Materials technician
Materials technicians test how materials behave under different conditions to help develop new products and improve existing ones.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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.
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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
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
More Information
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
More Information
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.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in materials engineering from Discover Materials and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.