CAD Pattern Digitisation & Digital Asset Management

About The Business: Aiguille is a specialist Cumbrian (Kendal) manufacturer of high-quality outdoor equipment, including rucksacks, climbing gear, expedition equipment and specialist rescue products. The business produces bespoke and low-volume items using skilled, largely manual manufacturing processes, including physical patterns, hand cutting and sewing. Its focus is on durable, UK-made products tailored to specialist customer requirements.

Overview: To review Aiguille's current pattern management process and establish an effective approach for digitising physical pattern templates into a structured digital asset library that preserves company knowledge, improves resilience, develops staff capability and supports future manufacturing technologies.

Desirable Skills: CAD design and drafting skills.  Experience working with 2D technical drawings.  Strong attention to detail and accuracy. 

Job Description:

Scope of Work

The intern will:

• Review the current pattern creation, storage and usage process.
• Assess existing CAD use and workflows and their suitability for future requirements.
• Identify the most efficient method for converting physical cardboard patterns into digital assets.
•  Develop standards for digitisation, file management and storage.
• Convert priority physical patterns into digital formats.
• Create and organise a structured digital asset library.
• Work with nominated employees during the design, testing and validation of the new approach to build internal knowledge and ownership.
• Develop clear user guidance, process instructions and supporting materials for future pattern digitisation and file management.
• Deliver practical knowledge-transfer and training sessions for relevant staff, incorporating feedback and checking understanding.
• Recommend future improvements that support digital manufacturing adoption. Methods Process mapping and stakeholder discussions.
• Review of existing pattern management practices.
• CAD-based pattern digitisation and file creation. Development of file management standards and procedures.
• Validation of digitised patterns with business stakeholders.
• Creation and testing of digital asset storage structures.
• Collaborative working, practical demonstrations and staff coaching.
• Development and testing of user-friendly training and handover materials.

Tools 
The intern is expected to utilise:

• Existing CAD software and workflows where appropriate.
• PDF generation tools for pattern distribution and archiving.
• Digital file storage and backup solutions.
• Asset management and version control principles.
• Appropriate digitisation techniques for converting physical 2D templates into editable CAD files.
• User guidance, process documentation and practical training resources.

Expected Outcomes 

• Creation of a structured digital asset library: A centralised repository established for the storage, management and retrieval of product pattern files.
•  Digitisation of priority manufacturing patterns: A significant proportion of the company's priority 2D cardboard patterns converted into editable CAD files and PDF formats.
• Improved business resilience and protection of intellectual property: Critical design assets securely captured and backed up in digital formats, reducing reliance on physical templates.
• Implementation of a standardised digitisation process: A documented and repeatable methodology created for future pattern conversion, including agreed file formats, naming conventions, folder structures and version control procedures.
• Staff capability and sustainable knowledge transfer: Relevant employees involved throughout the project and provided with practical guidance and training so they can maintain the asset library and continue agreed digitisation activities after the internship.
• Increased readiness for future digital manufacturing technologies: Digital pattern files created in formats that support future integration with CAD/CAM systems, CNC cutting, laser-cutting equipment and other advanced manufacturing technologies.

Success Metrics

• Structured digital asset library established and adopted by the business.
• Priority patterns successfully converted into editable CAD and PDF formats.
• Digital backup of critical pattern assets created and organised.
• Standard operating procedure and clear user guidance produced for ongoing digitisation activity.
• Practical training and handover completed with nominated employees.
• Nominated employees demonstrate that they can locate, update, save and version-control agreed files using the new approach.
• Ownership for maintaining the asset library and supporting documentation is agreed before project completion.
• Digital files demonstrated to be suitable for future CAD/CAM and manufacturing applications.

Intern Skills Required 

Essential 

• CAD design and drafting skills.
• Experience working with 2D technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and file management skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and engage with stakeholders.
• Ability to explain digital processes clearly and support colleagues to build confidence. 

Desirable 

• Experience using CAD software.
• Understanding of manufacturing or product development environments.
• Knowledge of digital asset management principles.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM workflows.
• Awareness of CNC or laser-cutting technologies.
• Experience producing technical documentation, user guidance or training materials.