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Materials technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Materials technicians test how materials behave under different conditions to help develop new products and improve existing ones.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need for this job. Courses include:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
  • Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
  • Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

You may 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Non-destructive Testing Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Composites Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

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:

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

More Information

Work

You could start as a lab assistant or trainee technician in a testing facility and train while you work to qualify.

Employers will expect you to have 4 or 5 GCSEs, including maths, English and a science, preferably physics or chemistry.

Some may want you to have A levels or equivalent qualifications in a subject such as applied science.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in materials engineering from Discover Materials and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a materials technician, you may:

  • test the strength and flexibility of materials under different conditions
  • assess the cost, reliability, safety and environmental impact of materials
  • research new ways to use materials in product development
  • assess the risks posed by hazardous materials
  • analyse test results and write reports

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become a senior technician and register with the Engineering Council to get EngTech status.

With further qualifications you could qualify as a materials engineer.

You could also move into purchasing, sales or management.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

(App790) Apprentice SMT Operator Level 2

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge

(App791) Apprentice Production and Test Operative

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC L2 Diploma in Applied Science (for Engineering)

  • Provider: FRANKLIN SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Grimsby

Applied Science

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Leeds
Find courses near you

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