Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions about SolidWorks® software that we receive from parents and team mentors. Have questions of your own? Search our website or contact us.
FAQs for parents
- What advantages will my son or daughter enjoy by learning SolidWorks?
- SolidWorks is a professional computer application. Will it be difficult for my son or daughter to use?
- Can we run SolidWorks on our home computer?
- In which classes might my child find SolidWorks useful?
- What specific skills does SolidWorks teach?
- What resources does SolidWorks offer students and their parents?
- We homeschool our children, but don’t have much high-tech experience. Will we be able to teach SolidWorks effectively?
FAQs for team mentors
- What does a SolidWorks team mentor do?
- What resources does SolidWorks offer student teams and their mentors?
FAQs for parents
What advantages will my son or daughter enjoy by learning SolidWorks?
Students who learn SolidWorks develop mechanical CAD, design validation, and data management skills that are in high demand among employers. In the job market, engineers who know SolidWorks have a clear advantage.
SolidWorks is a professional computer application. Will it be difficult for my son or daughter to use?
Many engineering design professionals prefer SolidWorks because it’s so easy to use. Like anything new, SolidWorks has a learning curve. Once your student has a grasp of the basics, however, he or she will be able to use many SolidWorks functions and will develop advanced skills over time.
Can we run SolidWorks Student Edition on our home computer?
Today, many PCs can run SolidWorks Student Edition. Click here for complete system requirements.
In which classes might my son or daughter find SolidWorks useful?
Whether in middle school, high school, technical/vocational school, or college, knowing SolidWorks will give your child an edge in many programs and classes, including:
| Pre-engineering | Machine shop |
| Technical education | Precision engineering |
| Technological literacy | Technical drawing |
| Physics | Technical illustration |
| Mathematics | Technical documentation |
| Engineering design |
What specific skills does SolidWorks teach?
Using SolidWorks Student Edition, students learn a range of valuable mechanical CAD, design validation, and data management skills as they create parts, assemblies, drawings, and more. Students who use SolidWorks Student Edition with SolidWorks SimulationXpress will also learn finite element analysis (FEA)–the critical process of testing their designs for real-world conditions.
What resources does SolidWorks offer students and parents?
The SolidWorks Student Edition software includes complete user documentation and tutorials in Adobe® PDF format.
In addition, students and parents can find a wealth of information and assistance on our “Resources for Students” page. Here, they can link to student-user forums, project galleries, homework help, tutorials, and more.
We homeschool our children, but don’t have much high-tech experience. Will we be able to teach SolidWorks effectively?
Parents who homeschool will find many resources on our website, including classroom teaching tools and access to our Teachers’ blog. Click here to read about Homeschooling with SolidWorks.
FAQs for team mentors
What does a SolidWorks team mentor do?
A SolidWorks team mentor is an individual from the business world who coaches and assists a team of students as they prepare to compete in a design contest. Click here for a list of current student competitions–including many that SolidWorks sponsors.
What resources does SolidWorks offer student teams and their mentors?
SolidWorks sponsors qualified student teams who wish to enter selected competitions. Click here to get SolidWorks tools for your team. Team mentors can also obtain SolidWorks tutorials, parts, and other resources for their teams. Click here to see our Resources for Team Mentors.
