Professional
If you have already taken the AutoCAD fundamentals program or you have experience with AutoCAD from another source, you may be interested in moving toward professional-level training in this advanced VDCI AutoCAD program. In this program, students will learn how to create 2D designs for construction documents that meet all of the necessary and legal standards that they are expected to follow. This course offers practical skills training and is designed to ensure that experienced AutoCAD users are able to get the accelerated training that they need to start using the application in more complex professional capacities. This course is built to help students learn at their own pace, and class scheduling is incredibly flexible for professionals looking to develop new skills while still working.
Corporate AutoCAD Training in Denver
Because AutoCAD is currently the leading drafting software, it is useful for employees of any company that deals in drafting, blueprints, and other 2D or 3D designs. Whether your business is in manufacturing, engineering, or another related industry, you might be able to benefit from AutoCAD training for your team.
When you are ready to look into your options, keep in mind that Noble Desktop offers both on-site and virtual corporate AutoCAD training programs. Options are flexible; you can hold a live workshop right in your office or send small groups of employees to an existing program. The curriculum is fully customizable, which means you can tailor education to fit your specific business needs.
To request more information, contact corporate@nobledesktop.com for a free consultation. An instructional associate would be happy to walk you through possible programs.