Emma, Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Learn all about...

What I do

I work overnight at an airport, maintaining and servicing easyJet aircraft to ensure they are ready to operate safely the following morning.

The work is crucial, as all required maintenance must be completed and accurately documented, in order for aircraft to fly.

My role involves carrying out walk-around inspections of each aircraft, checking its overall condition, topping up items such as engine oil and tyre pressure, and completing scheduled checks on components including the landing gear.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician Emma, wearing a hi-vis vest, shining a torch into an aircraft's jet engine, at night.

How I became a technician

Engineering wasn't an obvious choice for me at school. My GCSE options included dance, German, graphic design, business and communications.

By the time I chose my A-levels, I had an idea that I might want to study engineering, so I took maths and chemistry, but I kept graphic design as a backup.

How I became a technician

Around the time I was studying for my GCSEs, I became really interested in Formula One. I made sure I was free on Sundays to watch the races and liked the idea of working hands-on with the cars while travelling with a team.

After my A-levels, I attended the National College of Motorsport and completed a Level 3 pre-apprenticeship course.

How I became a technician

My course taught me how to use tools, change components and work safely with different materials and chemicals.

I had also deferred a place at university, so afterwards I started a mechanical engineering degree. Halfway through my first year, though, I knew it wasn't for me.

How I became a technician

When my dad sent me details of the easyJet aircraft maintenance apprenticeship, I applied and was delighted to be offered one of just 19 places.

I didn't think twice about switching because the apprenticeship offered the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards a qualification.

How I became a technician

The apprenticeship began with classroom-based theory and exams, before I trained on decommissioned aircraft at the training provider's hangar.

After that, I spent the remainder of my apprenticeship working on live aircraft.

Want to explore the world of technicians?

Meet more technicians to find out what they do and the path they took to become a technician.

Meet the technicians

A typical day in my working life

I work on aircraft overnight, after they have completed their final flights of the day. I ensure they are ready to return to service safely the following morning.

My shift starts at 8:45pm. Because I work airside (the secure part of the airport where the aircraft are), I first need to go through airport security before heading to the office.

Once there, I check our maintenance software to see which tasks are due on each aircraft.

A typical day in my working life

We then load our vans with all the tools, equipment and supplies we'll need for the aircraft we've been assigned.

I usually start inspecting my first aircraft at around 10:30pm.

We have six easyJet aircraft based at the airport overnight, and the team works its way through each one, dividing the aircraft and maintenance tasks between us.

A typical day in my working life

Every aircraft receives an end-of-day service. This involves carrying out a walk-around inspection to check its overall condition, as well as items such as engine oil levels and tyre pressure.

Every week, aircraft also undergo more in-depth maintenance checks. We inspect key systems, including the landing gear, and carry out any servicing needed to keep the aircraft operating safely and efficiently.

A typical day in my working life

Once the inspections and maintenance tasks are complete, we return to the office, unload the vans and complete the paperwork to record all the work that has been carried out. Safety is always easyJet’s highest priority.

Could you be a technician?

There are 100s of technician roles out there. Take the quiz to find the perfect role for you.

Take the quiz

Aircraft Maintenance Technician Emma, wearing a hi-vis vest, gloves, and a headtorch, kneeling next to an aircraft's tyre at night, adjusting it using tools.

What I love about my job

I love being up close to the aircraft. I travelled a lot as a child, so it feels like things have come full circle now that I get to work on aircraft every day.

I also love airports at night. There is a real sense of freedom – it’s fascinating to see the aircraft up close and to understand how they operate behind the scenes.

I’m not a huge plane spotter, but I do love seeing some of the really big aircraft. Being able to stand underneath one and think, “This is incredible,” never gets old.

It’s a reminder of the scale of modern aviation and the role we play in keeping aircraft flying safely.

The skills I use most

Safety and attention to detail are crucial in my role. Strong problem solving and decision making skills are also essential.

When I identify an issue, I need to assess what action is required and resolve it efficiently while following the correct procedures.

I get to see parts of an aircraft that most passengers never do. Having that kind of access is still one of the most interesting parts of the job.

Do your research and find the apprenticeship that works for you, not just the first one you see. Check what support the employer provides and how the whole programme works.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

I work in a relatively small team, and one of the things I've enjoyed most is the people. I've been surprised by how quickly I've built good relationships with colleagues across the airport, from fellow engineers to cabin crew, cleaners and catering teams.

It really is the people who make the job. Knowing I'm coming into work alongside a supportive team and seeing familiar faces every shift makes a big difference.

My favourite piece of equipment

My favourite tool is probably a socket and ratchet. The socket fits over a nut or bolt, and the ratchet lets me keep turning it without taking the tool off each time.

I use tools like this during maintenance jobs, and this one is simple but makes undoing or tightening things much quicker and easier.

What I like to do in my spare time

I do quite a lot of crafting, which probably fits with enjoying hands-on work and using my hands to make things.

I also like going to the gym and doing classes because it gives me time to unwind. And I collect Pokémon, so my spare time is a bit of a mix.

My school days

One thing that definitely hasn’t changed since school is that I’m not a morning person.

Fortunately, that works in my favour now, as I genuinely enjoy working night shifts and can’t imagine myself in a typical nine-to-five job.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

One of my proudest moments was being shortlisted for a Women in STEM award at my local Apprenticeship Awards. There were three finalists and we each received a plaque.

I still don't know who put my name forward, which made getting the email even more surprising. It was just really cool to be recognised.

A surprising fact about my job

I get to see parts of an aircraft that most passengers never do. When panels are opened for maintenance, I can look underneath and see the systems and components hidden inside.

Even though I'm around aircraft every shift, having that kind of access is still one of the most interesting parts of the job.

The next steps in my career journey

After I finish my apprenticeship, I plan to apply to the UK Civil Aviation Authority for my A Licence, which will allow me to sign off certain maintenance tasks independently and progress to the next level in my career.

Longer term, I hope to gain my B Licence, which would enable me to certify a wider range of maintenance work and take on greater responsibility.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Do your research and find the apprenticeship that works for you, not just the first one you see. Location and accommodation can make a huge difference, especially if you're moving across the country.

Check what support the employer provides and how the whole programme works. In my apprenticeship, accommodation was included for the first year, which is exactly the kind of practical detail worth checking.