Introduction to CAD/CAM

About this course

If you have a keen interest in pursuing new creative and technical skills, our Digital Modelling and Fabrication course is an excellent start to gain an understanding and practical experience of digital techniques and processes. This course will introduce you to a range of fabrication processes, allowing you to apply these methods to a number of workshop activities and also a self-identified craft project.

Course Structure:

Week 1 - 2: Digital Modelling
Week 3: 3D Printing
Week 4: Laser Cutting
Week 5: Die Cutting (with Cricut)
Week 6: Digital Embroidery
Week 7 - 10: Self-Identified Craft Project

For course specific enquiries please contact: Aaron Leslie (aleslie@cavc.ac.uk).

What you will study

Digital fabrication is the process of generating physical objects directly from digital designs using computer-controlled machines. This technology encompasses a range of techniques and tools that allow for precise manufacturing and prototyping of complex structures and products.

This course covers a range of topics including:

• Exploring 3D design materials, techniques, and processes

• Apply 3D design materials, techniques, and processes to a brief

• Review and reflection 3D design materials, techniques, and processes.

You will document your work for each session within a digital portfolio.

Facilities

The college has extensive Art, Design and Graphics facilities including:

Bench Based Workshop:

· Availability of a wide range of materials including wood, card, foam, plastics
· Access to professional tools and equipment including bandsaws, spray booths, hot wire cutters.
· Fabrication production including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines and die cutters.

Computer Suites:

• Mac computers
• Digital modelling software’s including AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Google SketchUp and Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

Course fees

Administration Fee: £10.00

Awarding Organisation Fee: £20.00

Course Fee: £95.00

Entry requirements

Must be 18 years of age or above. Portfolio of work will be required on interview.

Important points

The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.

Key information

Start date

14 January 2026

End date

18 March 2026

Time of day

Night Time

Part Time

2.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff

Maps & directions

£: This course is free for unemployed adults in receipt of specific benefits. If eligible, you do not pay the 'Course fee' listed under 'Course fee per year'. A registration fee of £10-40 may be charged. Any professional registration fee / exam fee / other fee listed will need to be paid for. Financial support for these costs may be available. To find our more go to www.cavc.ac.uk/PartTimeFunding

Course code

CDCC4P02

L3

Qualification

Introduction to 3D Modelling