Materials technician

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need for this job. Courses include:

• Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

You may 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, such as:

• Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Non-destructive Testing Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Composites Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced 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 start as a lab assistant or trainee technician in a testing facility and train while you work to qualify.

Employers will expect you to have 4 or 5 GCSEs, including maths, English and a science, preferably physics or chemistry.

Some may want you to have A levels or equivalent qualifications in a subject such as applied science.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in materials engineering from Discover Materials and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining .

As a materials technician, you may:

• test the strength and flexibility of materials under different conditions
• assess the cost, reliability, safety and environmental impact of materials
• research new ways to use materials in product development
• assess the risks posed by hazardous materials
• analyse test results and write reports

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

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.