The 3-day Pre Recruit Training Course (PRTC) has been developed in order to familiarize potential recruits with the training environment prior to starting Phase One training. The purpose of the PRTC is to:

a. Introduce potential recruits to RTS, its location, layout and the nature of Phase One training.

b. To dispel rumour and myth.

c. Issue potential recruits with one pair of combat boots plus one pair of issue socks in order to allow boots to be broken in prior to recruits starting Phase One training.

d. Provide potential recruits with the opportunity to undertake the Royal Air Force Fitness Test and achieve the minimum requirement of 100% of the Multi Stage Fitness Test and 70% of press ups and sit ups according to their gender and age group.

e. Brief recruits on healthy living and fitness in order to prepare for Phase One training.

f. You will also be take part in English and Maths Functional Skill Assessments over the 3 days.

The intent of the PRTC is to better prepare potential recruits for Phase 1 training, mentally and physically in addition to matching expectations with reality. The intended effect is that those recruits arriving at RTS will be more committed, with a clearer idea of what to expect during training and that there will be a reduction in the number of injuries incurred by recruits.

Functional Skills

As part of the Government’s educational reform programme, new qualifications called Functional Skills have been introduced to provide people with the skills they need to perform confidently, effectively and independently in learning, life and work. Functional Skills qualifications are now also a mandatory requirement for all Apprenticeships. As all recruits for RAF Ground Trades undertake a form of Apprenticeship as part of their training, Functional Skills qualifications and testing are being introduced within the RAF recruiting and training process.

Initial Functional Skills English and Maths testing will take placefrom Sep 11 during the Pre-Recruit Training Course (PRTC) at RAF Halton; potential entrants will take the Functional Skills tests if they progress beyond the fitness assessment that occurs earlier in the course programme. This will be the first opportunity for them to gain the necessary Functional Skills qualifications required before graduating from basic recruit training.

• Further information regarding the requirement to attain Functional Skills qualifications during basic recruit training will be provided at the PRTC.

Self-study guides and practice papers have been compiled in order tohelp prospective candidates and recruits prepare for the Functional Skills tests; this Functional Skills Preparation Package can be accessed by clicking on the “Pre-Study Pages” link on the menu on the left hand side of this page.