ST1313Level 3v1.1Approved For Delivery

Aerospace engineering technician

Engineering and manufacturing · Engineering, manufacturing, process and control

Duration

48 months

OTJ Hours

835

Funding Band

£27,000

KSBs

85

Occupational Summary

A Level 3 apprenticeship as an Aerospace engineering technician prepares apprentices—known variously as advanced practical technician, advanced technical technician, aerospace composite technician, aerospace machinist, aerospace manufacturing fitter, aerospace technical support technician, engineering fitter or engineering technician—to support aerospace engineers across the design, production, inspection, testing and maintenance of aircraft, missiles, satellites and space vehicles. Apprentices follow defined processes and procedures to produce, test and validate systems and components (for example fuselage, wings, engines, landing gear and avionics), complete technical documentation and reports, contribute to problem solving and audits, and deliver accurate certified work to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other aerospace regulatory requirements while working in manufacturing, office or outdoor environments.

This programme comprises 85 knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs), is typically 48 months in duration and has a maximum funding band of £27,000. It is a core standard with three options (aerospace technical support technician; aerospace fitting technician; aerospace machining technician) and is assessed via portfolio of evidence, knowledge test, multiple-choice test, observation and presentation.

View official Skills England source text

This occupation is found in the Aerospace sector. Aerospace engineering technicians act as enablers for the full lifecycle of an aerospace product. They support the work of Aerospace engineers, following their processes and procedures. They could be part of the design, production, inspection, testing or maintenance process. They work on the design, manufacture and operation of aircraft, missiles, satellites and space vehicles. They may specialise in building and maintaining aircraft systems and components. For example, the fuselage, wings, engines, landing gear, brakes, flying controls and environmental systems. Others may install and test electrical and electronic systems. These systems are used in navigation, communications and flight control. Employers vary in size from small to large. This is a core and options apprenticeship standard. Apprentices will complete the core requirements, plus one option: Option 1. Aerospace technical support technician. Option 2. Aerospace fitting technician. Option 3. Aerospace machining technician The broad purpose of this occupation is to produce or test new and existing aerospace products, processes, or procedures. They review and interpret aerospace engineering information and data. They complete documentation, review work processes and outcomes. They keep stakeholders informed and contribute to problem solving activities, audits and projects. Aerospace technical support technicians contribute to process and procedure development. They inspect, test or validate products and processes. They investigate and review designs and produce technical reports and documentation. Aerospace fitting technicians load, adjust and set machinery jigs or fixtures. They validate manufacturing programmes, operate equipment and produce aerospace assemblies. Aerospace machining technicians load, adjust and set machining fixtures and materials. They validate machining programmes, operate equipment and produce machined components. Aerospace engineering technicians typically work in both a manufacturing and office environment. Depending on the organisation, they may also be required to work outdoors. Aerospace technicians may be required to work shifts and work at height. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other Aerospace technicians and Aerospace engineers. They may also interact with customers, suppliers, colleagues, quality auditors and regulators. They typically report to an engineering or manufacturing team leader. This can be as part of a defined or cross-functional team. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the quality, safety and delivery of the product or support being provided. They must produce or deliver the product or support on time, at agreed cost. They must produce accurate certified work to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Aerospace regulatory requirements. They work to defined quality processes and procedures. They must identify and contribute to making improvements. For example, to improve business processes procedures, ways and methods of working. They must work both individually and as part of a larger team. They must work within the health, safety, sustainability and environmental regulations. They must use appropriate protective clothing and equipment. They must use and maintain machinery, tools and equipment correctly. All work must be completed in a safe and efficient manner as directed by supervisory staff.

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What's in the Delivery Pack?

Every section is tailored specifically to the ST1313 standard, using official KSB data, the published assessment plan, and sector-specific context.

KSB Interpretations

Plain-English interpretation of every Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour

EPA Preparation

End-point assessment readiness, gateway checklist and method guidance

Delivery Risks

Occupation-specific risks, mitigations and early warning signs

Delivery Model Options

Model-selection guide comparing day release, block release and front-loaded approaches

On/Off-the-Job Mapping

Which KSBs are best taught by the provider vs developed in the workplace

Initial Assessment & RPL

Starting points, prior learning recognition and programme adaptation

English, Maths & Digital

Where functional skills embed naturally and standalone qualification guidance

Employer Engagement Guide

Employer commitments, progress reviews and workplace engagement guidance

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Qualifications & Recognition

Mandated Qualifications

Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Foundation Competence) - Pearson BTEC; QAN 601/7165/0 or Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Foundation Competence) - C&G No. 4605-02; QAN 601/7310/5 or Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Foundation Competence) - EAL; QAN 601/7289/7 (Level 2)

Awarding organisations: Pearson, City and Guilds and EAL

Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace Manufacturing (Development Competence) - EAL; QAN 603/0051/6 (Level 3)

Awarding organisation: EAL

Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) - Pearson BTEC; QAN 601/9063/2 or Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) - Pearson BTEC; QAN 601/9057/7 (Level 3)

Awarding organisation: Pearson

Professional Recognition

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)Engineering Technician (EngTech) Full

English & Maths

English and maths qualifications must be completed in line with the apprenticeship funding rules .

Typical Job Titles

Advanced practical technicianAdvanced technical technicianAerospace composite technicianAerospace machinistAerospace manufacturing fitterAerospace technical support technicianEngineering fitterEngineering technician

Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours

Knowledge

46
  • K1: Problem solving techniques: diagnostics, 6 thinking hats, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control), PDCA (Plan...
  • K2: The aerospace engineering and manufacturing sector: associated organisations. Types of products. Supply chain.
  • K3: Continuous improvement techniques: Six Sigma, 7 Wastes (Transportation, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Over-production, Ove...
  • K4: Principles of digital devices, application of digital technologies and information systems: future factory, Industrial I...
  • K5: Regulatory compliance frameworks: rules for compliance for parts, products and appliances. Technical management of non-c...
  • + 41 more items

Skills

33
  • S1: Resolve engineering or manufacturing engineering problems utilising problem-solving techniques. For example, practical p...
  • S2: Review and select technical information from multiple sources. For example, dimensional requirements, tolerances, surfac...
  • S3: Read and interpret information. For example, text, data, design drawings, engineering drawings, job cards, work instruct...
  • S4: Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • S5: Communicate in writing. For example, prepare written technical reports for stakeholders using aerospace terminology wher...
  • + 28 more items

Behaviours

6
  • 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.
  • + 1 more items

Duties (22)

1

Receive, review and interpret aerospace engineering documentation, drawings and technical data. Contribute to or plan the days schedule. For example, plan the day’s activity by reviewing all associated environmental, health and safety documentation prior to carrying out aerospace engineering or manufacturing related activities.

2

Complete documentation for aerospace manufacturing, engineering or maintenance activity. For example, risk assessments, equipment service records, build records and test results.

3

Review work processes and outcomes. Hand over work to stakeholders providing technical advice according to aerospace regulatory bodies Civil Aviation Authority, (CAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Military Aviation Authority (MAA).

4

Contribute to the resolution of identified engineering or manufacturing problems. For example, contributing to route cause analysis exercises, applying appropriate levels of containment, and implementation of the identified approved corrective actions.

5

Inform stakeholders of aerospace manufacturing or engineering work status. For example, CAA, customers, aerospace engineers.

6

Contribute to audits. For example, asset checking, compliance checks, condition auditing, internal or external quality audits.

7

Support continuous improvement activity to address business problems.

8

Support projects. For example, the introduction of a new process, equipment or product, by trialling processes and, new standard operating procedures.

9

Support aerospace manufacturing planning, analysis and reporting of steady state or trial processes and procedures.

10

Inspect, test or validate aerospace components, systems, sub-assemblies, major mechanical or electrical assemblies, and processes. Reporting any issues or faults if identified.

11

Investigate, review and report on drawings, interface design changes and non-conformances.

12

Produce and configure technical reports and documentation. For example, standard operating procedures (SOPs).

13

Maintain and restore the work area, performing housekeeping and waste management as appropriate. Ensure tools, unused materials and equipment are returned to a safe, clean and approved condition on completion of work.

14

Load, adjust, and set, production and assembly jigs or fixtures, and automated production assembly and inspection machinery, for specified fitting activities.

15

Validate automated manufacturing programmes. For example, automated drilling, fettling or fastener installation programmes.

16

Operate automated production or testing and inspection equipment as specified by fitting or assembly operations.

17

Produce aerospace detail, sub or major assemblies.

18

Maintain and restore the machining operations area, performing housekeeping and waste management as appropriate. Ensure tooling, unused materials and equipment are returned to a safe, clean and approved condition on completion of work.

19

Load, adjust and set machining fixtures and materials for aerospace machining operations.

20

Validate computer numerical control (CNC) machining programmes.

21

Operate CNC production machining or testing and inspection equipment.

22

Produce aerospace machined components.

End-Point Assessment

Assessment Plan

Type: HTML

View assessment plan

Version & Source

Version
1.1
Updated SSA
Last changed
23 Jan 2026
Earliest start
9 Dec 2025
Approved for delivery
15 Aug 2025
EQA Provider
Ofqual
Sector Subject Area
4.2 Manufacturing technologies
Trailblazer
TB0701
Last checked
11 Mar 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What knowledge, skills and behaviours are in the ST1313 standard?

The Aerospace engineering technician apprenticeship has 46 knowledge items, 33 skills, and 6 behaviours that apprentices must demonstrate.

How long is the Aerospace engineering technician apprenticeship?

The typical duration is 48 months, with a maximum funding band of £27,000.

What does a delivery guide for ST1313 include?

The KSB Planner delivery guide includes plain-English KSB interpretations, EPA preparation guidance, delivery risk analysis, on/off-the-job mapping, employer engagement strategies, and more — all tailored to ST1313.

Data sourced from Skills England. KSB Planner delivery guides are an interpretation and planning aid based on official published source material — not an official regulator-issued document.