RAF introduces new engineering apprenticeship

Citation

(1999), "RAF introduces new engineering apprenticeship", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771baf.013

RAF introduces new engineering apprenticeship

RAF introduces new engineering apprenticeship

Keywords Engineering, RAF, Training

The Royal Air Force will be offering new training opportunities for entrants to its Aircraft, Ground Electronics and General Engineering trades from April 1999. The programme will place recruits on a technician apprenticeship scheme geared towards a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification. Whilst teaching recruits a useful trade, it will also raise the level of expertise across the RAF's engineering trades.

The RAF uses some of the most hi-tech military aircraft equipment in the world, and needs a world class support team to keep the aircraft, ground and electrical equipment in perfect working order, ready for action at a moment's notice. This new apprenticeship scheme will supplement the already high standard of training given by the RAF, and will enable recruits to gain valuable educational qualifications for their future.

"A career with the RAF engineering arm has never been so attractive in today's uncertain job market", says Wing Commander John Hancock, originator of the scheme "Along with the initial contract, there is job security for nine years and the opportunity to progress financially and in status within their chosen trade. Every year almost 40 per cent of our Engineer Officers are selected from the RAF Engineering Trades, and the introduction of this scheme could well see this figure rise."

Following the standard seven-week recruit training at RAF Halton, new recruits will complete a longer, nine or 14 month, period of basic trade training. After this the Technician will embark on his or her first tour of duty in productive employment gaining practical hands-on experience. Approximately 12 months after graduating from basic trade training, and subject to passing a trade ability test, the recruit will be promoted to the rank of Senior Aircraftman/woman.

Engineering trades in the RAF fall into several groups; the Aircraft Engineering Trades cover airframes, propulsion and weapons systems, avionics and aircraft electrical systems; Ground Electronics cover radar, communications and missile systems, whilst the General Engineering Trades, who do not normally work directly on aircraft, cover the myriad ground support equipment and mechanical transport assets.

There are two levels of entry for the apprenticeship. For Qualified Entry to the scheme you must be between 16-30 years old and have a minimum of three GCSE/CSE passes at grade C/3 or above in English Language, Maths and a Physics based science subject. Additionally, you must also pass the aptitude tests at an Armed Forces Careers Office. Qualified entrants to the Aircraft Engineering and Ground Electronics trades are also guaranteed access to learning packages in order to gain a BTEC National Certificate (BTEC NC) which is a prerequisite in these particular trades for promotion to Corporal and beyond.

In addition, each year there will be a number of places available for Unqualified Entrants who have not got the required GCSEs/SCEs. To be able to enter, they must be able to pass the same engineering aptitude test as the Qualified Entrant. Then, to become eligible for BTEC studies, where applicable, and promotion beyond Senior Aircraftman/woman the entrant must have shown strong potential during basic trade training or gained the necessary GCSEs/SCEs in their own time.

Details from Central Office Information. Tel: +44 (0) 171 261 8953; Fax: +44 (0) 171 928 7761; E-mail: arowlands@coi.gov.uk