How to learn CATIA software?

By Ravi Ranjan

CATIA stands for Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application and is one of the best broadly accepted and acclimated software systems in the CAD world that is marketed and technically supported by IBM. The software is very intricate and is acclimated by some of the better names in the business world. Currently over 20,000 companies use it worldwide including top names such as Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, and Boeing, among others. All these companies use the advantage of this powerful application in order to develop and create their products.

If you are planning to move into such careers as design, manufacturing, or architecture then having knowledge of CATIA software will be expected of you at some point in time. So how do you go about learning the ins and outs of CATIA?

Because CATIA is such an intricate software, the only way to learn CATIA is to get proper hands-on training. You may choose to train through:

Training Seminars: There are several training seminars conducted each year, all focusing on teaching how to use CATIA software. Depending on the area where you live, you can find out numerous establishments that conduct such training seminars through an online search. CATIA training seminars may provide a lot of hands-on training.

Colleges & Tech Schools: Many colleges and technical institutions beyond the country now conduct classes mainly for CATIA software. These classes are a smart way to learn the software if you do well in a classroom environment. Many students prefer to be in such an environment so that they can raise their hands and ask questions. Not that you can’t ask questions in an online setting, but the teacher-trainer proximity would be missing.

No matter how you prefer to acquire CATIA knowledge, it is important for a successful design, manufacturing, or architecture career. CATIA is preferred and used across the world and mastering the software will equip you with better opportunities to succeed no matter which way your career path takes you.

- The author is director, TGC Animation and Multimedia

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