Materials technician

You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• materials engineering
• materials science or technology
• applied chemistry
• applied physics

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, including a science

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need for this job. Courses include:

• laboratory technical skills
• engineering
• physics or chemistry
• applied science
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Operator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Non-destructive Technologies Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Composites Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Polymer Processing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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 like applied science.

Career Tips

Materials technicians work in lots of different industries.

For example, in telecommunications, you might be part of a research and development team, investigating how rare earth elements could enhance smartphone features, such as touchscreens, semiconductors and polarising camera lenses.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in materials science and engineering from:

• Discover Materials
• Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
• This is Engineering

As a materials technician, you could:

• test the strength and flexibility of materials under different conditions
• investigate the chemical makeup and structure of materials at a microscopic level
• analyse the effects of combining different materials
• 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
• check the quality of manufactured products
• analyse test results, and write and present reports

You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.