CAD for the Creative Industries
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A hands-on, industry-focused funded Skills Bootcamp designed to introduce you to the creative and technical world of Computer-aided design (CAD).
Learn how to create detailed digital drawings for live events, theatre, exhibitions and more, no prior experience needed. All taught through a mix of demonstrations, practical tasks, group discussion, and independent project work, with access to proper CAD workstations and industry software.
Course content
Designed for all skill levels, our CAD for the Creative Industries courses offer hands-on training in digital drafting, design workflows, and industry-standard tools like AutoCAD – tailored specifically for live events, theatre, and immersive experience design.
In our CAD for the Creative Industries courses, you’ll learn:
- The essentials of AutoCAD and digital drafting workflows.
- Creating detailed drawings for live performance environments.
- Version control, model organisation and professional best practice.
- Customising your CAD interface for speed and productivity.
- Building a portfolio-ready venue and show model.
This course will be delivered in-person and remotely depending on the delivery you select. In person learning will be delivered in at venues in West Yorkshire and Hertfordshire.
The course is designed for all levels of experience and is ideal for individuals who are:
- Beginners with no prior CAD software experience.
- Recent graduates, college leavers or career switchers with an interest in production, live events, theatre, exhibitions or immersive experience design.
- Freelancers, technicians or crew wanting to develop formal skills in CAD to improve workflows, increase job opportunities or strengthen skills for larger projects.
- Creatives who are curious about the technical side of design, bringing ideas to life through digital drawing and looking to upskill into design, production or creative planning roles.
- Interested in technical roles in live music, theatre or events.
The skills you will learn are transferable across most industry sectors.
Course outcomes
You’ll walk away with the skills and confidence to apply for entry-level roles or apprenticeships, as well as a certificate and a finished technical drawing project to showcase in your portfolio. You’ll also receive a certificate of completion and a LinkedIn digital badge.
At ALT, we’re committed to your career success. We’ll work with you to secure opportunities and interviews for you, leveraging our extensive industry connections at ALT to help you into your next great opportunity.
Whatever your aspirations, we’ll support you in getting on the right path, with the right people in the industry.
Interested in CAD for the Creative Industries?
Course Dates & Locations
Our Skills Bootcamp courses are delivered in multiple regions and start dates, so that you can find the best time to enrol on the course. This course is offered in two formats: a 5-week part-time option with classes two days per week, or a 2-week full-time option with classes Monday to Friday each week.
Our CAD for the Creative Industries course will be delivered in the following regions, and on the following confirmed course dates:
Funding Eligibility
Please note that the following eligibility criteria must be met in order to receive funding for this course:
- 19 years of age and over
- Be based in either the Hertfordshire or West Yorkshire regions
- Have the legal right to work in the UK
If you have any barriers that would stop you from attending the course, please get in touch with the training team on training@altech.ac.uk
Meet your tutor
David has been working in the backstage areas of the performance industry for over 40 years, most recently as Head of Technical & Production at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He has worked across the UK as a Lighting and Sound Designer, Production Manager and Venue Consultant.
Since 2000, he has provided training for production professionals in AutoCAD as cad4theatre. He has written 5 editions of his book, AutoCAD – A Handbook for theatre users, and provided for many of the UK’s theatres and training establishments. He is an AutoCAD Alpha/Beta Tester, an Accredited Autodesk Professional and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
He has twice won an ABTT Award for products; in 2004 with LE Mark for the ‘Bar-Fly’ and more recently, in 2024 for ‘The Counterweight Caddy’ currently in development.
Apply
Spaces are limited for each course, so we recommend registering your interest using the form below to start your application process.
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