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RAF airman or airwoman apprenticeships

Emergency and uniform services | Government services

RAF airman or airwoman apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly


    • 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 
    If you're between 13 and 18 years old, you can join the Air Cadets. You'll visit RAF bases and develop some of the key skills that the RAF will be looking for in their recruitment selection process should you go on to apply.

    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
    If your initial application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do, and take an aptitude test. If you successfully complete the initial stage, you'll be invited to attend further interviews and assessments, which include fitness and medical tests. 

    RAF airman or airwoman apprenticeships - 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

    RAF airman or airwoman apprenticeships - 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.

    Career path and progression - RAF airman or airwoman apprenticeships

    As an airman or airwoman you could move up the ranks to a more senior position like corporal or sergeant. You could also apply to become a commissioned officer. You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF, depending on your skills, training and qualifications. 

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

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

    • Paid Training
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    • 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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