Aerospace engineering technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• the armed forces

University

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:

• 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

College

You could do 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.

General engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering courses are useful, as well as more specialised courses like:

• aerospace and aviation engineering
• aircraft maintenance
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements:

• 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

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Engineering 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:

• 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

OtherRoutes

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• customer service skills
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• observation and recording skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Aerospace engineering technicians build, test and maintain commercial and military aircraft, and satellites.

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

Location : You could work in an aircraft hangar, on an aircraft, in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.
Environment : Your working environment may be cramped.

Salary:

Starter : £26,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• become a workshop supervisor or senior technician
• take further training to qualify as an aerospace engineer
• specialise in a particular area, like aircraft design, quality control or production management