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Written 21.04.2026
What does a career as a CAD Operator in the fire industry really look like? We sat down with Michal, Kieran, Karolina, Josh and Ben, a selection of our CAD Operators here at QDOS, to talk about their career progression, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how working in a team of specialists helps them continue to develop.
What does a career as a CAD Operator in the fire industry really look like?
At QDOS, our CAD Operator team plays a vital role in delivering accurate, high-quality fire alarm drawings to clients across the industry. Behind the technical drawings is something just as important, a culture built around development, collaboration and growth.
Our mission is clear: to be the provider of choice for fire alarm drawings within the industry, delivering excellent service to our clients in everything that we do. This is where our CAD experts take the lead their work supports installers, engineers and clients, ensuring projects run smoothly and buildings are protected.
We sat down with Michal, Kieran, Karolina, Josh and Ben, a selection of our CAD Operators here at QDOS, to talk about their career progression, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how working in a team of specialists helps them continue to develop.
Career growth
One of the things that sets QDOS apart is our commitment to developing talent from within. Many of our CAD Operators begin their journey as a Trainee CAD Operator and grow into highly skilled specialists as they build their experience across real-world projects.
How has your role changed since you first joined QDOS?
Josh: Like many members of our team, I originally started at QDOS as a Trainee CAD Operator. I have since worked my way up to become a Senior CAD Operator.
Learning though leadership
Growth at QDOS isn’t just about technical ability. Leadership, accountability and communication are equally important when working as part of a collaborative design team.
What leadership skills have you developed the most?
Michal: My time management and self-accountability. Being responsible for my own output has taught me how to lead by example
Supporting others to succeed
Knowledge sharing is a big part of the culture at QDOS. Experienced team members help guide newer colleagues, ensuring skills and best practices are passed on across the team.
What are you most proud of achieving during your time at QDOS?
Ben: To see the people, I have helped teach and cultivate in CAD and fire alarms become knowledgeable and proficient CAD operators.
Advice for the next generation of CAD Operator
For those considering a career in the industry, the team emphasised the importance of attitude and adaptability.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Kieran: Have good attention to detail, be coachable, be self-sufficient and adaptable.
Learning never stops
Even experienced professionals continue learning throughout their careers.
What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you started?
Ben: Asking for help and getting things wrong is a natural learning experience that persists even after years of experience.
Motivation through installation
For many CAD Operators, one of the most rewarding aspects of the role is seeing their work come to life in the real world.
What motivates you to keep developing professionally?
Michal: Seeing the result. There is nothing like walking past a building or site and knowing, “I drew that.”
Growing through challenges
Complex projects often provide the greatest opportunities for development.
What challenges have helped you learn the most?
Karolina: Doing complex projects helped me organise my workload better and be independent, and speaking directly to clients has helped my confidence in English whilst taking phone calls.
Working at QDOS!
What made you choose a career at QDOS?
Josh: I was interested in getting into the Fire Industry and the strong culture of development meant I could see a clear path for growth here compared to other firms.
In three words
Finally, we asked the team to describe their career journey at QDOS in just three words
Michal: Dynamic, Educational, Rewarding
Kieran: Challenging, Rewarding, Improving.
Karolina: Adaptable, Resourceful and Driven
Josh: Progression, Fun and Growth
Ben: Transformative, Confidence, Connective
At QDOS our people are at the heart of everything we do. By nurturing talent, encouraging collaboration and supporting continuous development, our CAD Operators and CAD Operator Trainees play a vital role in delivering the expertise and service our client’s trust.
And as the industry evolves, our commitment remains the same to develop great people who deliver exceptional fire alarm drawings.
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