SolidWorks is a mechanical design automation software meant to define the manufacturing details of a part. So unless you know how to design around these manufacturing techniques, you won't make money. Generic 3D CAD design with no manufacturing details can be done on Fiverr for extremely cheap, so you would essentially be competing against those prices.
You could look into drafting, which doesn't require an engineering degree. Typically drafters have some sort of associates degree though, but I'm not sure if it's required.
Hmm... I hate to say it, but I highly doubt it. What you ask is about the equivalent of walking into a automotive repair shop with only a screwdriver, and asking for a job as a Senior Mechanic, having never worked on a car before.
Solidworks is a tool, nothing more. Having knowledge of Solidworks will be a big boost to your resume, but it by itself is about worthless. I currently work as a Engineering Tech, which in my company means I do a lot of the base work to free up the Engineers to deal with the bigger issues. I do not currently have a degree, but I have over 10 years experience as a Machinist, 7 of them with the company. I also had 5 years experience as a Eng. Tech. in another field, but I got that job also after 8 years experience with the company. I got both of these Eng. Tech positions by the skin of my teeth, and by having years of experience in the related field. Without a degree, I'll be hard pressed to get a similar job if I where to change companies, as I would be competing with people with Masters Degrees. And yes, after I left my first Eng. Tech job, there were jobs I interviewed for that the other candidates had Masters Degrees in.
Main point however, is if you don't know how to read a print, how are you going to make a print that others can read. After 10 years of experience in making parts from prints, I can look at a print and know if the person who created the print has ever run a machine or not, how much experience they have had drawing prints, and who are the people who have no idea what they are doing. in 10 more years, I'll look back at some of my first prints and wonder what I was thinking...
Honestly, If it is at all an option, and I know sometimes it's not, go to your community collage and get your associates degree, take some drafting courses, or get a degree in Advanced Manufacturing. This will only help you down the road. I'm almost 50 years old, and will be starting my degree this year, as when I got my position, it was expressly communicated that I would need my degree to move forward any further.
You can learn solidworks to do 3d modeling with youtube. But you might need to study a field or put in a good amount of your spare time on the web if you wish to make a drawing of your part for manufacturability. All this can be learned by yourself at home if you have a good spatial memory or dedication and time regardless.
Solidworks is a tool, no different to a drawing board and pen set but it's a darn sight faster and has more tools built in to aid the task.
I would suggest as others to look into drafting as some companies are happy to outsource detailing but you need to learn about tolerancing in order to be useful as a drafter.
SolidWorks is a mechanical design automation software meant to define the manufacturing details of a part. So unless you know how to design around these manufacturing techniques, you won't make money. Generic 3D CAD design with no manufacturing details can be done on Fiverr for extremely cheap, so you would essentially be competing against those prices.
...why would anyone hire someone with no knowledge?
Yes, if you lie.
I don't see why not.
You could look into drafting, which doesn't require an engineering degree. Typically drafters have some sort of associates degree though, but I'm not sure if it's required.
Hmm... I hate to say it, but I highly doubt it. What you ask is about the equivalent of walking into a automotive repair shop with only a screwdriver, and asking for a job as a Senior Mechanic, having never worked on a car before. Solidworks is a tool, nothing more. Having knowledge of Solidworks will be a big boost to your resume, but it by itself is about worthless. I currently work as a Engineering Tech, which in my company means I do a lot of the base work to free up the Engineers to deal with the bigger issues. I do not currently have a degree, but I have over 10 years experience as a Machinist, 7 of them with the company. I also had 5 years experience as a Eng. Tech. in another field, but I got that job also after 8 years experience with the company. I got both of these Eng. Tech positions by the skin of my teeth, and by having years of experience in the related field. Without a degree, I'll be hard pressed to get a similar job if I where to change companies, as I would be competing with people with Masters Degrees. And yes, after I left my first Eng. Tech job, there were jobs I interviewed for that the other candidates had Masters Degrees in. Main point however, is if you don't know how to read a print, how are you going to make a print that others can read. After 10 years of experience in making parts from prints, I can look at a print and know if the person who created the print has ever run a machine or not, how much experience they have had drawing prints, and who are the people who have no idea what they are doing. in 10 more years, I'll look back at some of my first prints and wonder what I was thinking... Honestly, If it is at all an option, and I know sometimes it's not, go to your community collage and get your associates degree, take some drafting courses, or get a degree in Advanced Manufacturing. This will only help you down the road. I'm almost 50 years old, and will be starting my degree this year, as when I got my position, it was expressly communicated that I would need my degree to move forward any further.
You can learn solidworks to do 3d modeling with youtube. But you might need to study a field or put in a good amount of your spare time on the web if you wish to make a drawing of your part for manufacturability. All this can be learned by yourself at home if you have a good spatial memory or dedication and time regardless.
Sure it's possible, but you will be competing with people who have experience and certifications.
Solidworks is a tool, no different to a drawing board and pen set but it's a darn sight faster and has more tools built in to aid the task. I would suggest as others to look into drafting as some companies are happy to outsource detailing but you need to learn about tolerancing in order to be useful as a drafter.