[Coach Norm]

Our team uses SolidWorks for the entire robot and has for three years now. We have a SolidWorks class that is offered at our high school which has helped with some knowledge base of the software.

We have 6 FTC teams with 62 students in our program for ninth and tenth graders. We offer SolidWorks installation for any student or mentor in the program for their personal computer. Many of the students begin to use the software in the designs of their robots due to CNC, 3D printing and laser cutting of parts.

We have had students offer training to other students over the summer is twice a week two hour long sessions to learn the basics. This past Fall, the students held design workshops once a week for 8 weeks to work on design practices and methods.

CAD design takes a time commitment of the team and the students involved.
It has changed our robots over the past few years for the better.

I agree with Glenn's comment on you sometimes design something that cannot be made. You learn by doing though.