RAF Regiment Gunner - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship Royal Air Force

The RAF Regiment is a highly specialised force with responsibility for providing Force Protection to enable and support air operations. Specialists in ground combat operations, the RAF Regiment contributes to the defence of RAF airfields in the UK and overseas, Forward Air Controlling, ceremonial duties, and support to Special Forces operations.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 01 Aug 2024

Apprenticeship summary

Annual wage

£21,091.00

The minimum pay in your first year is £21,091 (6 months at £18,687 and 6 months at £23,496). On completion of training and one years’ service you will earn £23,496, increasing incrementally year on year.
Working week

Shifts to be confirmed on assignment to your first station after training.

Total hours per week: 40.0
Expected duration

24 Months
Possible start date

01 Sep 2024
Date posted

28 Sep 2023
Apprenticeship level

Intermediate
Level 2 (GCSE)
Reference number

VAC1000202035
Positions

320 available

What you will do in your working day

As a RAF Regiment Gunner, you will become a specialist in dismounted close combat tactics, fieldcraft and how air operations are conducted
You will learn to operate a wide variety of weapon systems including individual weapons through to machine guns and anti-tank systems as well as an impressive array of state-of-the-art surveillance systems designed to help you locate the enemy and stop them from interfering with air operations
Additionally, there are opportunities to learn how to operate and employ a range of armoured vehicles required to enable rapid mobility to protect RAF assets
Within your first few years, you will almost certainly be deployed on an overseas operations or exercises to locations including Canada, Cyprus, Middle East, and Africa

The training you will be getting

On successful completion of the application and selection process, your apprenticeship will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) 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’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle
Upon successful completion of BRTC you will move to RAF Honington, Suffolk. Here you will complete your specialist Gunner training course (Phase 2) which will last for approximately 20 weeks
You will be taught how to operate and use weapons in a professional manner and learn how to survive and fight in all environmental conditions
The course includes navigation, dismounted close combat tactics, field craft and physical training. RAF Regiment training is a test of character, determination, and your will to succeed. By the end of the course, you will be at peak physical fitness and have learnt to operate effectively regardless of the environment
To give you the confidence to overcome any situation you may encounter whilst on operations, the training is deliberately tough. Where eligible, you will be enrolled onto a Level 2 National Level Apprenticeship, HM Forces Service Person (Protective Services)
Prior to starting your first squadron tour you will spend a further period undertaking specialist employment courses which include driver training and further advanced weapon training

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills
There will be opportunities to learn specialist combat medical skills, undertake management and leadership training, NVQs, GCSEs and A levels. In addition, you will have the chance to gain qualifications in adventurous sports such as mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, sailing, and canoeing and for you to lead training as an Endurance Training Leader
There are a wide range of jobs available to an RAF Regiment Gunner including Forward Air Controller, Support to Special Forces and Instructional and ceremonial duties

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Team working, Patience, Physical fitness

Qualifications

Other No requirement (Grade No requirement) Desired

Things to consider

The role is varied and, after training, you could be stationed across the UK and beyond. • Swim Test – The assessment is a 100m swim followed by 2 minutes treading water, in overalls, then exiting the pool unaided. • Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) – This test is Age and Gender fair. The physical standards are to RAF Green Standard.

About the employer

The Royal Air Force work with our UK and international partners to watch the skies, respond to threats, prevent conflict, and provide assistance in an uncertain world. We provide all personnel with a varied range of training and activities to make sure you're ready for anything. A career in the Royal Air Force will provide you with a whole host of possibilities. You will receive world class training, allowing you to learn and develop throughout your career. We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore the closing and start dates.

Employer

Royal Air Force

https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/

Address

Chatham

ME4 4SJ

Contact

0345 6055555

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Training

Training provider

ROYAL AIR FORCE

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

training
qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
industry or sector experience

Apprenticeship standard

HM forces serviceperson (protective services)

Level 2 (GCSE)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

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.