Can you advise on becoming a CAD Drafter in Denver — Bootcamp vs. Certificate? #2025
Hi everyone! I'm seeking advice about becoming a CAD Drafter in the U.S., especially in Denver.
I’m originally from Thailand and have over 5 years of experience in interior design, mostly in commercial spaces like retail stores and restaurants. I recently moved to the U.S. and am exploring a new career path in drafting. I'm considering joining a CAD or drafting bootcamp instead of going through a full college program.
I live in Denver, CO, and I’m hoping to find a job locally. I’m currently self-studying some software and considering a certificate program at a community college, but I’m also curious if a bootcamp might be a faster and more effective path.
My questions are:
Has anyone here joined a drafting bootcamp (online or in-person)? Was it helpful in finding a job?
Are there specific bootcamps or certificates you’d recommend, especially around Denver?
Do employers value bootcamp certificates, or should I go for a community college certificate instead?
What should I focus on learning first—AutoCAD, Revit, or something else?
Thanks in advance for your help—I appreciate it!
#2025
3 answers
Kelly’s Answer
I am a designer who hires others to do CAD work for me. All of these folks took proper CAD courses and talk about how intricate and time consuming it is to learn, and the many layers to the program, and the tremendous amount of time and dedication it took to learn it inside and out. If you want to be really good and sought after for your work, I do recommend not taking any shortcuts. Having said that, it's pretty amazing what people can do based on being self taught. So I would never say that it's impossible, I'm just not sure it makes sense for the majority of people. Another benefit to taking a traditional course is that you'll come in contact with like-minded creative folks, instructors with tons of knowledge and life experience, etc. Much of life is contacts, who you know/who they know, and random stuff that happens when you are out there living your dreams.
Best of luck on your journey.
Kelly M.
I appreciate your support, Kelly
Tantat
Adriano’s Answer
How are you?
I am an Electronic CAD designer in Brazil and I would like to share my vision with you.
Doing a "bootcamp" can help you learn and do some initial work, but I believe that to be hired by a large company you will need a college degree.
Here in Brazil you can work, but to be truly recognized, you need a college degree.
About your other questions, I advise you to wait for more answers from other professionals in the US.
I wish you good luck on your journey and much success in your career.
Thank you for the advice, Adriano.
Tantat
Tony’s Answer
Tony, thank you!
Tantat
May I ask. Do your students usually get internships or entry-level jobs while still in school, or do most people wait until after completing the program?
Also, from your experience, do employers in the U.S. typically expect a strong portfolio with rendered work, or is technical drafting (like construction documents) more important when applying for drafting positions?
Tantat
Most of my students try to get an intern job during the Summer break. Some are taking part time school course material and work other jobs, it all depends on their schedules. As far as renderings in your portfolio or CAD technical drawings it depends on the potential employer. If you have a large firm they tend to want to know how you solve design problems. They tend to teach you the way the office likes to see their drawings produced. Smaller firms tend to want someone to crank out superior technical drawings that have a lot of information on them and details are drawn correctly . They don't want to get sued and cost them in court.
Tony Elliott, RA, R.I.D.