Materials technician

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 Design, Surveying and Planning

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to T levels
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could start by doing a non-destructive tester intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.

You could also do a composites technician advanced 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start as a lab assistant or trainee technician in a testing facility and complete training 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 like applied science.

Further information

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

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

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• testing materials' strength and flexibility under different conditions
• testing materials' characteristics, like chemical composition
• assessing the cost, reliability, safety and environmental impact of materials
• researching new ways to use materials in the development of products
• assessing the risks posed by hazardous materials
• analysing test results and writing reports

You could work in a laboratory.

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