A Munitions Explosives Technician specialises in the use of explosives in a range of settings - from fireworks to mining
Ordnance munitions explosives (OME) are used in many industries, including mining and quarrying, pyrotechnics (e.g. fireworks), and within the film industry for special effects. They are not unique to the Armed Forces.
All OME have their own features and are designed to behave in a predictable, controlled way. That’s so the people using them know what the explosive’s impact will be. You could be the technician that makes sure ordnance munitions explosives are fit for purpose and behave as expected.
Your career opportunities will depend on the industry you choose. For example, if you join the Armed Forces as an OME technician, there will be a structured career path rising through the ranks.
In mining and quarrying, you may become a team leader, designing the strategies for how OME are used. If you choose the film industry, you could become a freelancer who moves between different film sets, advising on OME and their safe use.
There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.
But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:
Options available after GCSEs:
More options available after that:
Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.
You’ll become an expert in explosives compositions and devices with the skill to advise others on the OME they’re using. You could work in the defence industry, testing, researching and developing new products. Or you could put your skills to use for entertainment, being a technician that helps to deliver a complex firework display or a special effect for an action movie.
This role can also be known by some other job titles including:
Ammunition Technician
OME Manufacturing Technician
Pyrotechnics Technician
Shot Firer
Special Effects Technician
Trials and Research Technician
Weapons Technician
Storage and Transport Coordinator
