Computer-Aided Design

There are a range of CAD qualifications using the latest AutoCAD & Inventor software. These courses will allow the learner to apply CAD skills to various industries such as engineering and the construction industry. Learners would be able to work as CAD technicians but may wish to take further studies in either engineering or construction. There are at present six qualifications on offer: -

City & Guilds 4353-01 Level 2 Certificate in 2D Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD)

This unit gives the learner a good 2D foundation and covers 8 learning outcomes:

  • Use associated IT, CAD hardware and operating systems
  • Use basic file management techniques and maintain health and safety requirements
  • Use and identify key components of the software relating to the 2D drawing environment
  • Use a range of viewing commands and set up drawing space.
  • Use drawing commands to produce shapes
  • Use the CAD software's co-ordinate system to aid accurate drawing
  • Use hatch, text and simple dimensioning routines
  • Use basic editing commands and produce simple hard copies

City & Guilds 4353-02 Level 3 Certificate in 2D Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD)

This unit covers a vast range of 2D advanced drawing techniques and covers the 13 outcomes listed below:

  • Use a layering system and different line type styles.
  • Define and use a system for grouping objects to form blocks or libraries
  • Produce isometric drawings within the 2D environment
  • Define and use an adjustable co-ordinate system based on the user requirements
  • Use complex dimensioning routines
  • Use different drawing spaces
  • Produce hard copies of drawings
  • Make inquiries of an existing drawing and place reference points
  • Use a means of pre command object selection in order to carry out editing processes
  • Change the properties of a number of drawn entities.
  • Edit blocks and hatched areas
  • Modify continuous lines formed by a connected sequence of lines or arcs (polylines)
  • Use a method to remove unused items and rename other items logically

City & Guilds 4353-01 Level 3 Certificate in 3D Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD)

This unit introduces the learner to 3D space. It allows the learner to produce surface and solid models at any position in 3D space. It covers the following outcomes:

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  • Apply appropriate commands to set the 3D modelling environment
  • Create and use working planes at any position within 3D space
  • Define and use co-ordinate points at any position within 3D space
  • Apply appropriate commands to construct the whole part of a 3D model using the best available method — surface or solid modelling
  • Apply appropriate commands to modify 3D solid objects
  • Apply appropriate commands to perform 3D operations on existing objects
  • Apply appropriate commands to manipulate a 3D model
  • Apply appropriate commands to view 3D models in a variety of display formats
  • Print/Plot/export 3D models

This next series of qualifications use the latest 3D 'Parametric' software to produce 3D models and their associated 2D detail drawings. Large portions of the manufacturing industries now use this type of software.

City & Guilds 4353-21 Level 1 Certificate in Computer Aided Design (CAD) Parametric Modelling (Inventor)

This unit introduces the learner to the latest form of 3D software. It covers the following outcomes:

  • Use associated IT, CAD hardware and operating systems
  • Use basic file management techniques and maintain health and safety requirements
  • Understand the parametric modelling process, the user interface and how to access help and tutorials
  • Use a range of commands to create and constrain sketches.
  • Use a range of commands to produce extruded and revolved features
  • Use placed features to modify parametric models.
  • Use methods to create assemblies
  • Use the drawing layout environment to produce hard copies

City & Guilds 4353-22 Level 2 Certificate in Computer Aided Design (CAD) Parametric Modelling (Inventor)

This unit aims to further the learner's understanding of the CAD parametric modelling environment. It covers the following outcomes:

  • Use complex sketching and 2D constraints to create features
  • Create and edit work features and use complex feature commands
  • Create and modify simple table driven parts and assemblies
  • Use motion and driven assembly constraints
  • Add additional information to a drawing layout to aid the interpretation of design intent
  • Create presentational quality displays of parts and assemblies

City & Guilds 4353-23 Level 3 Certificate in Computer Aided Design (CAD) Parametric Modelling (Inventor)

This is a more advanced award and the learner will be expected to use advanced features which may include the following:

  • Sheet metal
  • Weldments
  • Tube piping
  • Cable and harness
  • Stress analysis

The following outcomes are covered:

  • Advanced features and part modelling
  • Advanced assembly modelling
  • Link with external spreadsheets to create complex table driven parts and assemblies
  • Advanced presentation graphics

Note:

All the above qualifications are assessed using a series of practical drawing assignments along with an online multi-choice exam.

Learners will have the opportunity to select which qualifications they wish to take.

e-Quals Web Site Design Level 2 Unit 208

This is a short course that is offered as an optional extra to any students studying at the college. The aim of this unit is to equip candidates with the basic principles needed to be able to create and maintain a series of web pages, which collectively form what is commonly known as a web site.

There are 6 outcomes to this unit. The candidate will be able to:

  • Describe and apply the basics of web page development
  • Undertake user requirements analyses
  • Use appropriate development tools to implement web pages
  • Test web sites
  • Use graphics software to create and manipulate images on web pages
  • Publish and maintain web sites