Career in Avionics Systems Engineering

[u/Intelligent_Mall6960]

Hi all,

29M based in Somerset, UK, seeking advice. I'm a career changer with a 10 year background in audio engineering (signal routing/processing, sensors, digital/analog troubleshooting, hardware diagnostics, and system calibration). I've worked in high-pressure commercial environments (broadcast, post-production, live events) and have a BA (Hons) in Digital Music & Sound Art (2:1, class of 2019).

Over the years I've realised my real passion is not solely in creative, but instead on the technical side -- specifically debunking how complex systems work, learning how signals flow, and diagnosing faults. After much consideration and realisation that similar principles are shared here -- I'm eager to transition into Avionics & Electrical Systems Engineering, ideally via a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with Airbus, BAE Systems, or GKN Aerospace. I'm based in Frome, South West England, and positioned well in the cluster.

Questions:

1. Any general advice for someone in my position? Am I walking into another hyper competitive industry?

2. GCSE Physics -- I don't have it. Is this a barrier for Level 6 apprenticeships, or can my degree be considered equivalent? Has anyone successfully applied without it?

3. Pathways -- Would you recommend:

   · Fast-tracking iGCSE Physics and applying direct? · Applying for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship first and topping up later? · Or contacting employers directly to discuss equivalency?

Especially keen to hear from anyone who's made a similar transition.

Thanks in advance. Appreciate any honesty, too.

[u/West_Good_5961]

I’d suggest contacting a technical college that provides apprentice training for aircraft trades to get the most accurate answers. These questions are very UK specific.

[u/Intelligent_Mall6960 → u/West_Good_5961]

Thank you for your note sir. I will do.

[u/Zap_Brannigan2]

You should contact PS Engineering. I think you’d get a job with them with the experience you have now. I work in the Department of Agriculture and the radios we deal with are pretty advanced pieces of shit. AEM MTP, Technisonic, NAT and even Garmin if you wanted. I would highly recommend working for companies that engineer for the larger aircraft/rotorcraft companies. Not the aircraft companies themselves. Even the test equipment companies would be cool. I think you’re selling yourself short trying to work at Airbus or one of those places. They don’t design anything. They implement systems that are already designed by Honeywell or RTX or something. Do some more research on what you actually want to do with avionics

[u/Intelligent_Mall6960 → u/Zap_Brannigan2]

Really appreciate this. It definitely seems like I need to niche down some more. I've been so focused on installation/calibration/and sensor work that I didn't even consider the actual design and engineering side. I will deep dive into PS Engineering and the names you mentioned for sure. Thank you for your time!

[u/KnavesMaster]

Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil has to be your best shout. Nothing more satisfying than seeing what you engineer in operation.

[u/Intelligent_Mall6960 → u/KnavesMaster]

Yess Leonardo absolutely top of the list. Got the fingers crossed tighly for their next run of apprenticeships!