Aerospace engineer
Level 6 · DegreeEngineering and manufacturing 4 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and their systems, applying advanced engineering principles to ensure safety and performance in demanding environments. This degree-level apprenticeship covers disciplines such as aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and systems engineering within aviation or space sectors. Graduates can progress to chartered engineer status and senior technical, project leadership, or specialist research roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Aerodynamics and flight mechanics principles
Structural analysis and materials selection for aerospace applications
Propulsion systems including gas turbine and rocket technology
Systems engineering and integration of complex aerospace systems
Aerospace regulatory frameworks and airworthiness standards
Computer-aided design and engineering simulation tools
Project management and engineering lifecycle management
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Design and analyse aircraft or spacecraft components using CAD software
Carry out engineering calculations and simulations to verify designs
Test components and systems and document results against specifications
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on complex engineering projects
Review engineering drawings and technical documentation for accuracy
Ensure designs comply with airworthiness and safety regulations
Support the certification and approval process for new systems or parts
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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