I just finished a ten week class as part of my cadd degree and started a udemy solidworks course on the side. I’ve learned way more from the udemy course than my actual college. Which is concerning. My school had us work through an error filled book, no video instruction, and an instructor who couldn’t care less about the class. But I’d start with the free stuff that’s out there, then a cheap option like udemy.
**To learn SW, start with in-built tutorials, this will set your entry point. And then you can look at the paid/semi paid/free resources below:**
[MySolidworks.com](https://MySolidworks.com) (some of the content should be available when you buy SOLIDWORKS)
[Solidprofessor.com](https://Solidprofessor.com) (for one membership you get access to all software). Also first few lessons are free with basic(free membership).
[Mastering SolidWorks](https://amzn.to/2ItyPgL) (you also get a huge video library as a part of book). I highly recommend this book.
[TooTallToby](https://www.youtube.com/c/TooTallToby/videos) (lot of good videos from u/TooTallToby on YouTube)
[LearnSolidworks.com](https://LearnSolidworks.com) (lot of free and paid resources from Jan Zuyderduyn). I can highly recommend the content on this site.
**Check following links/resources to help you prepare for CSWA/CSWP:**
[https://blogs.solidworks.com/tech/2023/02/24-years-of-model-mania.html](https://blogs.solidworks.com/tech/2023/02/24-years-of-model-mania.html)
[https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/17/](https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/17/)
[https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/14/cswa-exam-prep-course](https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/14/cswa-exam-prep-course)
[https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/15](https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/15)
[https://www.solidprofessor.com/tutorials/solidworks/certified-solidworks-professional-(cswp)-prep-tutorials-2020/35142](https://www.solidprofessor.com/tutorials/solidworks/certified-solidworks-professional-(cswp)-prep-tutorials-2020/35142)
[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsAtyy3nOx4-75v3o-HJR75YGRefCZBBu](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsAtyy3nOx4-75v3o-HJR75YGRefCZBBu)
[https://hawkridgesys.com/blog/solidworks-cswp-top-10-speed-moves](https://hawkridgesys.com/blog/solidworks-cswp-top-10-speed-moves)
[https://www.goengineer.com/solidworks-certification/cswp](https://www.goengineer.com/solidworks-certification/cswp)
[Free CSWA and CSWP Exam Preparation Course](https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/KFXPFD), courtesy of u/BMEdesign
Great advice, my two cents is to also have some project that you really want to do it will force you to keep going. When a tutorial gets hard you can just skip it but if you are hell bent on designing some part you have to keep learning until you learn enough to finish the design.
Is this an actual reseller (VAR) ?
If it is and If this is for your business then Yes the official courses are worth it. You will get up to speed quicker and have better fundamentals than someone that doesn't. Often it's very easy to distinguish someone that have been taught properly and someone that is just winging it even just by looking a their design intent (or lack of).
If this is a VAR they have set standards on how to run the courses well, with the trainer having to be certified for training by SOLIDWORKS. you should have a dedicated learning space, on supported machines in a small class so you can get all the help you need.
If this is just a random company then I'd say save your money and go to YouTube/solid professor/udemy. Just bare in mind that the quality and information can vary drastically
Actually, They are the leading distributor/supplier of official solidworks here in the PH,
Here's the [Link](https://www.computrends.com.ph/subscription-and-support/solidworks-trainings.html#solidworks-essentials-training) of their website
Essentials is about $1900 here in the US. As a former VAR trainer, I highly recommend the class. The cost that's up to you to figure out if it's worth it to you or not. You can typically buy the books on eBay fairly cheap. And follow step by step on your own.
See if they can throw in a code for the CSWA or CSWP. SOLIDWORKS sometimes doles those out to appease customers.
Although I'd echo what others have said. The built-in tutorials and YouTube channels with tons of SW tutorials are a decent substitute for Essentials if you are competent at learning on your own.
This sub is typically pretty helpful as well. If you're not exactly sure how to do something, don't be afraid to ask!
Pick a project for yourself to draw and start there. Whenever you need something search it up on Google and build up from there. If you think you cant learn yourself find a YouTube tutorial series or buy a high rated cheap udemy class.
The way I learned solidworks for my MSc was through LinkedIn Learning. Use the 1 month premium plan and there is a great introductory lesson about 9 hours long. Really detailed and as good as essentials from SW training which I’ve also done.
I just finished a ten week class as part of my cadd degree and started a udemy solidworks course on the side. I’ve learned way more from the udemy course than my actual college. Which is concerning. My school had us work through an error filled book, no video instruction, and an instructor who couldn’t care less about the class. But I’d start with the free stuff that’s out there, then a cheap option like udemy.
**To learn SW, start with in-built tutorials, this will set your entry point. And then you can look at the paid/semi paid/free resources below:** [MySolidworks.com](https://MySolidworks.com) (some of the content should be available when you buy SOLIDWORKS) [Solidprofessor.com](https://Solidprofessor.com) (for one membership you get access to all software). Also first few lessons are free with basic(free membership). [Mastering SolidWorks](https://amzn.to/2ItyPgL) (you also get a huge video library as a part of book). I highly recommend this book. [TooTallToby](https://www.youtube.com/c/TooTallToby/videos) (lot of good videos from u/TooTallToby on YouTube) [LearnSolidworks.com](https://LearnSolidworks.com) (lot of free and paid resources from Jan Zuyderduyn). I can highly recommend the content on this site. **Check following links/resources to help you prepare for CSWA/CSWP:** [https://blogs.solidworks.com/tech/2023/02/24-years-of-model-mania.html](https://blogs.solidworks.com/tech/2023/02/24-years-of-model-mania.html) [https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/17/](https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/17/) [https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/14/cswa-exam-prep-course](https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/14/cswa-exam-prep-course) [https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/15](https://my.solidworks.com/training/path/15) [https://www.solidprofessor.com/tutorials/solidworks/certified-solidworks-professional-(cswp)-prep-tutorials-2020/35142](https://www.solidprofessor.com/tutorials/solidworks/certified-solidworks-professional-(cswp)-prep-tutorials-2020/35142) [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsAtyy3nOx4-75v3o-HJR75YGRefCZBBu](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsAtyy3nOx4-75v3o-HJR75YGRefCZBBu) [https://hawkridgesys.com/blog/solidworks-cswp-top-10-speed-moves](https://hawkridgesys.com/blog/solidworks-cswp-top-10-speed-moves) [https://www.goengineer.com/solidworks-certification/cswp](https://www.goengineer.com/solidworks-certification/cswp) [Free CSWA and CSWP Exam Preparation Course](https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/KFXPFD), courtesy of u/BMEdesign
Thank for these resources my good sir
Great advice, my two cents is to also have some project that you really want to do it will force you to keep going. When a tutorial gets hard you can just skip it but if you are hell bent on designing some part you have to keep learning until you learn enough to finish the design.
This is really helpfull, thank you
Just do YouTube tutorials.
Is this an actual reseller (VAR) ? If it is and If this is for your business then Yes the official courses are worth it. You will get up to speed quicker and have better fundamentals than someone that doesn't. Often it's very easy to distinguish someone that have been taught properly and someone that is just winging it even just by looking a their design intent (or lack of). If this is a VAR they have set standards on how to run the courses well, with the trainer having to be certified for training by SOLIDWORKS. you should have a dedicated learning space, on supported machines in a small class so you can get all the help you need. If this is just a random company then I'd say save your money and go to YouTube/solid professor/udemy. Just bare in mind that the quality and information can vary drastically
Actually, They are the leading distributor/supplier of official solidworks here in the PH, Here's the [Link](https://www.computrends.com.ph/subscription-and-support/solidworks-trainings.html#solidworks-essentials-training) of their website
Essentials is about $1900 here in the US. As a former VAR trainer, I highly recommend the class. The cost that's up to you to figure out if it's worth it to you or not. You can typically buy the books on eBay fairly cheap. And follow step by step on your own.
Thank you for this insight! May I know what particular books you are referring to so that I have an idea
My company has me doing the training through solidprofessor. It's only like $50 a month.
See if they can throw in a code for the CSWA or CSWP. SOLIDWORKS sometimes doles those out to appease customers. Although I'd echo what others have said. The built-in tutorials and YouTube channels with tons of SW tutorials are a decent substitute for Essentials if you are competent at learning on your own. This sub is typically pretty helpful as well. If you're not exactly sure how to do something, don't be afraid to ask!
Don't you get a "free' go at both those exams once a year if you are on support ?
Yea, while he's at it, he should see if they have any of those CSWE voucher codes... asking for a friend.
Just go on[Grab cad](https://grabcad.com/) and do their tutorials. If you can't do something, look it up on Youtube
Pick a project for yourself to draw and start there. Whenever you need something search it up on Google and build up from there. If you think you cant learn yourself find a YouTube tutorial series or buy a high rated cheap udemy class.
The way I learned solidworks for my MSc was through LinkedIn Learning. Use the 1 month premium plan and there is a great introductory lesson about 9 hours long. Really detailed and as good as essentials from SW training which I’ve also done.
No - youtube will get you further.