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Astronaut apprenticeships

Science and research

Astronaut apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this career by:

  • applying directly


    • Direct Application

    You can apply for astronaut training with the European Astronaut Corps or with NASA. You need to be between 27 and 37 years old and able to speak English fluently. It'll be helpful if you can speak basic Russian because it's used along with English on the International Space Station. You'll have an advantage if you're a pilot with at least 1,000 hours of flying experience in a high performance aircraft like a fighter jet. 


    You'll also need a degree and a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject like: 

    • biology, chemistry or physics
    • engineering 
    • medicine 
    • aeronautics
    • mathematics 
    You must hold US citizenship or US dual-citizenship to become an astronaut with NASA. There's only a small number of astronaut training places available when recruitment occurs, and there's a lot of competition for them. Candidates also undergo rigorous physical and psychological testing so you will need to maintain excellent health and endurance.


    Astronaut apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions 
    • the ability to operate and control equipment
    • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • leadership skills 
    • observation and recording skills
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • thinking and reasoning skills 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass a medical check and have a good level of fitness.

    Astronaut apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You could: 

    • clean and test air filters and air quality 
    • repair, maintain and test oxygen production systems 
    • clean and maintain water systems and testing for bacterial growth 
    • package and dispose of waste 
    • replace worn or broken parts on the spacecraft 
    • install or repair scientific instruments and equipment 
    • set up, carry out and monitor experiments 
    • take samples, like blood, from astronauts to assess their health 
    • communicate with Earth by satellite to transfer data and send reports
    Working environment
    You could work at a training centre. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding, cramped and you may spend nights away from home.

    Career path and progression - Astronaut apprenticeships

    You’ll have several years’ training before you’re ready to be selected for a mission. It may take you years to be selected for a space flight. Once you’re selected, you’ll get mission specific training. Your flight in space could last between 6 months and a year. With experience you could be selected for other missions. You could also move into management, teaching, research or set up your own consultancy business.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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