This article discusses a model for teaching SDL Trados to graduate students. The model aims to engage students in its attempt to simulate real-life situations where TM systems may find utility. It involves evolving exercises that combine the most prominent features of SDL Trados 2007 to allow students to quickly build up a TM that can be used to handle various translation tasks. The article also discusses a model for evaluation of student performance. The focus in this article is on SDL Trados 2007, but the model can be adapted for use with Trados Studio 2009 and later versions as well.