Obviously you haven't used a real CAD program before. 4 days experience is about enough to turn your mouse and monitor into a fancy drafting board and little else.

AutoCAD is very easy to use yet very complex to really use to it's potential. However the tools that a proficient ACAD user has are awesome.

The other problem is nobody wants to hire a CAD operator. (read AutoCAD Monkey) Businesses want people that can do more than just draw but also use their brains to figure things out. 4 days is hardly enough experience to know processes for shaping metal or even detailing the mundane such as doors and windows. Let alone putting building systems together.

You might think its ironic that I feel this way, since I have no accredited degree and yet am working to get licensed as an architect. Let me tell you 4 days isn't going to cut it. My State requires that I work 8 years under a licensed architect and while doing this complete the IDP (Intern Development Program) which takes a minimum of 3 years to complete if you work your arse off. I have 5 1/2 years to go and have already started documenting my IDP work.

The benefit is that for these 8 years I am getting paid a pretty good wage for real work. The guys going to school pay tuition for 5 years than must work under a licensed archtect fulfilling the IDP for a minimum of 3 years before they can take the exams. The total years is the same either route. My route is definitely the harder of the two but the benefit is in the paycheck.

So you are correct in your assessmant that the University is not the only way to go, but to acquire a skill still requires more than a 4 day crash course.

Good luck,

Steve G.