Aerospace engineering technician

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in engineering to get into this career.

Relevant subjects include:

• aeronautical engineering
• aerospace engineering
• mechanical engineering
• electrical or electronics engineering
• avionics

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do A levels or an engineering course that would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to apply for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.

Courses include:

• maths, physics and design and technology
• mechanical and electrical engineering
• aerospace and aviation engineering
• aircraft maintenance
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship to train as a technician. Examples include:

• Aircraft Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Aerospace Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Space Engineering Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships usually take between 3 and 4 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could train and gain qualification as an aircraft technician in the armed forces.

You can find out more through the:

• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy
• Army

Further Information

You can get more information about working and training in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace and Neon .

As an aerospace engineering technician, you could:

• inspect, service and maintain aircraft electrical, mechanical and electronic systems
• build and fit wings, engines and landing gear
• install and test navigation, communication and flight controls
• investigate faults and work with engineers to fix them
• assemble and install satellite instruments
• create 3D models of parts for manufacture, using computer-aided design (CAD) software
• complete safety documentation and maintenance logbooks

You could work in an aircraft hangar, on an aircraft, in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be cramped.