In an era of increasing digitalisation in engineering education and industrial design, effectively training users in the operation and logic of complex technical systems, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, has become a key educational challenge. Traditional face-to-face courses often struggle to accommodate learners' diverse backgrounds and schedules, particularly in industrial settings. To address this issue, we propose a modular web-based training (WBT) approach that enables learners to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to use CAD/PLM systems independently, flexibly and sustainably.

This article outlines the pedagogical concept, structure and implementation of a series of web-based training (WBT) modules designed to support beginners, whether they are students, professionals in transition or new employees, in their initial use of CAD/PLM tools. The training is structured as a progressive learning path divided into independent modules that build logically from system orientation to functional application. Key topics covered include interface navigation, sketching principles, feature-based modelling, assembly creation and drawing derivation.

The WBT format allows learners to engage with interactive content at their own pace. Each module incorporates step-by-step guided tutorials, 3D visualisations, simulation-based tasks and, in some cases, short explanatory videos and formative assessments. To help learners understand the content, each slide and video is accompanied by an audio explanation. The instructional design follows active learning principles, enabling learners to apply their knowledge in realistic design scenarios using embedded practice environments. Particular attention is paid to user experience, intuitive navigation, and visual clarity to ensure engagement across technical and non-technical learner profiles.

Previous implementations of WBT projects in industrial blended learning training programmes targeting professional designers have demonstrated high levels of user satisfaction, increased confidence in operating CAD/PLM tools and strong knowledge retention outcomes. Learners particularly valued the modular design of the training, the flexibility to review content on demand and the exercises' practical relevance to real-world design scenarios. Feedback from these earlier implementations has helped to refine the content of the new course, which is now structured to fit within a broader, scalable training framework.

This approach demonstrates the transformative potential of digital, self-directed learning in technical education. These formats democratise access to high-quality CAD//PLM training and set a scalable foundation for personalised, data-informed learning journeys. The model can be transferred to other software systems and domains, making it a valuable framework for digital upskilling in the industry 4.0 era.

Keywords: Web-Based Training (WBT), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Modular Learning Environments, Active Learning, Technical Upskilling.