Looking for advice on designing using autocad

[Tubular technician]

Hi all,


I’m currently halfway through my HNC in Civil Engineering, and I’ve decided that scaffold design is the path I want to pursue for my future career. I’ve been an advanced scaffolder for a few years now (I'm 26), and I really enjoy the technical side of the job, which has led me to this new direction.


I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone here who has made the transition into scaffold design or is currently working in the field. Specifically, I’m interested in:

1. How did you get started in scaffold design? What kind of qualifications or experience helped you move into this role, and what steps should I take to further my knowledge in this area?
2. What AutoCAD add-ons or software tools do you recommend for scaffold design? Im starting to learn the basics of AutoCad , through online YouTube tutorials and start the design module for the course in September. I’d like to know what extra add ons or programs I should be using to help with creating scaffolding layouts, 3D models, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. I’m committed to making this career change and want to make sure I’m on the right track.


Thanks in advance!

 

[devidevighst]

Hi all,


I’m currently halfway through my HNC in Civil Engineering, and I’ve decided that scaffold design is the path I want to pursue for my future career. I’ve been an advanced scaffolder for a few years now (I'm 26), and I really enjoy the technical side of the job, which has led me to this new direction.


I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone here who has made the transition into scaffold design or is currently working in the field. Specifically, I’m interested in:

1. How did you get started in scaffold design? What kind of qualifications or experience helped you move into this role, and what steps should I take to further my knowledge in this area?
2. What AutoCAD add-ons or software tools do you recommend for scaffold design? Im starting to learn the basics of AutoCad , through online YouTube tutorials and start the design module for the course in September. I’d like to know what extra add ons or programs I should be using to help with creating scaffolding layouts, 3D models, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. I’m committed to making this career change and want to make sure I’m on the right track.


Thanks in advance!

You’re on a solid path—your hands-on experience as a scaffolder plus your HNC is exactly what many scaffold designers start with. To move forward, focus on learning design standards and load calculations alongside tools like AutoCAD and consider industry-specific programs like Layher SIM or ScaffPlan to build practical skills and compliant designs.

 

[scaffcon]

I'd try and speak to someone already in the design field like Lee Buckley at Buckley Design or one of their other designers, they can probably point you in the right direction.