Materials technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

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:

• 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

To become a materials technician, you could do a Non-destructive Testing Level 2 Intermediate or Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You could also do a Composites Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 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

Work

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.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• knowledge of physics
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• science skills
• excellent written communication skills
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Materials technicians test how materials behave under different conditions to help develop new products and improve existing ones.

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

Location : You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is 9am to 5pm

Career Path:

You could become a senior technician and register with the Engineering Council to get EngTech status.

With further qualifications you could qualify as a materials engineer.

You could also move into purchasing, sales or management.