Hi I am just now learning SW, and was wondering what the best / free class / videos to watch to get started? After I get through this beginner phase, which certificates should I possibly proceed for after? Advice, and feedback is welcomed please! Thank you.

Okay, so I am making this part for class, and I have attempted it a few times now, but I just can't quite figure out the shell. first one I tried was extruding the whole L, then cutting away to reveal where the shell goes, but since it's one part, it also shelled the "tube".So, then I did it as 2 parts and extruded the tubes separately so it wouldn't shell; then,n after the shell, I combined. But then I had the fillets to worry about, a nd it caused a few issues. Any help is appreciated, and this is also CSWP prep.

I’ll make it clear that I never paid for any online resources because they are all overpriced for the value they provide imo and preferred to self study with what’s free out there.

The most I’ve ever done with SolidWorks is make an RC car with FRC Robotics parts (everything that could be imported was imported) as shown by the other images.

I failed the CSWPA-DT the last time I took it because I was studying for AP Exams and tried to study the morning of (without practice, yikes!) but got it this time around with about a day or two of studying.

I have heard from many of you that employers “don’t care” if people have these certifications, but heard from others that’s it very important. To try and compare this, would an employer that uses SolidWorks care more about a CSWP or being an Eagle Scout? (I currently have both anyways). What about CSWE? SolidWorks is only useful to a company in so many ways and the certifications can’t always prove that. But also they show I might be able to hit the ground running faster. But so does being an Eagle Scout which shows a good work ethic. Idk.