How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme
- the armed forces
University
You'll need an engineering qualification and maintenance experience to apply for a licence to become a helicopter engineer.
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a related subject like:
- aeronautical engineering
- electrical or electronic engineering
- mechanical engineering
- manufacturing or product engineering
- physics or mathematics
- software engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
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College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to join an apprenticeship training programme with a company.
Courses include:
- aerospace and aviation engineering
- maths, physics or design and technology
- mechanical and electrical engineering
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You can apply to do an apprenticeship with an aircraft manufacturer or specialist aviation servicing company.
These include:
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
With experience, you may move on to complete an Aircraft Certifying Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
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 may be able to join a graduate training scheme with an aircraft engineering company, if you have a relevant university degree.
You could also get into this career after training and working as an aircraft engineer in the armed forces:
Flight engineering experience gained in the armed forces may count towards your engineering licence application.
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Career tips
As a qualified engineer, you could work for:
- engineering support companies
- commercial helicopter charter companies
- aerial emergency services
- aircraft manufacturers
- offshore energy support services
Further information
You can learn more about becoming a helicopter engineer from: