Autodesk Fusion 360
The Maker Space uses Fusion 360 extensively for a number of reasons - primarily because it is relatively simple and straightforward to use, and it is easy for all users of the Maker Space to get a licence for regardless of their department or course.
Education Licence
It is highly recommended that you obtain an education licence. It is equivalent to the professional, paid version of the software and is essentially unlimited in most aspects of its use - including the expensive (but powerful) design and manufacturing extensions. It is most straightforward when using your University of Salford email address to create an account.
Follow these instructions from Autodesk to apply for an education licence.
When prompted, use the University of Salford's main address.
Learning
First follow the beginner tutorials from Autodesk themselves. This Fusion 360 Fundamentals course is self directed and self paced. Work through the examples to get a basic understanding of the software.
CAM/CNC Programming
All of the CNC machines in the Maker Space (except the waterjet cutter) are programmed using the Manufacture workspace in Fusion. If you wish to use these machines you will have to learn how to use Fusion at some point.