This is not the latest approved version of this apprenticeship. View the latest version
This apprenticeship has been retired
Option 3 of ST0457 Engineering technician is being replaced with this new apprenticeship and is now available for new starts with a funding band of £27,000. Pathway 3 of ST0457 will remain live for new starts until further notice when that option will be retired
To maintain and certify aircraft.
Aircraft maintenance technicians work in the civil and military engineering sector in the aviation industry. Aircraft maintenance is required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft or aircraft component. Aircraft include small aeroplanes, airliners, jet fighters, helicopters, and other air vehicles. The sector is highly regulated, to ensure the safe and correct functioning of the aircraft. Employers range in size from small to large and include small airfield maintenance operators, large international commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturers and the military.
Aircraft maintenance technicians maintain and certify aircraft. They check, repair, and modify mechanical, electrical and electronic aircraft components and systems. They conduct safety checks and select aircraft technical logs and work schedule information. They select and check tools and equipment to carry out aircraft component inspection. They perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. They rectify faults and communicate work carried out with stakeholders. They complete documentation, handover work and reinstate the work area. They may be required to work shifts, to work at height and in confined spaces. They may work in a range of environments including hangars, outdoors and workshops. They may be required to hold an Aircraft Maintenance Licence. Licences are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or Military equivalent.
Aircraft maintenance technicians interact with flight crew, cabin crew, customers, and engineering colleagues. They typically report to shift leaders, supervisors, or managers.
They are responsible for complying with civil and or military regulations. They must also meet organisational requirements. Work must comply with health, safety, environmental and sustainability rules and regulations. They must wear personal protective equipment. They must ensure the health and safety of themselves, their colleagues, and customers. They must complete tasks within defined timescales. They must work professionally and responsibly. They may be required to work on their own or as part of a team.
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 36 months. The EPA period is typically 3 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 aircraft maintenance technician, the qualification required is:
Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Foundation Competence) - Pearson BTEC; QAN 601/7165/0 -OR- Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Foundation Competence) C&G No.4605-02; QAN 601/7310/5 -OR- Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Military Foundation Competence) C&G No.4608-50; QAN 603/1388/2 -OR- Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Foundation Competence); EAL QAN 601/7289/7
Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Development Competence) 601/9051/6 – Pearson BTEC -OR- Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) C&G No.4608-30; QAN 601/9036/X -OR- Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) – Military C&G 4608-60; QAN 603/2068/0 -OR- EAL Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) – 603/0372/4
Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) 601/9063/2 – Pearson BTEC -OR- Level 3 Diploma in On-Aircraft Maintenance Category A C&G No. 2675-04; QAN 600/1927/X -OR- Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance (Military) C&G No. 4708-30; QAN 603/1392/4
Knowledge test
This is an integrated assessment method. The knowledge statements aligned to this assessment method will be assessed by the apprentice passing one of the knowledge qualifications listed.
Development competence assessment
This is an integrated assessment method. The KSBs aligned to this integrated assessment method will be assessed and graded in line with the requirements of the awarding organisation and contribute to the overall outcome of the apprenticeship and the qualification. The KSBs aligned to this assessment method will be assessed by the apprentice passing one of the development competence qualifications listed.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 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 Royal Aeronautical Society for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
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