How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in engineering before applying for a job as a trainee technician.
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
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College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed to get a trainee position.
Courses include:
- engineering
- engineering technology
- mechanical engineering
- electrical and electronic engineering
- T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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 a company to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
You could also apply for a place on an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in a specific industry, like:
- aviation
- compressed air and vacuum manufacturing
- lifting equipment
- rail engineering
- heavy vehicle servicing
Foundation apprenticeship
You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an engineering operative and become a technician through on-the-job training and promotion.
Further information
You can get more advice about engineering careers through Tomorrow's Engineers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.