Do you want to become a Materials Technician? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
Print Page
Everything we use is made from materials - substances like metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers and rubber. The products they are used in can range from roads and buildings to aircraft, artificial hips and even sports equipment.
Materials technicians investigate the properties of materials to make sure that the products they are used in will be safe, reliable and efficient. They could be involved in testing anything from a motorway bridge to a tiny component for telecommunications equipment.
The work involves using specialist equipment like grinding machines, hardness testing machines and powerful microscopes.
Materials technicians collect data from their research, using computers to store and analyse it, and they produce written reports on their findings.
Materials technicians usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. They are based in offices but may also work in laboratories or in places like oil rigs or near motorways. Working conditions vary and may involve dirt, noise, cold, wet, heat and dust. It may be necessary to work in confined spaces or high places and bend, lift and carry. Safety clothing and equipment is used.
Salaries start from around £16,000, rising to over £30,000 for specialist technicians.
A materials technician should:
Materials technicians are employed by a wide range of organisations that manufacture products from raw materials - including transport, energy, sports equipment and medicine. Jobs are available all over the UK.
Many people enter this career through an Apprenticeship. Others enter with qualifications like Applied A levels, BTEC national certificates or diplomas, or Scottish group awards in subjects like engineering or materials engineering. Adult entry is possible with relevant work experience and qualifications.
Apprentices work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 3 as well as studying for a qualification like a BTEC national certificate or diploma, an SQA national certificate group award or City & Guilds certificate. Some technicians go on to work towards relevant degrees.
Promotion is to senior technician. Materials technicians with degrees could progress to become a materials scientist or materials engineer. Some move into purchasing, sales or management.
Do you know of a useful and relevant website that would be helpful to our users? Tell us about it by emailing 
