RAF Apprenticeships
Ready for a fresh challenge?
Imagine earning a recognised qualification, at the same time as your RAF salary.
RAF Apprenticeships give you the chance to complete a UK-recognised trade apprenticeship while you’re training or working in the RAF.
You could earn an apprenticeship in a range of roles; anything from an Aeronautical Engineer, working hard to keep our aircraft ready for action, to a Chef, developing new ways to cook under pressure.
Maybe you’re an IT specialist, using cutting-edge technology to maintain our radar and communication set-ups, and develop the next generation of electronic warfare systems.
Whatever trade area you choose, you can be sure that you’ll be getting the best practical experience, skills and knowledge – and the best possible start to your RAF career.
Other benefits of joining the RAF include:
- pay, after one year, of at least £17,140
- six weeks’ paid holiday a year
- subsidised food and accommodation
- free medical and dental care
- free gym and sports facilities access
RAF Apprentices can also benefit from accelerated pay, excellent training and worldwide travel.
Engineering and technical
Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering
Duration: 3 years
‘The Aeronautical Apprenticeship has been hard work but I’ve enjoyed it all the way. With learning taking place during training in the classroom, and then in a practical work environment, you really get the best of both worlds.’
Advanced Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Engineering [PDF, 925Kb]
(PDF file 925Kb, opens in a new window)
Aircraft Technician (Mechanical)
Aircraft Technician (Avionics)
Catering and hospitality
Catering Training Squadron
Duration: 1 year
'I have received fantastic support from my line managers and colleagues here at RAF Benson. Their help has really encouraged me to continue with my further education, something that I hadn’t really thought about before.'
Hospitality Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery (Chef) [PDF, 794Kb]
(PDF file 794Kb, opens in a new window)
'Winning the silver medal Best in Class in the RAF Junior Steward competition was memorable, as was winning a silver medal at the tri-Service competition at Sandown. I am extremely proud of all that I’ve achieved since joining the Royal Air Force.'
Hospitality Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery (Caterer) [PDF, 1,023Kb]
(PDF file 1,023Kb, opens in a new window)
Security and defence
Defence College of Policing and Guarding
Duration: 6 months
'I’ve learnt so much from doing the apprenticeship…I was well supported throughout the entire course and any help I needed I was given by my tutors, who made everything seem simple.'
Apprenticeship in Security Guarding [PDF, 927Kb]
(PDF file 927Kb, opens in a new window)
RAF Regiment
Duration: 1 year
'Hard, fair and very rewarding throughout my training, the most physically demanding thing I’ve ever done in my life.'
Public Services Apprenticeship [PDF, 1,025Kb]
(PDF file 1,025Kb, opens in a new window)
Personnel support
RAF School of Administration
Duration: 1 year
'At the beginning of my NVQ, I did not feel very confident, but now I’ve completed all the work and hit my targets, I’m very proud of myself.'
Apprenticeship in Business and Administration [PDF, 1,312Kb]
(PDF file 1,312Kb, opens in a new window)
Air operations support
Defence Movements School
Duration: 18 months
'It’s a really challenging job…It has given me confidence to take what I’ve learned outside the RAF. I would strongly recommend apprenticeships.'
Apprenticeship in Providing Aviation Operations on the Ground [PDF, 819Kb]
(PDF file 819Kb, opens in a new window)
School of Aerospace Battle Management
Duration: 6 months
'The resources available at the School of Aerospace Battle Management are excellent and help you to achieve the apprenticeship.'
Apprenticeship in Information Technology [PDF, 962Kb]
(PDF file 962Kb, opens in a new window)
Communications and intelligence
Defence College of Communication Information Systems (DCCIS)
Duration: 3 years
'Overall I thought that the Key Skills were relatively easy to accomplish. However, the BTEC assignments were a bit more challenging to complete. I’m looking forward to completing my NVQ in the workplace and achieving my Advanced Apprenticeship.'
Advanced Apprenticeship in Communications Technologies Telecomms [PDF, 1,060Kb]
(PDF file 1,060Kb, opens in a new window)
Defence School of Intelligence
Duration: 1 year
'A good way to earn extra qualifications…another string to my bow.'
Apprenticeship in Information Technology [PDF, 1,047Kb]
(PDF file 1,047Kb, opens in a new window)
Defence School of Photography
Duration: 2 years
'The resources are state of the art and of exceptionally high quality.'
Advanced Apprenticeship in Photo Imaging [PDF, 924Kb]
(PDF file 924Kb, opens in a new window)
Logistics and equipment
Supply and Movements Training Wing
Duration: 2 years
'I feel that undertaking this apprenticeship has been of great benefit to me. The recognised qualification gained will stand me in very good stead for life after the RAF. In the shorter term, it’s also a good stepping stone to further education, such as NVQ level 3.'
Apprenticeship in Warehousing and Storage [PDF, 1,469Kb]
(PDF file 1,469Kb, opens in a new window)
Central Air Traffic Control School
Duration: 1 year
'My trade-related apprenticeship has allowed me to get some civilian qualifications at the same time as doing my RAF training. I’ve improved my Key Skills and qualified for a pay rise when I completed the apprenticeship, which was great!'
Apprenticeship in Providing Aviation Operations on the Ground [PDF, 819Kb]
(PDF file 819Kb, opens in a new window)
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