Skip to main content

RAF officer apprenticeships

Emergency and uniform services | Government services

RAF officer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • applying directly
  • volunteering


    • Volunteering 

    You can join the RAF Reserve as a part-time officer. This will give you experience of what life is like in the air force, and you'll learn new skills at the same time. 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 skills you'll need in the RAF recruitment process.

    Direct Application

    You can apply directly for RAF officer training. You'll need a minimum of: 

    • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, and a science for some roles
    • 2 A-Levels or equivalent 
    If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You'll also take an aptitude test. If you're successful, you'll be invited to attend the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF College, Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You'll take part in a 3-day selection process which includes tests for aptitude, initiative and fitness. You'll then have an interview and a medical examination.

    RAF officer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • leadership skills to manage and motivate teams
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions 
    • persistence and determination 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • concentration skills 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to: 

    • be over 17.5 years of age 
    • be a UK citizen 
    • have a good level of fitness 
    • pass a medical check
    • pass enhanced background checks
    • pass security checks

    RAF officer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day duties will depend on your job. Roles you might work in include: 

    • pilot and weapons systems officer - taking part in flying sorties, reconnaissance, and search and rescue duties 
    • air traffic and aerospace flight operations officer - providing target information, coordinating refuelling, digitally mapping terrain and planning missions 
    • aircraft and communications engineer - commissioning new aircraft, servicing fleets and managing resources 
    • catering, security or training officer - providing day-to-day services for staff at base and in the field 
    • medical, dental or nursing officer - managing specialist teams supporting the service
    Working environment
    You could work in a warzone or at a military base. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.

    Career path and progression - RAF officer apprenticeships

    With experience, you could move up the ranks, for example from pilot officer to flying officer, then flight lieutenant or higher. You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF. Your career choices will depend on your skills, training and qualifications you've developed during your service. 

    Similar occupations







    You might be interested in these opportunities.

    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • South West England

    Avon
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • South East of England

    Berkshire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • London and Essex

    London
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • Wales

    South Glamorgan
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • West Midlands

    West Midlands
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • North and East Midlands

    Leicestershire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • North West England

    Lancashire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • North Central England

    South Yorkshire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    • Public Services & Emergency Services
    • N/A p/w
    • Work Placement
    • Central and West Scotland

    Selkirkshire
    Department for Work and Pensions Movement to Work Civil Service Placements

    Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.

    More Info & Apply

    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!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

    Cyber Essentials
    © 2021 GetMyFirstJob Ltd.

    Your first steps into the world of work for Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs