Aviation Maintenance (Competence) (4608)

Last Updated: 14 Dec 2023

Product code 4608

The qualification within this suite is included in the Engineering Technician apprenticeship standard. The apprenticeship is for Engineering Technicians in the Aerospace and Aviation, Maritime Defence and wider Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Sector. The qualifications within the 4608 suite relates to the following occupation:

• Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/ Technician (Fixed and Rotary Wing)

4608-50 Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Military Foundation Competence)

The 4608-50 Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Military Foundation Competence) is for learners who are interested in developing the specific skills and competency for people who want to work in the Aerospace and Aviation sector within the Military.

There is no Level 2 Foundation Knowledge qualification requirement for this occupation.

In addition, 4608-50 sits within the Survival Equipment Fitter (Military) apprenticeship standard.

This Level 2 qualification is aimed at learners aged 16-18, 19+.

4608-30, Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) & 4608-60, Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) - Military.

The 4608-30, Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) and 4608-60, Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) – Military offers progression from Level 2 and is for learners who are interested in developing the specific skills and competency for people who want to work in the Aerospace and Aviation sector within the Military.

It is a competence qualification which will be undertaken in the development phase (second year) of the apprenticeship. This qualification will be taken in conjunction with the Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance (Military) (4708) qualification. Although a competence based qualification the assessment would take place ‘off the job’ in a College or Training environment in the development phase (second year) of the apprenticeship.

This Level 3 qualification is aimed at learners aged 16-18, 19+. To deliver these qualifications, centres will need to provide their learners with a suitable learning environment and the resources they need to complete the practical aspects of the qualification.

4608-40 Level 4 Aerospace and Aviation (Development Competence)

This is the mandated competence qualification within the Aircraft maintenance certifying engineer apprenticeship standard.

The overview of the job role is:
Maintaining and certifying a range of civil and military aircraft - from small aeroplanes and passenger airliners to jet fighters and helicopters. An Aircraft Maintenance Certifying Engineer works on maintaining and certifying aircraft of all types from small aeroplanes to airliners, jet fighters and helicopters, both civil and military. They should have a comprehensive knowledge of aircraft systems, carry out approved maintenance processes to maintain and certify the airworthiness of the aircraft. It involves highly skilled, complex and specialist work, maintaining aircraft systems according to approved data and work instructions, using relevant hand tools and equipment. They must comply with civil and or military regulatory and organisational requirements. They must be able to research data sources, ensuring that on completion of a task all aircraft documentation is accurately completed and certified. They must work both individually and as part of a larger team, including carrying out supervisory duties and oversight of work completed. They will demonstrate their ability to identify and resolve problems using the approved data, processes and understand the limits of their authority/approval. They will understand how and why Standard Operating Procedures are produced for maintaining aircraft and the importance of using them.  An Aircraft Maintenance Licence will be required to carry out this role.

Typical Job titles:

Aircraft Maintenance, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Aircraft Certifying Engineer, Aircraft Engineer and Fixed and Rotary Wing
After a period of foundation skills and technical knowledge development within a protected environment/or under close supervision in the workplace or area, all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications:

Level 2 Aerospace and Aviation (Foundation Competence) 4605-02

After a further period of skills and technical knowledge development all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications/certification (working titles - currently in development). 

• Level 4 Aerospace and Aviation (Development Competence) – 4608-40

plus

• Certification against the EASA part 66 modules – B Licence

All of the qualification/certification requirements in the foundation and development phases are mandatory outcomes for the completion and final certification of the Apprenticeship Standard. Each qualification has a core and options approach and employers will select the most applicable pathway and unit options to meet their business requirements.

On-programme

Learners interested in the Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (Military Foundation Competence) will study the following:

Compulsory topics include:

• Complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements
• Working efficiently and effectively in an engineering environment
• Using and communicating technical information

Learners will also be able to choose additional optional topics, including:

• Military aircraft flight servicing
• Servicing Night Vision Goggle (NVG) assemblies
• Military Aircraft Electrical Wiring and Interconnection Systems (EWIS) husbandry
• Basic thought finding techniques for military avionic systems
• Diagnosis, rectification and testing of military avionic equipment

End-point assessment

End-Point Assessment (EPA) is through a nominated Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) or Military Independent Assessment Authority (MIAA).

How to register

Interested in using our high-quality on-programme materials or end-point assessment service? There are three ways to either find out more or to order what you need:
1. If you’re an existing City & Guilds customer, go to Walled Garden and select the materials you need or register your apprentice for end-point assessment. (You may need to submit a request to deliver a standard if you don’t yet have approval for that.)
2. Get in touch with directsales@cityandguilds.com. Our Direct Sales Team can explain our different products and services and start getting you set up as a customer or give existing customers support on the new apprenticeship arrangements.
3. Speak to your City & Guilds Business Manager about how to access our products or how to register your apprentices with us.

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of apprenticeship.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to WalledGarden.com and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this apprenticeship?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form