Flight director

To work in this role, you'd need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as aerospace engineering. Other engineering subjects, maths and physics are also useful.

If you're not quite ready for university, consider an apprenticeship or college first. You can gain skills, experience and a qualification that could lead on to a degree course. 

Apprenticeship

You can start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship. While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.

Have a look at this Engineering apprenticeship on Apprenticeships.scot. It could set you up for further study or to get into a job where you can develop your skills.

If you’re 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a role where you can build experience.

Check out this Engineering Modern Apprenticeship.

You could also earn a degree level qualification through a Graduate Apprenticeship. Check out this course:  

• Engineering: Design and Manufacture

College

There are many subjects where you can learn useful practices. Some cover engineering from a general perspective and others offer more specialised knowledge. You could study:

• aircraft engineering

• civil engineering

• electrical engineering

• engineering

• engineering systems

• mechanical engineering

Entry requirements will depend on the subject and the level you're studying. For HNC or HND courses, you'll likely need 1 or 2 Scottish Highers at Grade C. Courses value school qualifications in maths or physics.

Search for courses relevant to this role.

University

Degrees in aerospace engineering are particularly valuable. Some subjects you could study include:   

• aerospace systems  

• aircraft engineering  

• civil engineering 

• computer science 

• electrical engineering   

• engineering   

• mathematics 

• mechanical engineering 

• physics

The qualifications you need for degree courses will depend on the subject. You'd likely need either:

• an HNC or HND in a relevant subject

• 4 Highers at BBBB or above

Courses value qualifications in maths, science and technology subjects.

Search for relevant undergraduate courses.

Having experience in leadership roles and knowledge of risk management is important.

Competition for jobs in the space sector is very high. Check out the Space Placements in INdustry scheme (SPIN). It offers placements each year to students considering working in the sector.

You’ll need a lot of experience working in the space industry, particularly in mission control centres. Many flight directors have worked as ground controllers on space missions.

You'd do further training while working for a space agency to prepare for this role. This would include areas like:

• operational leadership 

• risk management 

• flight control 

• spacecraft systems

Before you start work, you'd need to pass background checks and a physical examination.