Where Can I Find Free AutoCAD Courses and Training?
Individuals seeking an understanding of AutoCAD software can find free AutoCAD courses and training from a number of sources. High schools, vocational schools and adult training centers offer free seminars and workshops. Read on to find examples of such offerings.
High School Community Training in AutoCAD
Numerous high schools offer free, volunteer-based training in AutoCAD. One such district in the Tampa, FL, area is Hillsborough County Public Schools. Their AutoCAD course covers essentials for visualizing and documenting AutoCAD files. This course aims at providing participants with general knowledge and proficiency and prepare them for more formal training. Topics include:
- Familiarization with AutoCAD's User Interface
- Drawing and Editing Commands
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutFreeAutoCADTraining">Important Facts about Free AutoCAD Training</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Layers, dimensions, text scale, accurate input, modifying commands, zooming and panning, align and rotate</td></tr>
<tr><td> Programs </td><td> Beginner orientation, intermediate, advanced topics</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Growing number of choices</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers</td><td> Construction engineer, landscaping architect, Department of Transportation drafter</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021)* </td><td> $60,340 (for architectural and civil drafters)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)*</td><td> -1% (for architectural and civil drafters)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---VocationalSchoolAutoCADPrograms">Vocational School AutoCAD Programs</h3><p>Technical and Vocational schools often provide free seminars on some of the subjects that they teach. The Central Ohio Technical College offers an AutoCAD workshop that teaches principles of computer-aided drafting (CAD) and basic drawing commands. Many seminars and workshops are ideal for those without AutoCAD experience seeking familiarity with the world of design.
</p><h3 id="section---FreeAutoCADCoursesForSeniorCitizens">Free AutoCAD Courses for Senior Citizens</h3><p>Many universities waive tuition for senior citizens. In most cases, such universities will have at least one course in AutoCAD. Minimum age requirements vary by school, but usually are for individuals over 60 years of age. Participants can attend the same courses that other university students would attend, but the courses would generally not apply toward any degree. Senior citizens taking an AutoCAD course free of charge would learn and develop the essentials of the program. These skills include drawing and editing commands, using layers, dimensioning and creating templates. The following is just a small sample of universities that offer tuition-waived courses in AutoCAD:
</p><ul><li>Central State University (Ohio)
</li><li>University of West Florida
</li><li>University of Colorado at Boulder
</li><li>University of Arkansas</li></ul>