GOV.UK
RAF Weapon Technician - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship Royal Air Force
A unique opportunity to complete an advanced apprenticeship as a Weapon Technician with an OFSTED outstanding training provider. You'll be working with some of the most advanced weapons and aircraft in the world and play a key part in the UKs defence. With over 100 places available across the year, apply today!
This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.
Apply nowClosing date: 01 Oct 2023
Apprenticeship summary
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Annual wage
£19,100.00
The minimum pay in your first year is £19,100 (6 mth at £16,840 and 6 mth at £21,420). On completion of technical training, at least 1 years' service and a workplace assessment, your pay will rise to £24,990, increasing incrementally year on year.
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Working week
Shifts to be confirm on assignment to your first station after training.
Total hours per week: 40.0
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Expected duration
36 Months
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Possible start date
02 Oct 2023
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Date posted
09 Jun 2023
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Apprenticeship level
Advanced
Level 3 (A level) -
Reference number
VAC1000172284
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Positions
130 available
What will the apprentice be doing?
As an RAF Weapon Technician, you will be responsible for the weapons, explosives and associated equipment used by the RAF including:
- Ejection seat removal/fit/maintenance
- Canopy/Pylon/Role equipment removal/fit
- Smart bombs/Guided missiles/Weapon aiming systems/Gun ammunition and Decoy Flares
- Explosive Safety/Storage of explosives
It is a job with a great deal of responsibility as the equipment you handle is often extremely dangerous and safety is always crucial. There is also plenty of variety; from quite early in your career, you could be arming aircraft with bombs, guided weapons, missiles, loading aircraft guns or working on an aircraft flight line, servicing aircraft and preparing them for flight. You will be responsible for the servicing, maintenance and repair of ejection seats, aircraft gun systems and missile launchers. You will have other responsibilities too such as the maintenance, care and issue of the weapons used by your station, including rifles, pistols and machine guns, as well as heavier weapons. You could be responsible for the safe storage and control of aircraft weapons and flares and also the building and the fitment of smart weapons and flares to the aircraft.
Like most people in the RAF, you could move jobs every few years as part of your through service career management and have the opportunity to diversify and experience a wide range of jobs and equipment. You will be able to set preferences for the location and type of employment you would like to undertake and there is also the opportunity to undertake roles outside of your specialisation. Within your first few years, you will get the opportunity to deploy overseas in support of the RAF’s mission.
What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?
On successful completion of the application and selection process, your apprenticeship will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you will also learn about the RAF lifestyle.
The next step is a specialist training course at Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering Cosford, near Wolverhampton, which lasts about 12 months. This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of your role as an RAF Armament Specialist, including the awareness of explosive safety requirements and the maintenance and repair skills of aircraft weapon systems, weapon launching systems and aircraft escape systems.
Whilst completing your Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, you will also gain a Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance (Military) delivered entirely in training and a Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance, the portfolio element completed after training in the workplace.
You could also have opportunities for management and leadership training. The qualifications and experience you will gain in your RAF career can support accreditation and membership of industry recognised professional bodies.
What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship is a gateway to a full-time career in the Royal Air Force. Promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is dependent on successful completion of the Engineering Technician apprenticeship and then on merit by competitive selection. As you advance through the ranks, you will have the increased opportunity to lead and direct people, managing resources and workforce within your area of work to deliver the required outputs whilst maintaining and instilling the highest standards expected within the RAF.
Requirements and prospects
Desired skills and personal qualities
Qualifications
GCSE or equivalent English Language (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
Things to consider
About the employer
Employer
Royal Air Force
https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/
Address
RAF Cosford
Albrighton
Wolverhampton
WV7 3EX
Contact
0345 6055555
Training
Training provider
ROYAL AIR FORCE
Apprenticeship standard
Engineering technician
Level 3 (A level)
Employer's Application Instructions
You'll be directed through to the RAF Recruitment Website where more detail on the role is available. We have positions available for this role throughout the year and the process can take a few months. Once you have completed an application you will be invited to complete an aptitude assessment, selection interview, health assessment and a fitness test. More details of the requirement can be found at the application link.
This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.
Apply nowClosing date: 01 Oct 2023