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Soldier apprenticeships

Emergency and uniform services | Government services

Soldier apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly


    • Apprenticeship

    You could apply to join the army through an HM forces serviceperson Level 2 apprenticeship. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in, for example, infantry, artillery or medical. Entry requirements vary. 

    Volunteering

    Join the Army Reserve to get experience of what life is like in the regular army. You'll also learn new skills at the same time. You'll need to: 

    • be aged between 18 and 49 
    • commit to at least 19 or 27 days a year, depending on your unit 
    • attend a 2-week training camp each year 

    If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Army Cadet Force.


    Direct Application
    You can apply directly to join the army. You don't need any specific qualifications unless you're applying for a technical role like engineering or communications. You'll also need to be: 

    • aged between 16 and 33 
    • physically fit 
    If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about what you want to do. You'll then attend an assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.  

    Soldier apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • physical fitness and endurance 
    • concentration skills and fast reactions 
    • active listening skills and the ability to follow instructions quickly 
    • the ability to work well with others in a team 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • thinking and reasoning skills and the confidence to act quickly 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Restrictions and Requirements

    You'll need to: 

    • meet the British army nationality and residency rules
    • pass a fitness test 
    • pass a medical check
    • pass security checks
    • pass enhanced background checks

    Soldier 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: 

    • combat - as an infantry soldier or aviation crewman 
    • engineering - as an aircraft technician or vehicle mechanic 
    • HR, finance and support - as an HR specialist or military police soldier 
    • intelligence, communications and IT - as a military intelligence operator or communication systems engineer 
    • medical - as a healthcare professional or veterinary technician 
    • logistics and support - as a chef or logistics supply specialist 
    • music and ceremonial - as a musician or ceremonial gunner
    Working environment
    You could work be based overseas, in a warzone or at a military base. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Soldier apprenticeships

    When you join the army, you sign up for 4 years. You can leave at any time after this as long as you give 12 months' notice. If you want to stay you can extend your 4-year contract. With training and experience you could move up through the ranks or into a specialist unit like the commandos. You could also gain a commission to become an officer which would give you a higher salary. You could move into a wide range of careers after leaving the army. 

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

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