Pre-Recruitment Experience

Unfortunately, no further applications are being received for the 2009 Pre-Recruitment Experience Scheme at RAF Benson as the scheme is already full. The scheme for 2010 is not yet open for applications, however it should open during the Autumn Term. If you are interested in a undertaking a placement at RAF Benson we recommend getting in touch as early as possible to avoid disappointment as our Scheme is very popular.

Details of the Scheme

The Pre-Recruitment Experience Scheme gives students the opportunity to experience the broad range of careers that are available within the RAF. During their week, students will spend time in different sections across the Station, which may include the flying squadrons, Engineering, Air Traffic Control, the Fire Section, Catering, and Supply. Please note however that, due to operational commitments and manpower shortfalls, we can not guarantee that all of these sections will take part in the scheme each week.

Requirements

Students must be over 14 years old, must be in full time education, and must be applying for a placement that is agreed by their school. For security reasons, all applicants must hold a full UK passport.

Unfortunately, students who are not in full time education cannot be considered for the Scheme due to legal restrictions.

Dates currently available

There are no dates currently available for 2009. Dates for 2010 have not yet been finalised but will be available during the Autumn term and will be published here.

Applying for a place on the scheme

To apply for a placement, the student is asked to write to the Pre-Recruitment Experience Coordinator, Flight Lieutenant Julie Garvin, via post to Media and Communications Office, RAF Benson, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 6AA or email to Julie.Garvin506@benson.raf.mod.uk

The letter/email must contain the following details: Your name, postal address, contact telephone number, age/school year, preferred placement dates, and some information about yourself. You should also include details of your school and confirmation that your school has agreed to you undertaking this placement (written confirmation would be preferable).

Written contact is preferred in the first instance, however if you wish to discuss availability of dates, please contact Flight Lieutenant Julie Garvin on 01491 837766 ext 7245.

Successful applicants

Those applicants that are successful will receive a letter and two booklets. This is final confirmation of the placement. The first booklet will give full details of the week, and the second will give details for parents/guardians and all the necessary legal and insurance forms for completion. You will not need to contact us again once you have received this booklet except to return the Acceptance of Risk Assessment, Form of Indemnity (if applicable) and Permission for Flight form duly signed by a parent/guardian and/or school.

The Station does not provide accommodation or food during the placement, although it is possible for students to purchase meal tickets to eat in the Junior Ranks Mess. The student is asked to bring safety boots (we cannot provide these) and wear suitable clothing (smart/casual is acceptable but be aware that clothing could come into contact with dirt and grease especially within the engineering sections).

Important Information for Schools

We regret we are unable to accept block bookings from schools.  If you have a student that is interested in undertaking a placement at RAF Benson then the student should apply for a placement personally as described above.

Due to the nature of the Scheme, it is not possible for us to host teachers, work experience co-ordinators, or parents during the placement.  Students visit a variety of sections and they may be in a section where it is not practical to undertake an assessment visit.  If a school does need to contact a student for any reason, they should contact the Pre-Recruitment Experience Co-ordinator (contact details above) and the student will be asked to call when it is convenient and safe to do so.

If feedback is required, schools are asked to request written feedback via the Pre-Recruitment Experience Co-ordinator. If students have a Work Experience booklet or similar with them, they will have ample opportunity during their placement to complete this, with input from supervisors where required.  Similarly, any feedback forms received by the Pre-Recruitment Experience Co-ordinator by the school or Work Experience Partnership will be completed and returned at the end of the placement.