i would jump right in with some tutorials. vectorworks lists some 3rd party training manuals on its website. Perhaps try the Visual Quickstart guide might be your best bet. Also, in my office we use video training CDs to help lessen the learning curve amongst the uninitiated. If you're interested in doing some 3d try this free tutorial. The topic is stage/set design, but is effective nonetheless. good luck!

thanks for the info, I've been searching online for some tutorials, downloads, also, its for an earlier version, 8.5. I'll try this out, cheers.

i made the same jump.
my office also did the CD's and hired a guy to teach us.
i'd say just start drafting with the basic tools but do some reading on using layers and classes. classes are the key to fast vectorworks - although a bit confusing.