How to become a materials technician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need for this job. Courses include:
- Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
- Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
- Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
- T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
To become a materials technician, you could do a Non-destructive Testing Level 2 Intermediate or Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You could also do a Composites Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a lab assistant or trainee technician in a testing facility and train while you work to qualify.
Employers will expect you to have 4 or 5 GCSEs, including maths, English and a science, preferably physics or chemistry.
Some may want you to have A levels or equivalent qualifications in a subject such as applied science.
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Further information
You can find out more about careers in materials engineering from Discover Materials and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.