If you are interested in obtaining any of the software packages for use in your school, you will need to arrange to be trained by a DfE/D&T Association Accredited Trainer.

Prospective trainers attend an intensive training course demanding full competence in the software, along with understanding of both the effective implementation of CAD/CAM within the design and technology curriculum and its wider role within industry.

To locate a trainer near you, go to Find a Trainer or Course.  Once you find the trainer and course to suit your needs, the trainer will register you with the D&T Association. Many trainers will come to your school or college to run a course.

Because each teacher is accredited individually, every teacher wishing to use the software in school must be registered and trained according to the standards agreed by DfE, PTC, Delcam and Speed Step. In order to be licensed, each teacher must attend a training course run by an accredited trainer. Should you require any clarification please email your query to us by clicking on the 'contact us' section on the left hand panel of this page. When registering for a course, please ensure you provide the name of your school or organisation.

Costs of training vary according to whether the trainer is based within a local authority, university or is independent and depending on whether refreshments etc. are included. As a rough guide, a course is in the region of £150 per teacher per day. You should expect two days training (or equivalent in shorter sessions) for most courses for accreditation with a gap of about one month between to allow you to practice use of the software and think about curriculum development in school.

Competence Standards

All teachers who undertake training provided through the Digital D&T Programme are required to meet the agreed competence standards.

The CAD/CAM competence standards were set by the CAD/CAM in Schools steering group, consisting of representatives from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Speed Step, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Technology Enhancement Programme, Confederation of British Industry, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, BAE Systems, PTC, Delcam, Speed Step and the D&T Association.

The ECT competence standards were set by the Electronics in Schools steering group, consisting of representatives from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, DTi, Becta, Technology Enhancement Programme, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, Marconi, IET and the D&T Association.

It is recommended you view the procedures for obtaining the software to ensure you are fully aware of how the scheme works.