Skip to main content

RAF non-commissioned aircrew apprenticeships

Emergency and uniform services | Government services

RAF non-commissioned aircrew 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 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 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 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 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths, and a science for some roles 
    • to be over 17.5 years old - upper age limit varies depending on the role 
    • to be physically fit 
    For some roles like weapons system operator linguist, you'll need to be fluent in at least 2 languages. 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 non-commissioned aircrew 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
    • pass a medical check 
    • pass a fitness test
    • pass security checks
    • pass enhanced background checks

    RAF non-commissioned aircrew apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You’ll specialise in a particular role, like: 

    • acoustics operator - using radar and sonar to search for and monitor submarine and surface shipping movements
    • loading aircraft, including weapons, supplies, parachutists, and troops 
    • helicopter winch operator for search-and-rescue operations 
    • electronic warfare systems operator - tracking movements on land, sea and in the air, relaying information to commanders about the position of units, and working on early warning defence systems
    • linguist - monitoring electronic surveillance equipment, translating radio and telecommunications traffic, and taking part in search-and-rescue operations
    Working environment
    You could work in a warzone or at a military base. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

    Career path and progression - RAF non-commissioned aircrew apprenticeships

    With experience and further training, you could progress to flight sergeant, then to master aircrew. You could also apply to become a commissioned RAF officer. You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF, depending on your skills, training and qualifications. 

    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