
RAF airman or airwoman Opportunities
RAF airman or airwoman
Royal Air Force (RAF) airmen and airwomen use specialist skills for support roles in defence and peacekeeping missions.
Salary
£15,672 Starter - £35,151 Experienced
Typical hours
37 to 39 a week (between 8am and 6pm)
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- physical fitness and endurance
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others in a team
- concentration skills and quick reactions
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:- be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
- have a good level of fitness
- pass a medical check
- pass security checks
- pass enhanced background checks
How to become RAF airman or airwoman
You can get into this job through
Apprenticeship
You could apply to join the RAF through an HM forces serviceperson Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll still need to apply directly to the RAF to discuss which is the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in. Entry requirements vary.
Volunteering
You can join the RAF Reserve to get some experience of what life is like in the air force and to learn new skills. You'll need to:
- be between 18 and 54
- commit to at least 27 days a year
- attend a 2-week training camp each year
Direct Application
You can apply directly to join the RAF. You'll need:- at least 3 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths, and a science for some roles
- to be over 16 years old - upper age limit varies depending on the role
- to be physically fit
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
You’ll provide specialist support in one of the following areas:
- aircrew, including non-commissioned aircrew and weapon systems operators
- engineering and technical roles like aircraft technician
- catering and hospitality jobs like catering officer
- security and defence in areas like firefighting and the RAF
- police medical and medical support work in dental, nursing, medical and laboratory roles
- personnel support, including administration and training
- air operations support, like air traffic controllers
- communications and intelligence roles like photographer and intelligence analyst
- logistics and equipment, including driver and supply officer roles
Working environment
You could work at a military base or in a warzone. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.Similar occupations
Museum attendant
Museum attendants take care of customers and security in museums and galleries.
Prison instructor
Prison instructors teach prisoners new skills to help them find work after their release.
Cemetery worker
Cemetery workers prepare and maintain graves, memorial sites and gardens.
Recycling operative
Recycling operatives collect, sort and recycle materials like glass, paper and plastics from homes and businesses.
RAF non-commissioned aircrew
Royal Air Force (RAF) non-commissioned aircrew fly patrols over UK airspace and take part in NATO operations.
Bodyguard
Bodyguards protect individuals and groups from potential threats to their safety at events, when travelling and during everyday activities.