AutoCAD classes & certificate programs for veterans

AutoCAD is an industry-standard drafting application that you can use to create 2D and 3D designs. Many people can learn it in a matter of months, and it can help you get a job in many different industries, including architecture, construction, manufacturing, and design. If you’re a veteran and want to go to school to learn AutoCAD, you might be able to get help figuring out where to go, assistance paying for your classes, and career counseling to aid you in finding a job where you can use your new skills. 

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Why should veterans consider AutoCAD?

Some veterans entering the civilian job market are worried that they don’t have the skills and experience employers are looking for. However, veterans often have many unique skills that can actually give them an advantage in their job search. In an article titled “Our List of Best Jobs for Veterans to Pursue,” Recruit Military notes, “The experience . . . [veterans] have gained in the military is unparalleled and the discipline, commitment, and teamwork skills veterans learn can be applied to numerous careers in the civilian world.” By identifying your current strengths and weaknesses, you can get a better idea of where you stand, what jobs might be a good fit for you, and whether you need to supplement your existing skills with additional schooling.

If you’re a veteran, you want to learn AutoCAD, and you have technical skills, attention to detail, and an interest in design, an AutoCAD-related career can be a creative, flexible, and fulfilling option. Drafter, Architect, Product Designer, Mechanical Engineer, Interior Designer, Project Manager, and Video Game Designer are just a few of the specific jobs where you’re likely to use AutoCAD. There's also the possibility of becoming a CAD Designer, a role that centers on creating detailed technical drawings and models.

When you are evaluating career options, it's a good idea to make sure you pursue something with a strong future, and that’s exactly what many AutoCAD-related roles have. Design applications like AutoCAD have mostly replaced the days of pen and paper, and this trend is likely to continue, making AutoCAD a good bet for the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS is a federal agency that publishes employment statistics for many jobs where AutoCAD is used. It predicts that between 2023 and 2033, architecture and engineering occupations will grow faster than average. Steady growth is also anticipated for design occupations.

Salaries for these occupations are also higher than average. For example, BLS says, “The median annual wage for . . . [architecture and engineering occupations] was $91,420 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.” It finds that the median wage for design occupations is also higher than average. Indeed also publishes salary estimates for a variety of AutoCAD-related jobs. It reports that a Product Designer earns an average of $129,000 per year, a Video Game Designer $89,000, and a CAD Drafter almost $53,000.

Comparing training benefits for veterans

The GI Bill provides educational benefits for veterans. This bill dates back to 1944 and was passed to help service members adjust to civilian life. Since 1944, millions of veterans have taken advantage of its many benefits, including its educational offerings. Educational benefits are managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There are multiple GI benefit programs, each with different requirements and offering different benefits. Some people qualify for more than one type of benefit.

• Post-9/11 GI Bill®: This is for veterans who have been on active duty after September 10, 2001. It is also referred to as Chapter 33. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, eligible veterans can get money to cover tuition, books, and supplies (for up to 36 months of benefits, depending on your qualifications). There is also a housing allowance. You may also be able to transfer unused benefits from this program to family members.
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD): This program is for veterans who have served at least two years on active duty and provides financial assistance for education and training. It may also cover remedial or refresher courses.
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): The MGIB-SR program provides education and training benefits for veterans of the Selected Reserve. Like the MGIB-AD program, it might cover remedial or refresher courses.
• Survivors and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: This program--also known as Chapter 35--is for children or spouses of service members or veterans who have a service-connected disability, have died, or are captured or missing. Qualified applicants can get money to cover tuition, prep courses and tests, licensing and certification, and job training programs. 

Applying for veteran benefits

Veterans can apply for educational benefits online, by mail, or in person. If you’re applying in person, you can go to your local VA office. Benefits are different for everyone and depend on how long you served, where you want to go to school, and how many credits you plan to take. In addition, each program has unique eligibility requirements and application processes and provides different benefits. 

In most cases, you’ll want to start by checking to see that the specific program you’re interested in is covered. After that, you can gather all the required documents (specified on the VA website) and submit your application. The average claim processing time for benefits is 30 days, as explained on the VA website. When a decision is made, you’ll be mailed an official decision letter detailing your benefits.

If you need more information about veterans' benefits, the VA website provides a variety of resources that explain the different types of programs available to veterans, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. There is also information about how to manage your benefits, including changing schools or transferring benefits.