Expert: Bob - 3/5/2007

Question
I would like some advice on where to begin. I have been in the pipefitting trades 21 years and I am looking into becoming a mechanical detailer.  

Answer
Hi --Of course this is more a career counseling question than it is an AutoCAD question, but I will do my best.
Since your question indicated no experience in the new field, I am going to give the full answer -- anything you already know, cool.
1--I  would identify companies in a field you would like to work in, call them after looking on their websites, find someone with the time to be helpful, and ask them which computer skills they look for. Since you will be getting some training,  you want to learn the right thing.  Don't be surprised if they use Solidworks or Inventor, not AutoCAD. Both of those are 3D programs.
2-- If you are not VERY comfortable with Windows XP, take classes, or read books NOW. (no one is on Vista for work yet)
3-- Check your community colleges and trade schools for a program, and ask the employers in #1 which school they hire the most from.
4 --If you have not had drafting classes, you will not absorb computer drafting easily, so take some. Read books, and websites on your new trade.
5-- Realize the world is moving to 3D, because you can create objects once in 3D, then take views, not draw each view.
6-100 DO NOT RELY ON BEING SELF-TAUGHT, HORRIBLE ERROR.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

BOB