How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- the armed forces
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in engineering to get into this career.
Relevant subjects include:
- aeronautical engineering
- aerospace engineering
- mechanical engineering
- electrical or electronics engineering
- avionics
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
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College
You could do A levels or an engineering course that would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to apply for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.
Courses include:
- maths, physics and design and technology
- mechanical and electrical engineering
- aerospace and aviation engineering
- aircraft maintenance
- T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship to train as a technician. Examples include:
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Aerospace Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Space Engineering Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships usually take between 3 and 4 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 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) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Other Routes
You could train and gain qualification as an aircraft technician in the armed forces.
You can find out more through the:
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Career tips
You can try out virtual work experiences in different aviation industry jobs, including aircraft maintenance.
Further information
You can get more information about working and training in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace and Neon.