National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration that brings together organisations and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals and Defence.
At Royal Air Force Brize Norton we have apprentices working in professions across the Station, from serving personnel to industry partners, gaining skills and working towards nationally recognised qualifications.
Air Specialist 1 Callahan is a Royal Air Force Firefighter with RAF Fire & Rescue currently working towards his RAF Operational Firefighter Level 3 Apprenticeship. This course is designed to train individuals for 24/7 fire and crash rescue protection, both in the UK and overseas. The apprenticeship covers everything a firefighter needs to know from equipment, to correct procedures, enabling them to be effective in their role. Enrolment in this apprenticeship begins during Phase Two Specialist Training at the Defence Fire Training Unit, typically lasting between 12 and 24 months. It is completed along with daily duties. The final part of the apprenticeship consists of an end point assessment in which all the skills and knowledge they have learnt are put to the test and examined. It provides a nationally recognised civilian qualification that validates expertise in high-pressure emergency situations. For the RAF, this apprenticeship ensures a standard of elite, deployable protection for global air operations.
Air Specialist 1 Callahan said:
“For me, the apprenticeship is a great way to learn the role of being an RAF firefighter as it goes in-depth into all the equipment and operational procedures. It also pushes you to be the best you can be in your role as you can gather a lot of information and become a crucial part of your crew.
Air Specialist 1 Callahan
RAF Fire & Rescue
