ChatGPT said:
That's a great dream, Kavin — and you're already on the right path! Since you’ve completed
NVQ Level 5 in Automobile, trained at United Motors PLC, and you're passionate about
automobile manufacturing design using SolidWorks and AutoCAD, you’ve built a strong
foundation. Let’s break down a clear path to becoming an Automobile Engineer specialized in
design and manufacturing:
✅ Step-by-Step Plan to Become an Automobile Design Engineer:
1. Strengthen Your Design Skills (Start Now)
If you want to work in vehicle part design, mastering CAD software is critical.
✅ Learn & Master:
SolidWorks – 3D modeling and simulation (very important)
AutoCAD – 2D drafting and layouts
Fusion 360 or CATIA – used in advanced automotive industries
Ansys or SolidWorks Simulation – for testing design under real-world forces
🛠 How to Learn?
YouTube (Channels: NYC CNC, Learn SolidWorks, CAD CAM Tutorials)
Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning
Free SolidWorks tutorials from Dassault Systems website
2. Upgrade Your Education (Optional but Powerful)
If you want to be officially called an Engineer, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree (or
equivalent) in:
Automobile Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
🎓 Where in Sri Lanka?
University of Moratuwa – Mechanical/Automobile Engineering
University of Ruhuna – Mechanical stream
KDU, ICBT, NDT, SLIIT, or study abroad via scholarship or part-time job pathway
If you can’t afford university now, continue your work experience + online study + project
portfolio (this also works).
3. Start a Design Portfolio
Companies will want to see your skills.
🎯 What to include:
Your own 3D models: engine parts, gearboxes, suspension, etc.
Real-world part redesigns (improve strength/weight)
Animations or stress simulations in SolidWorks
🧑💻 Upload on:
Behance
LinkedIn
Personal website or even YouTube
4. Try Freelancing & Online Jobs
Gain real design work experience by working online:
Freelancing Platforms:
Fiverr – 3D CAD modeling gigs
Upwork – mechanical drafting or SolidWorks modeling
Freelancer.com – part design or conversion jobs
5. Apply for Internships / Jobs in Design
Even in Sri Lanka, companies like:
Lanka Ashok Leyland
DIMO
UML (United Motors Lanka)
Micro Cars (if active)
sometimes hire design engineers or technical CAD drafters.
🚀 Bonus: Try to Learn Engineering Basics
Even if you don’t go to university right away, learn:
Engineering Drawing
Material Science
Thermodynamics
Strength of Materials
Vehicle Dynamics
You can learn this free from:
YouTube (Learn Engineering, MIT OCW)
NPTEL (free Indian engineering courses)
Summary Plan:
Step Action
1 Master SolidWorks, AutoCAD, simulation tools
2 Build a project portfolio (start now)
3 Continue education (Degree, Diploma, or online)
4 Try online work or freelance CAD modeling
5 Apply to automotive design-related jobs/internships
