Materials technician
Materials technicians test how materials behave under different conditions to help develop new products and improve existing ones.
- Starter salary£20,000 a year
- Experienced£30,000 a year
- Typical hours41 to 43 a week
What you'll do
As a materials technician, you may:
- test the strength and flexibility of materials under different conditions
- assess the cost, reliability, safety and environmental impact of materials
- research new ways to use materials in product development
- assess the risks posed by hazardous materials
- analyse test results and write reports
Working environment
You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- knowledge of physics
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- Non-destructive Testing Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Composites Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
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.
Foundation apprenticeship
You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- 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
Career path and progression
You could become a senior technician and register with the Engineering Council to get EngTech status.
With further qualifications you could qualify as a materials engineer.
You could also move into purchasing, sales or management.
Guides for this industry
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