Carrying out inspections for maintenance and ground handling of a range of military or civil aircraft, including rotary and fixed wing within an airworthiness environment.
This occupation is found in the engineering sector, in the aviation industry.
Aviation maintenance mechanics are found across the aviation sector. They can be found within both military and civilian organisations. They carry out inspections for maintenance on fixed wing and rotary aircraft (small aeroplanes to airliners, jet fighters and helicopters). Employers vary in size from small to large.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to perform inspections for maintenance on aeroplanes and helicopters. Aviation maintenance mechanics carry out pre and post flight inspection for maintenance. They prepare, and safety check the work area. They plan the activity and carry out airworthiness inspections for maintenance, such as replenishments. They assist with aircraft ground handling and complete documentation. They also ensure that the work area is restored on completion of the maintenance activity.
Aviation maintenance mechanics are required to work in a regulated engineering environment. Depending on the activity they may work inside or outdoors. This could include hangars, dispersals, gates, aprons, workshops, and on ships. It may also include areas away from airfields or airports. Work may involve maintenance on a variety of aircraft or aircraft components. They may be required to work shifts and in hazardous areas. For example, working at height, noisy environments or in confined spaces.
In their daily work, people in this occupation interact with other aviation maintenance mechanics, engineers, operators, and supply chain staff. They also interact with various stakeholders including flight crew, shift leaders, colleagues, and regulators. They work individually or as part of the larger team. This depends on the size and structure of the organisation. They typically work under both supervised and unsupervised direction of an engineer, technician, or supervisor.
An employee in this occupation is responsible for complying with regulatory and organisational requirements. They must follow organisationally defined and approved procedures when working on aircraft or aircraft systems. They must work within the specified organisational health, safety, and environmental regulations. They must use the appropriate protective clothing, equipment, and resources. They are responsible for the correct use and control of tools and equipment. All work must be completed safely and efficiently as directed by supervisory staff.
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 18 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:
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 75 minutes. They will ask you at least 3 questions.
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 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.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. | 01/04/2024 | Not set |
| 1.1 | Standard revised | 12/04/2023 | 31/03/2024 |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 15/09/2016 | 11/04/2023 |
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