This is not the latest approved version of this apprenticeship. View the latest version
This apprenticeship has been retired
Developing software to support the aerospace industry.
This occupation is predominately found in the aerospace sector but may also be used more widely. The occupation can be found in large, medium and small employers across the world. Aerospace software engineers may work on specific aerospace products. They may also work on bespoke tooling and associated integrated aerospace environments and infrastructure. Employment examples include:
The broad purpose of the occupation is to design, develop and test, real-time safety-critical software. They develop embedded aircraft software and stand-alone applications used in aircraft support. They develop and test tools that support the creation of aerospace related software. They support customers and suppliers by maintaining and improving software utilities and tools. They develop processes for the development and test of products. They review performance, design, test and use project management and continuous improvement techniques. They proactively find solutions to problems and identify areas for business improvement.
Aerospace software engineers are typically office-based. They may be required to work in simulation rig testing facilities, or in operational environments.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation may interact with customers. They may also interact with system operators, other specialist engineers, technicians, partners and suppliers. They also interact with colleagues across other areas in their organisation. For example, manufacturing, project management, quality assurance, finance, human resources and procurement.
They typically report to Senior Engineers, Senior Specialists or Chief Engineers depending on the organisation.
An employee in this occupation is responsible for working ethically and professionally. They work to Civil and Military Aviation regulatory requirements. They must meet statutory and company regulations. For example, health and safety, environment and sustainability, cost, quality, accuracy and efficiency. Aerospace Software Engineers work individually and as part of a team. They are responsible for the safety and security of the product they create. Depending on the size and structure of the organisation they may manage software technicians or teams of engineers.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 48 months. The EPA period is typically 9 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the aerospace software engineer, the qualification required is:
bachelor honours degree in software engineering (BEng), computer science (BSc), or other degree that directly aligns to the KSBs in the degree-apprenticeship
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 6000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 32 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 60 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 6 questions about the project and presentation.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Royal Aeronautical Society for Incorporated Engineer (IEng). This degree-apprenticeship standard aligns with the Engineering Council’s learning outcomes, indicated in ‘Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ (AHEP) and the competence framework detailed in UK-SPEC for Incorporated Engineer (IEng). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the degree-apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) for Registration for IT Technicians (RITTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the degree-apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | Occupational standard and end-point assessment plan revised. | 13/01/2025 | Not set |
| 1.1 | Standard and end-point assessment plan revised. Funding band revised but remained | 06/11/2023 | 12/01/2025 |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 03/09/2015 | 05/11/2023 |
Crown copyright © 2025. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence