Aerospace engineering technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 4 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An aerospace engineering technician carries out practical engineering tasks to manufacture, assemble, test, and maintain aircraft and aerospace components under the direction of qualified engineers. Apprentices develop skills in precision measurement, mechanical assembly, avionics installation, and the use of specialist tools in a highly regulated aerospace environment. This role can lead to senior technician, inspector, or engineering supervisor positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Aerospace manufacturing and assembly processes and methods
Precision measurement and use of engineering instruments
Reading and interpreting aerospace engineering drawings and manuals
Mechanical and avionics installation and testing techniques
Quality assurance and first-article inspection in aerospace
Health and safety and foreign object debris prevention procedures
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul processes and documentation
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assemble and fit aerospace components to engineering specifications
Use precision tools to measure parts and verify dimensional accuracy
Carry out functional testing on mechanical or avionics systems
Interpret technical drawings, manuals, and work instructions
Complete quality inspection records and sign off completed tasks
Follow strict foreign object debris and cleanliness procedures
Support engineers during development, test, or repair programmes
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
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.