Industrial/product designer : Training

Training is mainly on the job and in areas such as computer-aided design (CAD) and product knowledge. Throughout your career, you will be required to enhance your expertise through in-service training (to acquire specialist knowledge of equipment and software) and/or further study for a higher degree. Study for an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or a postgraduate course in project management might be supported by some employers as a vehicle for suitable candidates to develop enhanced management skills and knowledge.

Various management training and professional development courses are now available. Management skills are required for progression to design management and project management level appointments and are not easily developed on the job. The Design Business Association (DBA)  offers relevant professional courses in presentation skills and design effectiveness, as well as professional practice courses at Stage One (PP1) for junior staff, Stage Two (PP2) for middle to senior staff and Stage Three for senior staff.

Third party training organisations offer a range of workshops and short courses, tailored to the needs of the profession, which helps the development of professional business practice in areas such as project management, time management and effective negotiating skills.