Aircraft maintenance technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An aircraft maintenance technician carries out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, and repairs on civil or military aircraft to ensure they are safe and airworthy. Apprentices learn to service aircraft systems including engines, hydraulics, electrics, and avionics, working to strict regulatory and manufacturer requirements. This role can lead to licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME), inspector, or senior technician positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Aircraft systems including engines, hydraulics, electrics, and avionics
Maintenance, repair, and inspection procedures for civil or military aircraft
Reading and applying aircraft maintenance manuals and technical data
EASA/CAA and military regulatory frameworks for aircraft maintenance
Precision hand tools, specialist equipment, and torque application
Safety-critical working practices and human factors awareness
Maintenance documentation and certification of release to service
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out scheduled servicing tasks on aircraft to maintenance programme
Inspect aircraft systems and components for defects or wear
Repair or replace unserviceable parts following approved data
Complete maintenance records and certify work in the aircraft log
Carry out pre-flight and post-maintenance functional checks
Work safely around fuel, hydraulics, and other aircraft hazards
Liaise with engineers and operations teams on aircraft availability
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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