A study was conducted at the Electronics Industrial Unit at the Dorset Institute of Higher Education to investigate the feasibility of incorporating computer-aided design (CAD) in electrical and electronic courses. The aim was to investigate the application of CAD to electrical and electronic systems; the extent to which industrial developments are reflected in further and higher education courses; the extent to which curricular changes are necessary; and the extent of resource and staff development implications. The research was undertaken by means of a survey and analysis of electronic CAD (ECAD) software and its suitability, or adaptability, for student use; a survey of the use of ECAD by 43 colleges (mainly) in southwest England, with a 70% response rate; a conference of college staff and representatives of ECAD software suppliers; and visits to colleges and industry. Results of the survey, conference, and visits clearly indicated a need for a development plan for the introduction of ECAD into further and higher education courses. The problem of familiarization time and availability of appropriate software, together with the time taken to generate good teaching support material, were noted and possible solutions outlined. Specific recommendations were made for alleviating the high cost of software; establishing national and regional advice centers to provide support for the production of ECAD hardware/software and training courses for staff; selecting courses and material based on a CAD approach; and initiating a program of regular awareness seminars to keep colleagues aware of activity in this field of study. The study proved valuable both as an information-gathering exercise and a means of highlighting some potential problems that could have a deleterious effect on the efficiency and viability of the United Kingdom's electronics industry. (NLL)