How young engineers are using Autodesk software to address the skills gap

Daniel Youd first gained experience with BAC in 2015, and ever since has strived to be a part of the innovative work the company produces. Fast forward to 2019 and Daniel is now using Autodesk software on their latest project, the Mono R.

The Mono R is a higher-performance, lighter and more advanced GEN2 Mono single-seater supercar. Weighing only 555 kilograms, it is the first production car in the world that incorporates the use of graphene-enhanced carbon body panels. The car was launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 4^th, where Daniel told us about his involvement with this exclusive supercar.

Using Autodesk Alias, Daniel is putting his knowledge to the test and creating concept sketches for the wheel arches on the Mono R.  “Alias was a big transition for me as I hadn’t used Autodesk software before,” he said. “However, now I have also used Alias to analyse how those surfaces interact with each other and what we need to do to change the existing bodywork to make better bodywork”.

When discussing the skills gap, Daniel explained his journey with Alias, from having limited knowledge, to feeling fluent in this surfacing software. “My experience with Alias before joining the industry was extremely limited, but it soon felt like it was an intuitive piece of software to use. I am at the point now where I feel comfortable using it and able to come up with different ideas to move forward the creative process.”

For BAC, Daniel believes the use of different Autodesk software has gained the team a better understanding of the Mono. “We now have the ability to instantly analyse the surfaces and see how they interact with each other” he remarked.

Alongside working on the Mono R, Daniel has also immersed himself working with customers on bespoke requirements. Due to his innovative mindset and fresh pair of eyes, his role has transitioned further into helping these customers achieve the best possible result for them. “In terms of working with these customers and bringing it from a concept to a finish product, it is a really heartfelt moment for me,” Daniel said. “It is also an opportunity for me personally to get working in different software like VRED. In VRED you get to see the car in 3D with realistic lighting and you are able to make super realistic photo renderings of the car, which is great to send off to the customers, so we are able to make any simple changes that are needed.”

Daniel gave his advice for people aspiring to be in his position, encouraging people to play around with Autodesk software and not to be intimidated by them. “I understand that for young people, they can get Autodesk products for free, so I would simply say download them, look at tutorials and don’t be scared of all the different features they have.”

For Daniel, his future within engineering is bright, as he hopes to develop amongst BAC’s ambitious team. “The best part of this job is getting to work on unique and interesting concepts, with a company that is really passionate about innovation, pushing the boundaries of technology and moving forward,” he said.