Survival equipment fitter
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship trains survival equipment fitters to inspect, maintain, repair, and repack life-saving equipment used in aviation, maritime, and defence environments, including parachutes, life rafts, and ejection seat components. Apprentices develop highly technical skills in a regulated, safety-critical environment. It can lead to roles as a Senior Survival Equipment Fitter, Certifying Engineer, or Technical Manager.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Types of survival equipment including parachutes, life rafts, and PBEs
Inspection, testing, and repacking procedures for survival equipment
Technical documentation, maintenance records, and airworthiness regulations
Fault diagnosis and repair techniques for survival systems
Health and safety in a survival equipment maintenance facility
Quality management systems and regulatory compliance (CAA/MAA)
Explosive safety where applicable to ejection seat components
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Inspect and repack parachutes to regulated procedures
Service and test life rafts and emergency breathing systems
Complete maintenance documentation to regulatory standards
Diagnose and repair faults in survival equipment systems
Carry out functional tests on safety systems before return to service
Follow explosive safety regulations when handling pyrotechnic components
Maintain clean, organised work areas in regulated facilities
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 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
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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