CAD/CAM Technical Designer Apprenticeship

German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh Chapter; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid apprenticeship

Certificate upon completion

Job summary

German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh is offering a CAD/CAM Technical Designer Apprenticeship. This paid program combines hands-on work with classroom instruction, preparing you for a career in engineering, manufacturing, robotics, drafting, and advanced manufacturing.

You will learn to create 2D/3D CAD models, interpret blueprints, apply GD&T, and develop manufacturing processes. No prior CAD/CAM experience is required if you are motivated to learn and grow.

Qualifications

• No prior professional CAD/CAM experience required if you are motivated to learn and develop your skills.
• Interest in engineering, technology, design, or manufacturing.
• Comfortable with computers and technical information.
• Willing to gain hands-on, paid experience while studying.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed digital models and manufacturing drawings using CAD/CAM software.
• Apply engineering knowledge to solve design and manufacturing problems.
• Collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams on real projects.
• Maintain technical documentation, revisions, and quality-control records.

Skills

CAD/CAM software

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Engineering knowledge

Education

Journeyworker Certificate

Associate Degree in CAD/CAM

German DIHK Certificate

Tools

CNC

Measurement tools

3D modeling software

Job description

Earn while you learn. Build technical skills. Start your career in advanced manufacturing.

The German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh (GACC Pittsburgh) is seeking motivated candidates for a CAD/CAM Technical Designer Apprenticeship for GACC member companies in the Pittsburgh region.

This apprenticeship combines hands-on, paid work experience with classroom instruction, preparing you for a career in engineering, manufacturing, robotics, drafting, and advanced manufacturing.

What does a CAD/CAM Technical Designer do?

Technical Designers use CAD/CAM software, mathematics, and engineering knowledge to create detailed digital models and solve technical design and manufacturing problems.

As an apprentice, you may work in areas such as Engineering, Drafting, Maintenance, Tool & Die, or Manufacturing and gain experience with real-world projects.

What you will learn

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, and technical specifications
• Create and edit 2D and 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings
• Use CAD/CAM software to support manufacturing processes
• Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Develop manufacturing processes and determine appropriate tooling and cutting parameters
• Understand materials, machining, fabrication, and manufacturing processes
• Work with engineers and manufacturing teams to solve technical problems
• Maintain technical documentation, revisions, and quality-control records
• Use measurement tools and apply practical manufacturing concepts
• Gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing technologies

Why an apprenticeship?

Earn while you learn: Gain paid, hands-on experience while completing your education.

Learn from industry: Work alongside experienced engineers, designers, and manufacturing professionals.

Build in-demand skills: Develop technical skills in CAD/CAM, digital manufacturing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

Earn recognized credentials: Upon successful completion, apprentices can earn:

• U.S. Department of Labor & Industry Journeyworker Certificate
• Associate Degree in Computer Aided Drafting & Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing
• German Apprenticeship Certificate (DIHK) as Technischer Produktdesigner/in

Education & Training

The related technical instruction includes coursework such as:

• Technical Drafting
• Introduction to Design
• Mathematics for Technology
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
• 3D Solid Modeling
• Machining
• Technical Communication
• Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing

Who should apply?

We are looking for candidates who are:

• Interested in engineering, technology, design, or manufacturing
• Curious and eager to learn
• Comfortable working with computers and technical information
• Interested in gaining practical, hands‑on experience
• Ready to build a long‑term career in advanced manufacturing

No previous professional CAD/CAM experience is required if you are motivated to learn and develop your technical skills.

Interested in launching your career in advanced manufacturing?