A national probability survey on education and training for CAD/CAM

Substantial pragmatic attention has been focused on the recent implementation of computer-aided design/computer-automated manufacturing (CAD/CAM) by discrete parts manufacturers. Despite this attention, little systematic data has been obtained about the training programs used to help prepare the workforce for CAD/CAM. In this study, manufacturing facilities having CAD/CAM in place were surveyed to assess their training priorities. In addition, factors explaining variations in training programs were explored. The results pertaining to a description of the training programs indicated that not all plants have seen the need for training (especially those which are smaller and have less equipment automated). Moreover, for those who have training programs, the programs were found to teach generic as well as traditional machine skills to a variety of occupations. The results pertaining to factors explaining variations in training programs indicated that an organization's decision to adopt a CAD/CAM training program was primarily related to three factors: the amount of CAD/CAM equipment installed, plant size, and relative size of manufacturing operations (integration of the CAD/CAM equipment and market variables were less influential). Moreover, an organization's decision about scope or extensiveness of the training was related to somewhat different and more varied factors including the degree to which the CAD/CAM equipment is integrated and growth in the firm's industry. Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.