An apprentice aerospace engineer technician helps perform compliance testing of spacecraft, missiles, and aeroplanes. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of reliable components and equipment. Therefore, you’ll often use simulation tools, computer-based modelling, and processes to maintain and operate the equipment.
An apprentice aerospace engineer technician helps ensures that crucial components of spacecraft, missiles, and aeroplanes do not fail. They maintain and operate the equipment used to analyse these designs. Furthermore, it is often essential to run and develop computer simulations to complete the tests. Aerospace engineer technicians calibrate test equipment regularly and troubleshoot problems that cause equipment failures. They work closely with aviation specialists to ensure proper construction and design safety.
Apprentice aerospace engineer technicians use systems installed in aircraft, spacecraft, or missiles to gather data from the assembly, test components, and manage quality control. Because of the importance of contemporary technology in this field, aerospace engineer technicians are increasingly specialising in three-dimensional printing or additive manufacturing.
Apprentice aerospace engineer technicians must have strong math, communication, mechanical, and critical thinking skills. They must also be detail-oriented and have strong interpersonal skills. This job may be detrimental to one’s health due to exposure to toxic substances or equipment. These occurrences, however, are uncommon when good safety practices are followed.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- build and service the main body of an aircraft
- create and test wings, engines and landing gear
- install and test systems used in navigation, communications and flight control
- investigate and test solutions to engineering problems
- use prototypes to predict and improve how well aircraft systems perform
- use computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software.
Salary
- Starting salaries for an apprentice is £24,500 per year.
- An experienced aerospace engineering technician can earn up to £43,000 per year.
Working hours
You will typically work 40 to 42 hours per week including evening and weekends on a shift basis.
Working environment
You could work in an aircraft hangar, on an aircraft, in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.
Your working environment may be cramped.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice aerospace engineer technician include:
- Level 3 Engineering Technician – Entry requirements for this level include 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. This qualification will take 42 months to complete.
Skills
On an aerospace engineer technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to use your initiative
- persistence and determination
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- maths skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a supervisor
- manage a project
- specialise in a particular area, like aircraft design.