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Engineering and manufacturingLevel 3OCC1313A · ST1313

Aerospace engineering technician - aerospace fitting technician

Quality improvement and project control technician · Technical · Engineering, manufacturing, process and control

The official framework — 85 requirements.

Every Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour below is the verbatim regulatory text of the Aerospace engineering technician apprenticeship standard (v1.1). On EngTree, each one becomes a node — verified knowledge entries, training modules and End-Point Assessment evidence all map back to it. This standard has options — requirements marked with an option name apply to that pathway only.

Knowledge (46)

What the apprentice must understand

  • K10

    Awareness of health and safety regulations, standards and guidance: Health and Safety at Work Act. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Risk assessments. Manual handling. Types of hazards. Near miss reporting. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Working in confined spaces. Working at height. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).

    aerospace fitting technician
  • K11

    Safe systems of working: situational awareness. Isolation and emergency stop procedures. Emergency evacuation procedures. Slips, trips and falls. Safety equipment: guards, signage, fire extinguishers. Lone working. Noise regulation. Display screen equipment (DSE).

    aerospace fitting technician
  • K18

    Environmental and sustainability regulations and guidance: types of pollution and control measures: noise, smells, spills, and waste. Waste management. Hazardous waste regulations. Re-cyclable materials and waste disposal. Environmental management systems including energy and waste.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • K36

    Fitter option: Tools, jigs and fixtures for aerospace engineering assemblies and sub-assemblies.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • K37

    Fitter option: Specialist aviation mechanical fasteners, joining techniques, riveting, fastener installation, tightening processes and electrical connections for aerospace engineering assemblies and sub-assemblies.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • K38

    Fitter option: Mechanical and electrical measuring equipment. Purpose and use in production of assemblies and sub-assemblies, including torque measurement, electrical continuity.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • K39

    Fitter option: Inspection and testing methods of completed assemblies and sub-assemblies.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • K40

    Fitter option: Automated manufacturing machinery. Setting up of machinery, programme validation and operation for production of assemblies and sub-assemblies.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • K41

    Machinist option: Computer aided design (CAD) and Computer aided manufacturing (CAM): Tools and techniques.

    aerospace machining technician
  • K42

    Machinist option: Machine and operator safety mechanisms.

    aerospace machining technician
  • K43

    Machinist option: Tooling and work-holding devices. Purpose and operation of devices for carrying out machining tasks.

    aerospace machining technician
  • K44

    Machinist option: CNC programming, verifying and proving CNC programmes.

    aerospace machining technician
  • K45

    Machinist option: Engineering machinery, and machining processes tools and equipment. Milling, turning, grinding, electro discharge machine (EDM), gear cutting, drilling.

    aerospace machining technician
  • K46

    Machinist option: Machining operations and techniques to produce components.

    aerospace machining technician
  • K4

    Principles of digital devices, application of digital technologies and information systems: future factory, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), automation, connected technologies, cyber security, industry and autonomous robotics – cobotics, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • K31

    Technical support option: Product and process models. Realtime data capture, information flow and collaborative interrogation.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • K32

    Technical support option: Statistical methods and tools in data sharing and communication with blockchain to assure origins of shared data.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • K33

    Technical support option: Planning engineering activities techniques: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, work organisation, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • K34

    Technical support option: Statistical data analysis, observational patterns and trends, conclusions.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • K35

    Technical support option: Technical report writing, representations, drawings and documentation.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • K1

    Problem solving techniques: diagnostics, 6 thinking hats, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control), PDCA (Plan Do Check Act), 5 Why's, fishbone, half-split, practical problem solving (PPS), root cause analysis (RCA) and process failure effect mode analysis (PFEMA).

  • 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, Over-processing, Defects), 5C's (Clear out, Configure, Clean and check, Conformity, Custom and practice), SMED (Single-minute Exchange of Dies), Kaizen.

  • K5

    Regulatory compliance frameworks: rules for compliance for parts, products and appliances. Technical management of non-conforming items.

  • K6

    Aerospace manufacturing systems: measurement equipment, production flow lines and process requirements for the introduction of new technologies.

  • K7

    Processes and procedures for recording aerospace engineering and manufacturing activities: work process, outcomes, traceability and compliance.

  • K8

    Team working principles: team integration, conflict resolution and managing difficult conversations.

  • K9

    Housekeeping practices: preparation of work area and restoration on completion of work.

  • K12

    Quality management systems: BS9001 and AS9100.

  • K13

    Human factors: influence on decision making process.

  • K14

    Manufacturing related documentation: job cards or build records, Bill of Materials (BOM), Standard Operating Instructions (SOI's), Standard Process Instructions (SPI's), Engineering Query Notifications (EQN's) and Drawing Query Notifications (DQN's).

  • K15

    Aviation metallic and composite materials: composite component materials used in manufacture and hot and cold bonding techniques. Metallic materials, properties, and applications.

  • K16

    Aviation sector systems: electrical, high and low pressure systems, control and operation and fluid systems.

  • K17

    Non-destructive testing techniques: radiography, ultrasound, penetrant flaw detection and pressure testing.

  • K19

    Engineering mathematical methods and scientific principles: calculations, conversions.

  • K20

    Information technology: Management Information Systems (MIS), spreadsheets, presentation, word processing, email, virtual communication and learning platforms. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

  • K21

    Verbal communication techniques: giving and receiving information. Adapting style to audience. Barriers in communication and how to overcome them.

  • K22

    Written communication techniques: aerospace engineering terminology. Report writing.

  • K23

    Data management: policies and procedures and governance. Implication of breaches to policies and procedures.

  • K24

    Principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

  • K25

    Emerging power sources: electrification, hydrogen-based propulsion, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

  • K26

    Integrated digital and physical models: digital twinning.

  • K27

    Virtual verification and validation of manufacturing processes or technology implementations.

  • K28

    Fundamental principles of technical support: status reports to internal and external stakeholders. Inspection, testing, validation and analysis of aerospace components. Written reports on engineering, manufacturing or maintenance activities. Technical documentation and information from Computer aided design (CAD), Computer aided manufacturing (CAM), engineering drawings and representations.

  • K29

    Fundamental principles of aerospace engineering fitter: purpose and operation of tools and equipment, setting machinery, jigs and fixtures, marking out, validation of automated manufacturing programmes, automated production operations, production of aerospace assemblies and sub-assemblies.

  • K30

    Fundamental principles of machining: setting machine operations, program validation and operation of CNC machinery, component production. Subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing and Near-Net-Shape manufacturing techniques (NNS).

Skills (33)

What the apprentice must be able to do

  • S19

    Fitter option: Maintain the work area prior to, during, and on completion of the activity. Restore work area and return resources and consumables on completion.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • S20

    Fitter options: Select, check and use tools, jigs and marking out equipment for aerospace production activities.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • S21

    Fitter options: Assemble, position and fix mechanical fasteners or electrical connections.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • S22

    Fitter options: Select and use measuring equipment. For example, digital micrometers, callipers, go and no-go gauges, torque measuring equipment, electrical continuity measuring equipment.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • S23

    Fitter options: Produce aerospace assemblies in accordance with specified manufacturing instructions.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • S24

    Fitter options: Inspect completed aerospace assemblies in line with specified manufacturing tolerances.

    aerospace fitting technician
  • S25

    Machinist option: Interpret information from Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD, CAM) software.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S26

    Machinist options: Maintain the machining work area prior to, during and on completion of the activity. Restore area and return resources and consumables on completion.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S27

    Machinist option: Inspect condition and operation of all safety mechanisms. For example, interlocks.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S28

    Machinist option: Select and validate CNC Programmes.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S29

    Machinist option: Mount and set work-holding devices, work piece and cutting tools.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S30

    Machinist option: Select machine type and prepare tooling for machining operations.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S31

    Machinist option: Set the machine tool operating parameters to component specification.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S32

    Machinist option: Perform machining operations.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S33

    Machinist option: Inspect completed aerospace components in line with specified manufacturing tolerances.

    aerospace machining technician
  • S16

    Technical support option: Organise and plan technical engineering activities.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • S17

    Technical support option: Apply statistical methods analysis to generate reports. For example, parts per million (PPM), quality adherence.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • S18

    Technical support option: Produce technical information. For example, technical reports on engineering, manufacturing or maintenance activities.

    aerospace technical support technician
  • S1

    Resolve engineering or manufacturing engineering problems utilising problem-solving techniques. For example, practical problem solving (PPS), root cause analysis (RCA), advanced product quality planning (APQP), and process failure effect mode analysis (PFEMA).

  • S2

    Review and select technical information from multiple sources. For example, dimensional requirements, tolerances, surface finishes and operational sequences using drawings, measurement and production output statistical data.

  • S3

    Read and interpret information. For example, text, data, design drawings, engineering drawings, job cards, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals.

  • 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 where appropriate.

  • S6

    Apply safe systems of work. For example, risk assessments, safe working practises for machinery, equipment, and tools in workplace environments.

  • S7

    Apply team working principles. For example, contribute to team meetings. Identify and report on work progress, issues or concerns.

  • S8

    Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.

  • S9

    Apply health and safety procedures, safe working practises in compliance with regulations and standards.

  • S10

    Apply environmental and sustainability procedures in compliance with regulations and standards. For example, segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.

  • S11

    Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.

  • S12

    Follow manufacturers’ instructions and procedures.

  • S13

    Provide information on work process and outcomes to colleagues and stakeholders.

  • S14

    Use information technology prioritising data protection and cyber security. Comply with GDPR. For example, digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication and collaboration.

  • S15

    Use science and engineering principles to solve engineering problems. For example, solve engineering problems using calculus, statistics, probability, needs analysis and systems engineering.

Behaviours (6)

How the apprentice must conduct themselves

  • B1

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

    aerospace fitting technician; aerospace machining technician; aerospace technical support technician
  • B2

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

    aerospace fitting technician; aerospace machining technician; aerospace technical support technician
  • B3

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

    aerospace fitting technician; aerospace machining technician; aerospace technical support technician
  • B4

    Take personal responsibility for their own work.

    aerospace fitting technician; aerospace machining technician; aerospace technical support technician
  • B5

    Respond and adapt to work demands.

    aerospace fitting technician; aerospace machining technician; aerospace technical support technician
  • B6

    Team-focus to meet work goals.

    aerospace fitting technician; aerospace machining technician; aerospace technical support technician

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