Materials technicians work in engineering, science, construction and manufacturing, investigating the behaviour of materials under different test conditions. Industry uses the results to improve the performance of existing products; to eliminate faults with materials currently in use; and to drive the development of new products.

Technicians work with a wide range of synthetic and naturally occurring materials, which includes:

• metals
• alloys
• polymers
• ceramics
• composites.

They work in areas where the performance of materials is vital to the durability and safety of a structure or product. Some of these are listed below:

• aerospace and aeronautical engineering
• oil rigs, pipelines and refineries
• manufacturing and chemical processing industries
• roads, rail, buildings and bridges
• medical instruments and equipment
• sports equipment, furniture and household appliances.

Materials technicians use a variety of investigative techniques including non-destructive testing (NDT). They look at many factors, for instance, a material's strength and flexibility under stress; but they also test characteristics such as chemical composition, electromagnetic properties and the behaviour of materials on a molecular level. Technicians also run tests to look at cost, reliability and environmental impact of materials. For more detailed information about NDT methods, see the profile for Non-Destructive Testing Technician.

As well as improving the performance of existing materials, technicians' work also helps open up new areas of product research, such as nanotechnology and biomaterials; for example, the development of molecular-scale computers for use in medical implants.

Materials technicians work closely with materials engineers and scientists and must have knowledge covering a variety of engineering disciplines. Many are qualified in mechanical, electrical, electronic or civil engineering. See the profiles for technician roles in these fields and also Materials Engineer.

Hours and Environment

Materials technicians work 37 to 40 hours a week. Overtime may be available.

Technicians work in offices, laboratories or manufacturing environments, depending on their duties. Some travel may also be involved.

Skills and Interests

To be a materials technician, you should:

• have an aptitude for science
• have good analytical skills and able to devise innovative solutions to problems
• have good numeracy skills
• be computer literate
• understand engineering drawings and principles
• understand the qualities of materials under different conditions
• understand current manufacturing processes and construction methods
• be a good team worker, but with a degree of initiative
• have normal colour vision.

Entry

You may be able to gain a trainee technician post with four or five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including maths, English and a science subject. Some employers may require one or two A levels/highers or equivalent qualifications like the BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Applied Science.

A common route for young people is to train as a technician apprentice. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24. You will need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths and science or technology, or equivalent.

There are higher level qualifications including foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs and degrees in materials science and engineering open to all age groups. These are offered by colleges and universities throughout the country.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward

To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM 3) website has careers information, as well as a list of institutions around the country offering relevant training for this role. See their website below.

For information generally about engineering as a career, see SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering websites in Further Information. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their website in Further Information.

Training

There is a large variety of work-based training awards available, covering the engineering, science and manufacturing fields. The more theoretical aspects of training are often studied by day or block release at a local college. Your employer will determine the precise qualification you take. Some examples include:

• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Polymer Processing and Materials Technology
• NVQ/SVQ Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2
• NVQ/SVQ Metal Processing and Allied Operations levels 2 and 3
• NVQ/SVQ Engineering Technical Support Level 3
• NVQ/SVQ Non Destructive Testing Level 3.

The IOM 3 offers a series of qualifications through their Training Academy. These are modular programmes covering various aspects of materials science, including:

• metals processing in manufacture
• design and materials selection
• economics and costing
• metals and alloys
• testing, quality and performance.

Many of these are available by distance learning. Contact the IOM 3 for more details.

For professional development, suitably qualified/experienced technicians could consider registering with the Engineering Council to attain EngTech status. For more details, see the EngTech and IOM 3 websites in Further Information.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Opportunities are good for skilled technicians and there is a regular demand for technical staff in all sectors.

It is possible to progress to senior technician or move into purchasing, sales and management. There may be roles available with engineering consultancies, providing materials testing services for clients. With further training, technicians can qualify to engineer level. See the profile for Materials Engineer.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £14,000 and £17,000 a year.
Experienced technicians earn between £18,000 and £25,000 a year.
Salaries of specialist technicians can go up to £30,000 a year.

Further information

Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878 6th Floor
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
Tel: 020 7557 6426 14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167 1 Carlton House Terrace
London
SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300