To become an aircraft engineer, some formal pre-employment training, such as a National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Level 3), is recommended. However, some employers will hire staff without qualifications and provide on-the-job training, as well as helping staff to gain qualifications during their employment. 

All aircraft engineers must work under the supervision of Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs). LAMEs have to pass a separate series of exams set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and be approved as a fit and proper person by the director of CAA.

Three years of secondary education in English, maths and science, is needed to enter tertiary training. However, Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent in maths, English and physics is preferred by most employers.

It is possible for some school students to get aviation workplace experience by signing up to the Gateway programme at their schools.

Not all aircraft engineers have to be licensed, but CAA requires all engineering and maintenance work carried out on aircraft to be done under the supervision of a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME).

To become licensed, you must satisfy CAA you have sufficient skills, knowledge and experience to work on particular types of aircraft. This involves:

• paying fees
• sitting a series of exams
• being approved as a fit and proper person by the director of CAA
• undergoing a medical examination. 

CAA has delegated Aviation Services Limited to assess the knowledge, skills and experience of aircraft engineers who want to be licensed.

Previous experience in mechanics, panelbeating, or working with sheet metal is useful for aircraft engineers. It may also be useful to have a heavy vehicle driver's licence.