Skills Bootcamp – Introduction to Aircraft Engineering

This Skills Bootcamp provides the opportunity for those with experience in the automotive sector specifically vehicle maintenance both light and heavy and vehicle paint to upskill; and begin the journey into a career within an aircraft maintenance hangar. Time served experience would be considered, ideally applicants should hold a Level 3 automotive qualification.  

Applicants with engineering maintenance experience and qualification would also be considered. 

This Skills Bootcamp is delivered in partnership with Exeter Aerospace who are based on Exeter International Airport. On completion of the programme, you will be guaranteed a job interview with Exeter Aerospace or another aircraft maintenance facility.

The Skills Bootcamp will cover three specific modules those entering a Maintenance Repair Organisation (MRO) within a maintenance environment will need:

1. Regulation and compliance for working in an MRO environment.
2. Human Factors – This is one of the initial modules covered as part of a Civil Aviation Authority licence.
3. Transferable skills, the transition from the automotive sector to the aviation sector.

For more information please contact one of our Advisers:

Email: skillsbootcamps@exe-coll.ac.uk

Call: 01392 400800

Applicants for this course need to be:

• Employed or self-employed within the automotive sector or currently unemployed but must have worked in the automotive sector and can demonstrate a wealth of experience 

To apply you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Must hold a level 3 automotive or engineering maintenance qualification
• You were aged 19 on or before 31st August 2026
• You have the right to work in the UK.
• English skills including written/spoken required with Level 1 being the minimum.
• You have not completed another Skills Bootcamp in this current financial year.
• You are committed to participating in delivery sessions for 10 weeks.
• This course is open to aged 19+ residents of Devon only who have a right to work in the UK.
• You must be located within Devon, Torbay or Plymouth

All applicants will be assessed at interview.

To support your success, all learners on the Introduction to Aircraft Engineering Bootcamp are expected to achieve key milestones. These are tailored to your employment status but ensure measurable progress for everyone.

For Unemployed Learners or Career Changers

• Milestone 1: Attendance Maintain consistent attendance and engagement throughout the course
• Milestone 2: Job Interview Secure a job interview during the course, supported by our dedicated mentor and careers team
• Milestone 3: Employment Outcome Gain employment within 6 months of completing the course

For Self-Employed Learners

• Milestone 1: Attendance Commit to attending and actively participating in all sessions
• Milestone 2: Business Action Plan Develop a clear and structured business action plan aligned to your goals
• Milestone 3: Implementation and Growth Implement your plan and provide evidence of business growth within 6 months of completing the course

For Employed Learners

• Milestone 1: Attendance Engage fully with the course and complete all required learning
• Milestone 2: Employer Development Plan Employer provides a declaration outlining your new or enhanced role, responsibilities, or duties
• Milestone 3: Demonstrated Impact Employer provides a follow-up declaration showing the impact of your new role or responsibilities within 6 months

Our Commitment to You

• Dedicated mentor and career support throughout your learning journey
• Practical outcomes focused on real career progression or business growth
• Ongoing support to help you achieve your goals beyond the course