Creating aircraft components and equipment, specialising in a specific engineering discipline (for example - airframe, design and stress, systems integration, support engineering or manufacturing engineering).
This occupation is found in the civil and military aerospace sector. The occupation can be found in large, medium and small employers across the world. Aerospace engineers may work on specific aerospace products and associated integrated aerospace environments and infrastructure. Examples include aerospace manufacturers, aerospace support services, airports, aircraft carriers and air traffic control.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to design and develop aircraft, aeronautical components and associated systems including operational support. They support customers by aiming to improve flight safety, aircraft efficiency and reduce costs. They review aerospace products and develop design and manufacturing processes or systems. They use project management and continuous improvement techniques. They also address the environmental impact of flight by adopting latest technologies. They are typically office-based. They may be required to work in production facilities and test facilities. They may also work in hangars or outdoors on the aircraft or ground equipment. They may be required to support customers in the UK and worldwide. Depending on the product, they may be required to work in confined spaces and at height. Depending on the nature of the work, they may be required to work shift patterns.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues across the organisation. For example manufacturing, project management, finance, human resources and procurement. They may also interact with customers, other specialist engineers, technicians, partners and suppliers. They will also work with different levels of engineers across multiple engineering disciplines. Depending on the organisation, they typically report to Senior Engineers, Senior Specialists or Chief Engineers.
An employee in this occupation is responsible for working ethically and professionally. Aerospace engineers work to Civil and Military Aviation regulatory requirements. They must meet statutory and company regulations, taking responsibility for health and safety. They also take responsibility for environmental and sustainablity regulations, cost, quality, accuracy and efficiency. They must proactively find solutions to problems and identify areas for business improvement. Aerospace engineers work individually and as part of a team. Depending on the size and structure of the organisation they may manage 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:
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 engineer, the qualification required is:
BEng Aerospace engineering; BSc Aerospace engineering or other engineering degree that fully aligns to the KSBs on the apprenticeship
EAL Diploma in engineering and advanced manufacturing (development competence)
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 10000 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 5 questions about the project and presentation.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a 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.
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.Reasonable adjustments
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 (RAeS) for Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMECHE) for Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised but funding remained the same. | 08/11/2023 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 03/09/2015 | 07/11/2023 |
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