swc132994

Hi Everyone,

I am currently in the UK working as a CAD Draughtsperson using Solidworks (2 years experience), SolidEdge (2 years) and AutoCAD (6 years).

How much do you think could I earn doing this kind of work in Australia and where is the best place in Australia that need this kind of work.
I am considering that working in Melbourne maybe best. Any thoughts?

Another thing I am thinking about is to get a Master Degree in Engineering from Melbourne University after I finish my Open University degree in the UK. Does anyone think that doing this would increase my job prospects?

Thank you all in advance,

jimbo_d

Designers/drafters can be very well paid if working in the resource industries, best places to work are Perth and then Brisbane. Rates for a good mech/elec designer with 10+ years experience of mining are pushing $100 an hour in Perth now for contract. Melbourne (and Sydney) are not big engineering hubs, so the rates are lower. With Solidworks I presume you're from the manufacturing side of things, most of the resource projects are run on Microstation with PDS and other add ons, Smartplant is starting to make an entrance now too. There's quite a healthy sub sea industry in Perth too where they do a lot of more detailed stuff involving Solidworks. Autocad is still used for some projects.

Amazulu

It may be going beyond this now (and this is a legit job):
http://www.seek.com.au/Job/senior-el...burbs/21576585

55 hours a week @ $120 is $300k a year.

Perth is a place where the common man can make big candy

cha-f**king-ching

swc132994

Thanks for the replies,

I work for a design consultancy in the UK. You are right, most of the work I do is for manufacturing such as machinery. I also have done some concept design work. I am supporting senoir CAD staff to build my experience.

I am planning a holiday to Australia next year with my wife. This is to test the waters and see what living and job market is like there.

Thanks again.

Beoz

Holy smoke. That's enourmous for what you do. I used to do electrical design in Microstation years ago. Perhaps I need to take a step back.

Amazulu

I don't actually do it anymore either but yeah, it's good candy.

jimbo_d

That job is the exception, not the rule. They're looking for the best, so people with 15 yrs+ experience in specialist mining. Most people are still on less than $100 an hour, although it's still a pretty good wicket

IvanM

I see Autocad and Microstation as the main apps in use. This is in the resources and infrastructure industries. Do the engineering degree because you enjoy it. Otherwise it is about on the ground experience and there is no shortage of work to get dirty with. Just save enough for the downturn and to move to the next engineering boom. There are plenty of projects in the pipeline.

emmals

What about someone who has 15 years CAD experience in the construction industry and has run their own business along side this for the past 6 years. Is their big call for them in OZ??

Beoz

As in moving from construction to mining? I have no idea. In construction 2D CAD is dying being replaced by 3D and Building Information Modelling.

xzibit

Yeup!!

I've got 12 years experience with AutoCAD in the architectural industry, and currently learning Revit as BIM is the way forward. All the major companies are making the transition over to 3D and BIM.

eddie007

I havent seen many adverts for CADs ... Some women seem to attract them naturally....