A career like no other – the RAF – sign up as an apprentice in Northern Ireland today

A career in the RAF is like no other. From the speedy rank progression to the unrivalled skills and training you receive; all whilst travelling around the world and making friends for life, it really is no ordinary job.
Ad Feature by RAF Careers
Published 4th Sep 2023, 09:33 BST
Updated 4th Sep 2023, 18:09 BST
RAF careers – start yours today. Picture – supplied.RAF careers – start yours today. Picture – supplied.
RAF careers – start yours today. Picture – supplied.

The RAF is the AIR element to the UK military force. Working at the cutting edge, the technology they use is some of the most advanced in the world. The work they do is vital, it demands the highest standards and brings the greatest rewards.

The primary role of the RAF is to protect and watch the UK skies however they also react to threats to the UK and allies and are a force for good all around the world.

The RAF is currently engaged in 15 missions, on 4 continents, in 22 countries.

Each RAF specialisation has different academic entry requirements. Picture – supplied.Each RAF specialisation has different academic entry requirements. Picture – supplied.
Each RAF specialisation has different academic entry requirements. Picture – supplied.

They cater for all academic levels, ranging from no qualifications all the way up to degree level. It all depends on the profession you wish to get into.

Most roles are what the RAF calls ground specialisations and have apprenticeships aligned to them. These award-winning apprenticeships mean you will gain a professional qualification that is recognised in the civilian world, and you will have a guaranteed job in your chosen role once you have completed your training. You will receive the best training whilst being paid to learn; you will get the chance to travel the world, play sport and perform an important role in the RAF as well as being able to access dedicated on base medical and dental care.

If you are 16 or over, you will be able to apply. Each specialisation has different academic entry requirements; you can find these out on the RAF careers website RAF Recruitment | Home | Regular & Reserve | Royal Air Force (mod.uk).

The RAF is in the top 100 of the Apprenticeship Employers which is why they wanted to sponsor the Large Business Apprentice of the Year.

Fly high with a career in the RAF. Picture – supplied.Fly high with a career in the RAF. Picture – supplied.
Fly high with a career in the RAF. Picture – supplied.

In addition to the enlisted aviator roles, you can also join as a Sergeant, which is the middle management level of the RAF. For these roles you need to be 18 or over and have GCSEs in English and Maths, grade 4 or above, and at least 3 other subjects.

If you have you 5 GCSEs and 2 A-levels or equivalent, you may be able to join as an officer in the RAF. This is the management and leadership level of the RAF. Please note some roles such as Engineering and Medical Officers, require a degree.

One thing the RAF is good at is identifying talent and making sure people can achieve their full potential. There are internal commissioning schemes to allow personnel to progress.

To find out more go to www.raf.mod.uk

Related topics:RAFNorthern IrelandGCSEsRecruitment