What is the difference between online and in-person training courses?

Online engineering software training courses are typically self-paced and completed remotely, while in-person courses have a set schedule and require attendance at a physical location. In-person courses provide more hands-on learning opportunities and face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers.

What is online training?

Online training utilises our academic learning platform which provides software training and certification courses online. It offers students the convenience and flexibility of learning at their own pace from anywhere and at any time.

What is virtual training?

Virtual training is interactive in nature as it is a live stream of classroom courses. Virtual Classroom Training is ideal for students in remote locations that cannot travel to one of our campuses but want to interact with a lecturer during the training. You can learn CAD from the comfort of your own home or office, saving you time and money associated with travel and accommodation.

What is in-person classroom training?

In-person training takes place at one of our three campuses across South Africa: Centurion, Cape Town or Durban. Training is provided in our fully equipped state-of-the-art training rooms. You will be guided by the training staff that are experts in their fields. These courses include refreshments and lunch. We provide course material to support your learning process and certain courses include examinations and are indicated as per our course info.

What types of software training courses are offered?

The training courses offered by MECAD Academy currently include SOLIDWORKS, DraftSight, Mastercam and SigmaNEST.

Do the courses come with certifications?

Yes, you will be awarded a MECAD Certificate upon completion of your courses. These certifications can be useful in demonstrating your skills and knowledge to potential employers. Certain courses also include examinations and are indicated as per our course info.

Are the courses taught by industry experts?

Yes, MECAD Academy has a team of industry experts who deliver the courses. These experts have years of experience in the field and are equipped to provide students with practical, real-world knowledge.

What is the format of the courses?

The format of the courses varies. Online training offers a variety of interactive elements such as video-based lessons, interactive quizzes, and hands-on projects. In-person classroom and virtual training are based on traditional teaching models and require the student to be available at a specific date and time to attend the training on campus or via live stream.

How long does it take to complete a course?

The duration of each course varies, but most training courses can be completed in a matter of days or weeks. Online courses are self-paced, allowing students to complete the course at their own speed.

Is online software training as effective as traditional in-person training?

Online software training can be just as effective as traditional in-person training. The key is to find a personal schedule to help set a pace to complete the high-quality, interactive, and engaging course content.

How do I get started with my software training?

Getting started with MECAD Academy is simple. You can browse the course catalogue here and then sign up/enrol for the courses that interest you. Complete the payment and access the content.

What kind of support is available for students during the course?

MECAD Academy provides support for students during the course, such as access to lecturers and mentors, online resources, and technical support.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in an engineering software training course?

Prerequisites for courses vary depending on the course level. Some courses may require prior knowledge or experience, while others may be suitable for beginners. View the ‘Course Requirements’ tab of each course to find out what Skill Prerequisites you need to have before enrolment.

What kind of hardware and software do I need to participate in an engineering software training course?

The hardware and software you need will vary depending on the course level and product. View the ‘Course Requirements’ tab of each course to find out what the ‘System Requirements’ are before enrolment.

Can I take multiple engineering software training academy courses at once?

Yes, it is possible to take multiple engineering s courses at once, although it's essential to consider the course date (in-person & virtual), course prerequisites based on course level, workload and time commitment required for each course.

Can I take courses on a mobile device?

Some courses may be accessible on mobile devices through the online platform. However, it's important to review the course requirements and ensure that the necessary software tools are compatible with your device. Also consider the size of your screen when enrolling into a virtual course as fine details might not be visible on too small screens.

Can I take online training courses internationally?

Virtual and online courses can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection. However, it's important to consider any time zone differences and ensure that the course materials and software tools are accessible from your location.

How can I pay for MECAD Academy courses?

Various payment methods are available including credit cards via Mobipaid, direct bank transfers, and payment via your company using a Pro-forma Invoice. Currently, we don’t offer payment plans or financial aid options.

What level of support can I expect from the lecturers/ instructors?

The level of support provided by lecturers vary depending on the type of course (in-person & virtual vs online) and course level. Lecturers provide support through online forums or email.

What is the difference between basic and advanced training courses?

Basic training courses typically cover the fundamentals of a particular software tool, while advanced courses may cover more complex features and techniques. It's important to review the ‘course layout’ and prerequisites in ‘course requirements’ to determine the appropriate level of course.

Are MECAD Academy courses accredited?

Accreditation of courses varies. It's important to check each specific course to determine accreditation status.

How can I get more information about what each course will cover?

Use the ‘Course Layout’ tab under the basic course info to find out what each module will cover.