Aviation maintenance mechanic
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Aviation Maintenance Mechanic (military) apprenticeship trains you to carry out flight-line maintenance and ground handling of military aircraft, and civil aircraft operated in a military environment, under supervision. Apprentices work on aeroplanes, helicopters and fast jets, learning to keep them serviceable and safe to fly. It is a Level 2 starting point that can lead to aircraft technician and further military engineering roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Basic aircraft structures, systems and ground handling principles
Flight-line maintenance and servicing tasks under supervision
Safe use of hand tools, test equipment and aircraft documentation
Aviation safety, airmanship and human factors awareness
Refuelling, towing and preparing aircraft for flight
Electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic basics on aircraft
Military airworthiness rules and maintenance record-keeping
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out routine servicing and ground handling on aircraft
Prepare aircraft for flight including refuelling and towing
Use maintenance documentation to complete and sign off tasks
Support qualified technicians during scheduled maintenance
Inspect tools and work areas before starting work
Identify and report defects or unsafe conditions
Keep the flight line and work areas clean and safe
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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