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Software Guide

Which BIM & design software should you learn?

What Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, SketchUp and Revit are, what they're used for, how much they're in demand β€” and the practical route from learning each one to getting hired.

Four tools, four career routes

SoftwareMain purposeBest suited forTypical entry rolesAt MentorBuddy
Tekla StructuresDetailed structural steel & concrete modelling, fabrication drawingsCivil, structural and mechanical graduatesTekla Modeller, Steel Detailer, Rebar DetailerAvailable
AutoCAD2D drafting and documentation β€” the foundation skillAnyone starting out in construction or designCAD Draughtsman, Civil / Architectural DraughtsmanAvailable
SketchUp + EnscapeFast 3D modelling and realistic renderingArchitecture and interior design students3D Visualiser, Interior 3D ModellerCombo available
RevitMulti-discipline BIM for buildingsArchitects, MEP and structural engineersRevit Modeller, MEP Modeller, BIM CoordinatorComing soon

🧭 Not sure where to start?

  • Civil, structural or mechanical background β†’ start with Tekla Structures, and add AutoCAD for drawing basics.
  • Architecture or interior background β†’ AutoCAD, then SketchUp + Enscape, then Revit.
  • Just starting, still deciding β†’ AutoCAD is the most universal first step; you can specialise afterwards.
πŸ—οΈ Tekla Structures πŸ“ AutoCAD 🎨 SketchUp + Enscape πŸ›οΈ Revit
πŸ—οΈ

Tekla Structures

BIM software for detailed structural steel & concrete modelling
Course Available

What is it?

Tekla Structures, from Trimble, is BIM software for creating highly detailed, constructible 3D models of structures β€” steel, concrete, precast and reinforcement (rebar). Every bolt, weld, plate and bar can be modelled exactly as it will be fabricated and erected.

What is it used for?

  • Structural steel detailing for buildings, industrial plants, pre-engineered buildings (PEB) and bridges
  • Shop drawings, general arrangement (GA) and assembly drawings
  • Concrete, precast and rebar detailing with bar bending schedules
  • Automatic material lists, bolt lists and reports; NC files for CNC fabrication machines
  • Clash checking and coordination with architectural and MEP models

Demand in the industry

Tekla is one of the most widely used tools for structural steel and concrete detailing worldwide. Detailing and fabrication companies in India deliver work for clients in regions such as the US, UK, Middle East and Australia, and they need trained modellers. Many firms prefer candidates who already know the software, because on-the-job training is slow and costly.

Jobs you can target

Tekla ModellerSteel DetailerRebar DetailerPrecast DetailerModel CheckerTekla Coordinator

Who hires: Steel detailing & outsourcing firms, steel fabricators, PEB manufacturers, precast companies, EPC contractors and structural consultancies.

How to get a job with Tekla Structures

  1. Learn the basics of steel structures β€” sections, connections, bolts and welds β€” so you understand what you are modelling.
  2. Master Tekla fundamentals: modelling, connections, numbering, drawings and reports.
  3. Build a portfolio of 2–3 complete projects (for example an industrial shed, a portal frame and a mezzanine) with model screenshots and drawings.
  4. Optimise your resume and LinkedIn with the right keywords: β€œTekla Structures”, β€œsteel detailing”, β€œGA drawings”, β€œshop drawings”.
  5. Apply to detailing firms and fabricators. Expect a practical modelling test β€” practise timed exercises. Start as a trainee or junior modeller and grow into detailer, checker and coordinator.
πŸ“

AutoCAD

The universal language of 2D drafting and drawings
Course Available

What is it?

AutoCAD, from Autodesk, is the world's most recognised 2D drafting and 3D design software. It is the language of drawings β€” plans, sections, elevations, layouts and details for civil, architectural, structural, mechanical and MEP work.

What is it used for?

  • Architectural floor plans, sections and elevations
  • Civil and structural layouts, site plans and detail drawings
  • MEP and utility layouts
  • Fabrication and manufacturing detail drawings
  • Preparing, editing and plotting drawings to industry standards β€” including converting sketches and PDFs into CAD

Demand in the industry

Almost every design and construction firm still uses AutoCAD for drawings, which makes it the most common entry point into the industry. At senior levels it rarely stands alone β€” firms increasingly want BIM skills on top β€” but strong AutoCAD fundamentals make every other software easier to learn.

Jobs you can target

CAD DraughtsmanCivil DraughtsmanArchitectural DraughtsmanMEP DraughtsmanCAD TechnicianJunior Design Engineer

Who hires: Architecture and interior studios, civil & structural consultancies, MEP contractors, builders and contractors, survey and infrastructure firms, manufacturing units.

How to get a job with AutoCAD

  1. Learn the core toolkit: commands, layers, blocks, dimensioning and annotation.
  2. Practise drawing standards β€” scales, line weights, title blocks and plotting.
  3. Redraw real drawing sets (a house plan, a structural layout, a MEP layout) and keep them as your portfolio.
  4. Add a specialisation β€” architecture, civil or MEP β€” and pair AutoCAD with a BIM tool such as Revit or Tekla.
  5. Apply to consultancies, contractors and studios. Small freelance drafting jobs are a good way to gain experience while you search.
🎨

SketchUp Pro + Enscape

Fast 3D modelling with real-time, photorealistic rendering
Combo Course Available

What is it?

SketchUp is an intuitive 3D modelling tool loved by architects and interior designers for turning ideas into models quickly. Enscape is a real-time rendering plugin that turns those models into photorealistic images, videos and live walkthroughs at the click of a button.

What is it used for?

  • Concept design and massing studies
  • Interior layouts, furniture and material selection
  • Client presentations with realistic renders and walkthroughs
  • Exterior and landscape visualisation
  • Quick 3D models that communicate design intent to site teams

Demand in the industry

Clients want to see a design before it is built, so 3D visualisation skills stay in steady demand at architecture and interior studios, real estate developers and marketing teams. It is also freelance-friendly β€” a strong portfolio can win you projects even before your first full-time job.

Jobs you can target

3D VisualiserInterior 3D ModellerArchitectural VisualiserConcept DesignerRender ArtistFreelance Visualiser

Who hires: Architecture and interior design studios, real estate developers, modular furniture and interior firms, design-and-build contractors and freelance clients.

How to get a job with SketchUp Pro + Enscape

  1. Learn SketchUp modelling: groups, components, materials and scenes.
  2. Learn Enscape: lighting, materials, camera views and walkthroughs.
  3. Build a visual portfolio of 3–5 polished projects (a living room, a faΓ§ade, a small house) and share it on Behance, Instagram or LinkedIn.
  4. Add AutoCAD so you can move quickly from 2D plans to 3D models.
  5. Apply to studios and take small freelance projects to get real client experience.
πŸ›οΈ

Revit

All-in-one BIM platform for architecture, structure and MEP
Coming Soon

What is it?

Revit, from Autodesk, is a full BIM platform for building design. Architecture, structure and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) are modelled in one parametric environment β€” change a wall or a beam once, and plans, sections, schedules and sheets all update.

What is it used for?

  • Architectural models and documentation
  • Structural models and coordination
  • MEP modelling and clash detection (often together with Navisworks, a coordination tool)
  • Automatically generated schedules and quantities
  • Multi-user collaboration across disciplines

Demand in the industry

Revit is a leading BIM platform for building projects and is regularly listed in job requirements for architectural, MEP and BIM coordination roles. Firms delivering BIM-mandated projects or working with overseas clients depend on it, so skilled Revit modellers are sought after by consultancies and BIM outsourcing companies.

Jobs you can target

Revit Architectural ModellerRevit MEP ModellerRevit Structure ModellerBIM CoordinatorBIM EngineerBIM Manager (later)

Who hires: Architecture firms, MEP consultancies and contractors, BIM outsourcing firms, general contractors, developers and EPC companies.

How to get a job with Revit

  1. Pick a discipline β€” architecture, structure or MEP β€” and understand its drawings first.
  2. Learn Revit fundamentals: levels, grids, families, views, sheets and schedules.
  3. Model a complete building end to end as your portfolio centrepiece.
  4. Learn coordination basics: worksharing and clash detection with Navisworks.
  5. Apply to BIM consultancies and outsourcing firms. Start as a modeller and move towards BIM coordinator roles.

Understand the bigger picture

New to the industry? Read what BIM is and why it matters β€” or see how we help you get hired.

Demand, roles and salaries vary by city, company and experience. This guide describes the general landscape and is not a guarantee of any specific outcome.

Ready to learn the software that gets you hired?

Small batches Β· real projects Β· placement assistance. Reach out to know about the current or next batch.