Level 3
Composites Technician, Apprenticeship
Level 3
Composites Technician, Apprenticeship
Help shape the future of engineering with this specialist apprenticeship in advanced composite materials. You'll earn while you learn, developing the technical skills and industry experience needed to manufacture high-performance components used in sectors including aerospace, automotive, marine, renewable energy, and motorsport.
Course Overview
The Composites Technician Apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to build a career in one of the UK's fastest-growing engineering sectors. Composite materials are lightweight, incredibly strong, and increasingly replacing traditional metals in industries where performance and efficiency are essential. Throughout this apprenticeship, you will learn how these advanced materials are designed, manufactured, repaired, and tested while gaining valuable experience in a real engineering environment.
Combining paid employment with specialist technical training, you will develop both the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to manufacture high-quality composite components. Working alongside experienced engineers and technicians, you will gain confidence using industry-standard equipment, manufacturing techniques, and quality assurance processes.
Based at Weston College's South West Skills Campus, you will be taught by experienced engineering professionals with extensive industry knowledge. As a member of Weston College's Engineering Career Excellence Hub, you will benefit from employer networking opportunities, industry visits, guest speakers, and recruitment events, helping you build valuable professional connections throughout your apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship has been developed with employers to ensure you gain the skills needed to work within a rapidly evolving sector where innovation, precision, and technical expertise are highly valued.
What will I study?
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to manufacture and repair composite materials and components.
Topics include:
• Engineering drawings and technical interpretation • Composite material science • Manufacturing processes • Composite material preparation • Wet lay-up techniques • Resin infusion processes • Vacuum bagging techniques • Curing and finishing processes • Defect identification and quality inspection • Composite repair techniques • Engineering quality assurance • Health, safety, and environmental practices • Professional engineering behaviours
You will also gain experience using specialist equipment and manufacturing techniques while working on real engineering projects within your workplace.
How will I be assessed?
Before completing the End-Point Assessment, you will achieve:
• Level 3 engineering knowledge qualification • Work-based NVQ qualification
The End-Point Assessment includes:
• A work-based project report of at least 1,500 words • Professional discussion • Technical viva based on your project
You will also complete regular workplace reviews and practical assessments throughout the apprenticeship to monitor your progress and support your development.
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Paid employment while completing your qualification • Membership of Weston College's Engineering Career Excellence Hub • Access to industry-standard engineering facilities • Learning from experienced engineering professionals • Employer networking opportunities • Industry visits and technical masterclasses • Guest lectures from engineering specialists • Career planning and progression support
Composite materials are used across a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, renewable energy, rail, construction, and oil and gas, giving you the opportunity to develop highly transferable skills that are in demand across multiple sectors.
Entry Requirements
• A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and maths
OR
• A relevant Level 2 engineering or composites qualification
You must also:
• Be employed in a relevant engineering role • Be committed to completing both workplace and college-based learning
If you are not currently employed, Weston College can provide advice and support to help you find a suitable apprenticeship opportunity.
What can I do after this course?
Successful completion of this apprenticeship can lead to higher-level study or specialist engineering careers.
You could progress to:
• Higher-level engineering apprenticeships • Degree Apprenticeships • Engineering degrees • University Centre Weston engineering programmes, where appropriate • Engineering management and supervisory qualifications
Career opportunities include:
• Composites Technician • Composite Manufacturing Technician • Aerospace Manufacturing Technician • Marine Composites Technician • Automotive Composites Technician • Wind Turbine Blade Technician • Composite Repair Technician • Manufacturing Engineering Technician • Quality Technician • Production Engineer • Engineering Team Leader (with experience)
With further qualifications and industry experience, you could progress into specialist manufacturing, research and development, engineering management, or advanced technical engineering roles.
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.
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Full Fee: £0.00 ?
Supported Fee: £0.00
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