JZ - Automation Journey

2026 Week 17: AutoCAD Self-Learning Week 1 Summary

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2026 Week 17: AutoCAD Self-Learning Week 1 Summary

Overall Learning Goal
Acquire practical AutoCAD skills and pass the Elementary CAD Certificate exam from the China Society of Drafting by the end of June 2026.

This Week’s Input

  • Studied 3 days this week
  • Daily study time: 8 hours
  • Total this week: 24 hours
  • Overall progress: approximately 20%

Key Learnings This Week

  • Gained a solid understanding of AutoCAD’s fundamental concepts and interface
  • Mastered basic 2D drawing and editing commands, including:
    • Creating lines, curves, and basic shapes
    • Using modification tools (move, copy, trim, offset, fillet, etc.)
    • Adding annotations, dimensions, and tables

Important Improvements

  • Can now independently draw simple 2D technical shapes using commands
  • Feel much more comfortable navigating the AutoCAD workspace

Challenges & Solutions

  • Challenge: The online course includes 3D modeling sections, which are not necessary for my current goals.
    Solution: Temporarily skipping the 3D parts to focus fully on mastering 2D drawing first. This allows me to build a strong foundation more efficiently.

Next Week’s Plan

  • Complete the remaining 2D drawing modules in the first training course
  • Organize and refine my learning notes
  • Find and attempt practice exercises independently

Weekly Reflection

This week I moved from Wuxi to Hangzhou to join a 3-month PLC automation training program.
The transition made me realize how easy it is to forget daily details if I don’t record them promptly. Starting this week, I will begin using a dedicated notebook to log my daily learning activities. I believe this small habit will significantly improve my ability to track progress and reflect effectively.

Connection to Career Goal
I recently left my position as an Assembly Electrician to join a 3-month PLC automation training program in Hangzhou. Learning AutoCAD is an important part of my career transition toward becoming an Automation Technician. Being able to read and create technical drawings will be a valuable and practical skill when working with automation equipment and systems in the future, especially in international manufacturing environments.

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