How to become Helicopter engineer
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 applied physics
- software engineering or mathematics
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 in this job. Relevant courses include the Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an aircraft maintenance certifying engineering higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
The way into this job is usually through an aircraft engineering company, some of which offer graduate training schemes.
Flight engineering experience gained in the armed forces may count towards your licence application.
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Further information
You can find out more about becoming a helicopter engineer from The British Helicopter Association.