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Free BTEC Level 3 Aeronautical Engineering Course in Stansted

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Aeronautical Engineering Course in Stansted. Classes run at Stansted Airport College, full-time over two years, with a minimum of three days a week. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. Additional costs of around £100 a year cover educational visits, textbooks, and guest speakers. You will build engineering knowledge and develop practical hand skills across units including aircraft flight principles, airframe mechanical systems, and electronic devices and circuits. At least 30 hours of work experience with employers is a required part of the programme.

Who this course is for

Talented engineers, technicians and managers are vital to the future success of the engineering and aeronautical industries. This course will give you a solid knowledge base as well as supporting you to develop essential hand skills that will enable you to progress into roles such as an aircraft maintenance technician or aircraft fitter. You could also progress to an apprenticeship or onto a higher level of study.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs grades 4-9 to include English and Maths at grade 5 or completion of L2 pre-apprenticeship and 5 GCSEs grades 4-9 to include English and Maths. Subject to interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll study engineering principles and how they apply to aeronautical systems.
  • You'll learn aircraft flight principles and how aircraft operate in practice.
  • You'll develop skills in airframe mechanical systems and aircraft electrical and instrument systems.
  • You'll work with microcontroller systems and electronic devices and circuits.
  • You'll apply calculus to solve engineering problems.
  • You'll carry out aircraft first line maintenance operations.
  • You'll complete a specialist engineering project to demonstrate your skills.
  • You'll gain real workplace experience through a minimum of 30 hours with an employer.

How you will learn

The course is delivered in the classroom across eight mandatory units and up to ten optional units. Assessment is through a combination of assignments, projects, and practical tasks. Your specialist engineering project is a key assessed piece of work. Employer engagement is a mandatory element, so you will also complete at least 30 hours of work experience as part of your programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Stansted Airport College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Budget around £100 a year for educational visits, textbooks, and guest speakers.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Aircraft maintenance technician. Inspect and service aircraft to keep them airworthy.
  • Aircraft fitter. Assemble and fit mechanical components on aircraft.
  • Aeronautical engineering technician. Support engineers on design and maintenance projects.
  • Avionics technician. Work on aircraft electrical and instrument systems.
  • Ground support engineer. Maintain aircraft and equipment on the ground.
  • Engineering apprentice. Earn while you train at a higher level in the industry.

What you could study next

A higher apprenticeship as a licensed aircraft engineer is a strong next step, building directly on the skills and knowledge from this level 3 btec aeronautical engineering qualification. You could also progress to a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering, or apply for a degree in aerospace engineering at university. Some learners move into a degree apprenticeship, combining higher-level study with paid work in the sector.

Apply on stanstedairportcollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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