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Computer Aided Design Apprentice Jobs in Palatine, IL

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We're looking for a CAD Drafter to take on the detailed drawing work behind our custom projects. You'll turn concepts and rough dimensions into clear, accurate drawings our customers can approve and ...

CAD Drafter

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Road Ranger is looking for an experienced CAD Drafter. This position is responsible for performing site layout design, building layout design, and graphic design for the construction of new travel ...

CAD Drafter

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$22.25 - $29.75/hr

Road Ranger is looking for an experienced CAD Drafter.This position is responsible for performing site layout design, building layout design, and graphic design for the construction of new travel ...

CAD Operator-Designer

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$58K - $88K/yr

A CAD Mechanical Designer is tasked with creating and modifying technical drawings and developing 2D and 3D models for various process systems under the guidance of a project engineer and associated ...

Showing results 21-40

Computer Aided Design Apprentice information

See Palatine, IL salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do computer aided design apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer aided design apprentice in Palatine, IL is $22.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Computer Aided Design Apprentice vs CAD Technician?

AspectComputer Aided Design ApprenticeCAD Technician
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently completed relevant training or certification programsOften holds a diploma or associate degree in CAD, drafting, or related fields
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised training environment, often in educational or internship settingsProfessional office setting, working on real projects under supervision or independently
Industry UsageUsed as a training role to develop skills for future CAD careersEstablished role in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing firms

The main difference between a Computer Aided Design Apprentice and a CAD Technician is experience and responsibility. Apprentices are in training, gaining foundational skills, while CAD Technicians are experienced professionals working on actual projects. Apprentices often work under supervision, whereas CAD Technicians operate more independently, contributing directly to project deliverables.

What is a computer aided design apprenticeship?

A computer aided design apprenticeship is a training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction to teach skills in using CAD software for creating technical drawings and models. Apprentices typically learn to operate CAD tools like AutoCAD or SolidWorks and may earn certifications while gaining practical experience in design environments.

What jobs can you do with computer aided design?

A Computer Aided Design (CAD) apprentice can pursue roles such as CAD technician, drafter, or designer in industries like architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and product development. These jobs involve creating detailed technical drawings, 3D models, and prototypes using CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks, often requiring knowledge of engineering principles and attention to detail.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Aided Design jobs in Palatine, IL?

The most popular types of Computer Aided Design jobs in Palatine, IL are:

What cities near Palatine, IL are hiring for Computer Aided Design Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Palatine, IL with the most Computer Aided Design Apprentice job openings:

CAD Drafter/Sheet Metal Designer

GLC Industries Inc

Addison, IL • On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Full-time

PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

GLC Industries Inc is a family-owned sheet metal fabrication shop serving high-end residential & commercial clients across the country. We design and build custom metal products, including range hoods, countertops, cabinets, shelving & more - all manufactured in house.


We're looking for a CAD Drafter to take on the detailed drawing work behind our custom projects. You'll turn concepts and rough dimensions into clear, accurate drawings our customers can approve and our shop can build from — mostly sheet metal parts, along with assemblies that combine sheet metal and solid components.


No prior experience with Alibre Design (our CAD software) is required. If you know your way around a parametric CAD platform — SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, SolidEdge, or similar — we'll teach you Alibre. What matters most is being willing to learn, and paying close attention to detail.


What You'll Do

  • Create detailed shop drawings for customer approval
  • Build assemblies combining sheet metal and solid parts
  • Prepare flat layouts for nesting on available inventory
  • Revise drawings based on shop floor feedback and customer change requests
  • Work closely with our production team to make sure drawings translate cleanly into real parts


What We're Looking For

  • Experience with a parametric 3D CAD platform (Alibre, SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar)
  • Understanding of sheet metal fundamentals — flat patterns, bend allowances, basic fabrication methods — or strong interest in learning them
  • Comfortable reading and creating technical drawings with proper dimensioning
  • Detail-oriented — small errors in a drawing become real problems on the shop floor
  • Good communicator, able to take feedback and ask clarifying questions
  • Willingness to learn our systems, our standards, and our shop's way of doing things


Nice to have (not required):

  • Prior experience in a metal fabrication, machine shop, or manufacturing environment
  • Familiarity with laser cutting or press brake processes
  • Formal drafting, CAD, or engineering technology training/certificate