Aerospace Engineering Technician Apprenticeship – Level 3

The Aerospace Fitter Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed to develop highly skilled technicians capable of assembling, fitting and installing aerospace components and systems within a safety-critical manufacturing environment. This programme is particularly suited to employers operating in aerospace, defence, and high-value advanced manufacturing sectors.

Apprentices will build expertise in:

Precision Assembly and Fitting:
Working with engineered components to exact specifications and tolerances, using appropriate tools, equipment, and assembly techniques aligned to aerospace manufacturing standards.

Engineering Knowledge and Core Skills:
Developing practical mechanical fitting skills, supported by an understanding of relevant electrical and fluid systems where applicable to aerospace assemblies.

Safety, Quality and Compliance:
Operating within strict health and safety frameworks, adhering to aerospace quality standards, and following regulated processes and procedures essential to a safety-critical industry.

Interpretation of Technical Information:
Reading and applying engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure accuracy and consistency in all assembly activities.

Inspection and Quality Assurance:
Using measuring and inspection equipment to verify components meet required tolerances, identifying defects, and ensuring right-first-time delivery.

Documentation and Communication:
Completing accurate job records and communicating effectively with engineers, supervisors, and wider production teams to maintain workflow efficiency and traceability.

Continuous Improvement:
Contributing to process improvements, productivity gains, and quality enhancements within an aerospace manufacturing environment.

Employer Benefits

This apprenticeship provides a sustainable pipeline of skilled Aerospace Fitters who can:

• Support high-quality, right-first-time assembly operations
• Improve productivity and manufacturing efficiency
• Strengthen compliance with aerospace quality and safety standards
• Contribute to continuous improvement and operational excellence

GCSEs in Maths and English grades 4-9 (C or above) or Level 2 Maths and English Functional Skills.

Apprentices will be required to attend all off-the-job training during term time to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the standard and complete their mandatory qualifications. Employers will actively be involved in the 12-week review process and will support target setting to develop the apprentices. Employers will provide support in preparing the apprentice for their End Point Assessment (EPA).

Apprentices must demonstrate the following behaviours:

B1: Prioritise and promote health and safety. For example, hazard and risk awareness, proactive prevention of accidents.

B2: Support social inclusion in the workplace with colleagues, and stakeholders.

B3: Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice.

B4: Take personal responsibility for their own work.

B5: Respond and adapt to work demands.

B6: Team-focus to meet work goals.

Apprentices will gain the following qualifications:

EAL Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Foundation Competence) [601/7289/7]

EAL Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing (Development Competence) [603/0051/6]

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) [601/9063/2]

Apprentices will be assessed using a range of methods that reflect real-world aerospace engineering practice. These will include practical observations, completion of job documentation and work records, question-and-answer sessions, Written assignments, exams and witness testimonies provided by your employer.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Aerospace Fitter Level 3 Apprenticeship is the final stage of the programme and confirms that the apprentice has achieved the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the occupational standard.

Gateway Requirements:
Before entering the EPA, the apprentice must meet all gateway requirements. This typically includes achieving the required English and mathematics qualifications and submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their competence in workplace activities such as assembly, fitting, and working to engineering specifications.

Assessment Methods:

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 EPA is graded as Fail, Pass, or Distinction. Successful completion demonstrates that you are fully competent to work as an Aerospace Fitter and leads to the award of your apprenticeship certificate.

The apprentice will attend College on a block-release basis over three academic years depending on their prior skills and learning.

The apprentice will be required to come equipped with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): safety boots, safety glasses and company workwear/overalls.

On successful completion of the Level 3 Aerospace Fitter Apprenticeship (ST1313), your apprentice will be fully competent to work as a skilled Aerospace Fitter and can progress in a number of ways within your organisation and the wider engineering sector.

Immediate Progression

Apprentices will typically move into roles such as:

• Aerospace Fitter / Assembly Technician
• Production or Manufacturing Technician
• Aircraft Maintenance or Repair Technician
• Quality or Inspection Technician

These roles involve high-precision assembly, working to engineering drawings and tolerances, and operating within safety-critical environments.

Career Development Opportunities

With experience, apprentices can progress into:

• Senior Technician or Specialist Fitter roles
• Team Leader or Supervisory positions
• Advanced roles in quality, inspection, or systems integration
• Production or operations management pathways

Further Training and Education

Apprentices can continue their development through:

Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4/5)
e.g. Engineering Manufacturing Technician or related pathways

Higher Education (part-time or full-time):

• HNC/HND in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering
• Foundation Degree in Engineering
• Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6+) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

E10 What job roles will this apprenticeship be suitable for?
Please list the potential job roles that this apprenticeship will be suitable for to help the employer with a job title

Primary Roles

This apprenticeship is ideally suited to:

• Aerospace Fitter / Aircraft Fitter – assembling and installing aircraft or engine components to precise specifications
• Assembly Technician – carrying out mechanical assembly of complex systems and structures
• Manufacturing / Production Technician – supporting production processes in aerospace or high-value engineering sectors

Related and Specialist Roles

It can also lead into roles such as:

• Aircraft Maintenance or Repair Technician – supporting inspection, servicing, and overhaul activities
• Structural Assembly Technician – working on airframes, fuselage sections, or structural components
• Engine Build Technician – assembling and fitting aero engine components
• Quality or Inspection Technician – checking components meet strict tolerances and aerospace standards

Wider Applicability

While designed for aerospace, the skills gained are highly transferable and applicable to:

• Defence and space industries
• Advanced manufacturing and precision engineering
• Automotive (high-performance or specialist sectors)

Energy and engineering production environments

You may already have someone in your organisation or someone has come to you direct asking for an apprenticeship, but if you don’t we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and external advertising through social media and the national apprenticeship services website

If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421