I received an email today from someone wanting to know what I thought was the best SolidWorks training for your dollar; VAR training or something like SolidProfessor? He wanted to know, too, how I learned SolidWorks. I explained to him that I learned, in the beginning, through trial and error. Not a way I’d recommend.
His question got me to really thinking about what I thought was the best training for your money. When I started using SolidWorks, the company I was working for at the time wouldn’t pony up the money for “real” training. It wasn’t until a number of years later that I went to a VAR for some training. By that time, however, I didn’t get too much out of it. Since then, I’ve had the opportunities to experience a bit more VAR training (both as a student and teacher) as well as trying out myigetit.com and SolidProfessor. Here’s my take on things:
VAR training: It can be intense, especially for newbies. You’re in a room with a bunch of other users, all with varying abilities. The class has to move along at a certain pace so that all the material can be covered within the allotted time. For some it can be too slow, for others it can be (way) too fast. Prices can range from around $400 for a 1-2 day class to upwards of $1500 for a 4 day class.
Upside: You do have a live person to be able to ask questions of, which is nice. You also have your fellow students to lean on should you get stuck. You get to keep the manual and you get a certificate suitable for framing.
Downside: Being stuck in a training room for hours on end, trying to absorb a ton of info can be extremely trying. Brain overload isn’t uncommon. There were a few classes I taught where the students would come in Monday all jazzed to learn but by Thursday, were pounding the coffee and looking like they’d partied all night long. Once the class is over, you have a certificate and your manual, but no visual on how, exactly, the instructor created that widget in chapter 4.
Online/Video training: SolidProfessor and myigetit are the two most well known. Another up and comer that I’ve heard of is Inspirtech. I’ve tried out both SolidProfessor and myigetit, and liked them both, though it’s been a few years since I’ve seen what myigetit has to offer. SolidProfessor, however, has a rock-solid setup. Their interface is excellent and easy to navigate. (You can search for either on my blog to read my full reviews of them.) I haven’t had the opportunity to use Inspirtech. Prices can range from a low of $50 to about $850 per training package. Total cost depends on what package(s) you choose.
Upside: It’s self-paced. Take your time on stuff you don’t fully get, blaze through what you already know. You also get to keep revisiting your lessons (videos). Courses tend to be broken out a bit more than the VAR-offered courses.
Downside: If you have a question, the video won’t respond. However, there are plenty of online resources (blogs, forums, Twitter) from which to get the answer. There is something to be said for having a live instructor though.
Do-It-Yourself training: I wouldn’t recommend this. Sure, you can go through the tutorials and YouTube videos, but you’re bound to develop some bad habits and practices. At the very least, if you insist on going this route, buy a book or two. “SolidWorks for Dummies” is a real book, though I’m not sure when it was last updated. There’s the training books by the Planchard’s, Matt Lombard’s Bible series and Alex Ruiz’s upcoming book. Devon Sowell has a new PDM Book out, and Rob Rodriguez has his PhotoWorks training manuals. Prices will vary depending on what the DIY’er chooses to do.
My overall recommendation? Online/Video training(No, not YouTube). I think you get a lot more for your money. Which company to go with? That’s up to you. They all should have samples so you can decide for yourselves which format works for you.
My apologies to any VARs reading this. Some of you really rock, some…not so much.
Thanks to Andrew Paulson for prompting this post.
View Comments
Adam Scheible says:
May 1, 2009 at 1:41 PM (UTC -7)
Community colleges offer reality based classes offered one or two days per week for a ten week term. Both Beginning and Advanced classes are offered. I believe this is an excellent way to learn. The extended time can actuality be a benefit. Working with the software a week at a time lets conectps sink in, and the right questions never come up in a one or two day class. Ask my students.
-Adam Scheible
Portland Community College
JeffMirisola says:
May 1, 2009 at 1:46 PM (UTC -7)
Adam,
Thanks for your comment. Having never had the opportunity to partake of a CC course, it didn't even occur to me. I apologize for my oversight. While having to “stick” to a schedule, I can definitely see the benefit of a course being spread out over a long period of time like 10 weeks.
Jeff
gol10dr says:
May 1, 2009 at 3:02 PM (UTC -7)
Good post Jeff. I learned like you did at first, then was able to take the training at DDi but it really is up to the way you learn best. Self=paced is typically good for those of you who have prior knowledge and are trying to plug in your current skills to the features of the new tool. Community College is another great resource but again depends on your style. Some can spend much of the next class relearning the software especially if they don't own the software yet and are trying to jump the gun.
What is amazing is all that is out there for getting sharper at the tool of your choice. 10 years ago you didn't have many options but now there is choice!
JeffMirisola says:
May 1, 2009 at 3:41 PM (UTC -7)
Great point, Lou. When I first started, there really weren't many resources, nor was I aware of the ones that were available. Thankfully, things have changed.
Steve_Calvert says:
May 4, 2009 at 4:47 AM (UTC -7)
I learned SW through my VAR. I personelly think this is the best way because of the “Live” support. I did come in knowing SW more than the regular new user because of my Unigraphics and Pro/E background. The idea of creating a solid model is basically the same between the three but I have users here that didn't have the same background as I and they have learned it just fine from our VAR.
Good post Jeff.
Devon T. Sowell says:
May 4, 2009 at 7:17 AM (UTC -7)
Hi Jeff-
Thanks for the shout out.
My PDM Book is at the print house now, should be ready in 2-3 days.
I lecture part time at MiraCosta Community College and it is a good program for beginners.
I too have taught at the VAR level and I agree with everything you have to say about that: students are overloaded quickly.
I check your blog everyday, thanks.
Devon
JeffMirisola says:
May 4, 2009 at 7:35 AM (UTC -7)
Devon,
No worries. Let me know if you'd like me to review your book!
Jeff
JeffMirisola says:
May 4, 2009 at 7:35 AM (UTC -7)
Steve,
I agree with the live support aspect, but it is limited to the classroom. Once the class is over, VARs are less apt to provide training via tech support. At least with videos, you can continually refer to them for help.
Jeff
Al Whatmough says:
May 4, 2009 at 1:07 PM (UTC -7)
Jeff,
Thanks for mentioning Inspirtech. You are 100% correct.. we have free samples for users. Actually, we have a 4 hour quick start course that is totally free!!
Cheers,
Al
Devon T. Sowell says:
May 4, 2009 at 2:17 PM (UTC -7)
Hi Jeff-
Thanks for the shout out.
My PDM Book is at the print house now, should be ready in 2-3 days.
I lecture part time at MiraCosta Community College and it is a good program for beginners.
I too have taught at the VAR level and I agree with everything you have to say about that: students are overloaded quickly.
I check your blog everyday, thanks.
Devon
JeffMirisola says:
May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM (UTC -7)
Devon,
No worries. Let me know if you'd like me to review your book!
Jeff
JeffMirisola says:
May 4, 2009 at 2:35 PM (UTC -7)
Steve,
I agree with the live support aspect, but it is limited to the classroom. Once the class is over, VARs are less apt to provide training via tech support. At least with videos, you can continually refer to them for help.
Jeff
aWhatmough says:
May 4, 2009 at 8:07 PM (UTC -7)
Jeff,
Thanks for mentioning Inspirtech. You are 100% correct.. we have free samples for users. Actually, we have a 4 hour quick start course that is totally free!!
Cheers,
Al