Mechanical Engineering: CAD Competition

Overview

Computer Aided Design (CAD) uses specialist software to create two and three dimensional images and animations of projects both in manufacturing and for use in advertising and technical manuals. CAD can convey many types of information, including dimensions, types of material, and tolerances and is essential in offering solutions to both engineering and manufacturing problems.

This WorldSkills UK competition focuses on all the essential requirements for a successful career in mechanical engineering specialising in CAD. Competitors will be tested on their performance using CAD to produce 2D technical drawings, 3D models, 3D assemblies & 3D printing. Competitors will be required to produce animations and should have a full understanding of ISO drawing standards and be able to use them effectively in different situations. For this competition you can only use Autodesk Inventor and Fusion 360.

How competing has helped Ryan’s career progression.

The skills you need to demonstrate

Numerical skills
Communication skills
Technical knowledge and expertise
Methodical
Accuracy
Attention to detail
Problem solving
Team working

Useful resources

Contact details

wsukcad@nclan.ac.uk.

Entry criteria

This is an individual competition
There is no limit to the number of competitors permitted to enter this competition per organisation
The competition is intended for those studying, training and/or working towards a level 3 relevant programme of study in 3D Computer Aided Design. Competitors can be in education and training or working in industry. The competition is based on the skills attained by trainees who are studying or enrolled on a level 6 programme or who have achieved a level 6 qualification in the last 12 months. (Up to level 6 for England, Northern Ireland and Wales, up to level 9 for Scotland or up to four years’ experience including education and a working environment).

How it works

1. Register

Registrations open at 9am on Monday 3 March and will close midnight Friday 28 March.

2. Entry Stage

Entry Stage will be released between Monday 3 March with a final deadline of 2 May, 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

3. National Qualifiers

Qualifiers will take place between 5 May to 27 June, 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

4. Training and Development

To help finalists prepare ahead of the UK Final, we will provide relevant technical training and share mindset development techniques, to support them to remain focused on achieving success.

Prepare students and apprentices by engaging with our benchmarking resources to master their skills and mindset masterclasses to build confidence and resilience on the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab.

5. National Finals

The National Finals are scheduled to take place in Wales during the week beginning 24 November, 2025.

6. Squad UK

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK during December 2025 for the WorldSkills 2028 Cycle, subject to the skill progressing to the international competition cycle.