Many AutoCAD users have experienced job loss in the past year or so. I have. I was laid off in August of 2008 and just found full time employment a few weeks ago. I was off work for about 7 months. I was lucky to find a job that fast really. During that time though I finished my degree (an A.S. in Design Drafting), did a small bit of CAD Services contract work, and did what I could to hone my AutoCAD skills. I was fortunate enough to have access to AutoDesk's Student Community (because I was a student.) There students can download FREE Autodesk software. the catch is that it lasts 13 months (the software does) and there is an education watermark on all files saved. But that's not a problem because you are there to learn the software, not produce with it. The site also has tons of free 24 hour training session! If you are a student and want to learn Revit, or Civil3D, you can, for free!
Autodesk understands that times or tough, they too have had to lay off great employees in the past few months themselves. Understanding this, they have released the Autodesk Assistance Program. This program is essentially making the same offer as the Student Community provides to those that have been laid off. Just show a bit of proof and you're in! It's a great idea and one that will benefit everyone. If you are laid off and want to train yourself, please take advantage of this. Get up to date on the latest software, or learn a totally new one. Now's your chance.
