RAF Driver - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship Royal Air Force

A opportunity to complete an advanced apprenticeship as an RAF Driver. You'll will be working with some of the most interesting vehicles in the world and play a key part in the UKs defence. With places available throughout the year, apply today!

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

04 Oct 2023
Apprenticeship level

Intermediate
Level 2 (GCSE)
Reference number

VAC1000203164
Positions

85 available

What you will do in your working day

RAF Drivers are required to drive and operate a wide range of general and specialist vehicles, from Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV, which include cars, minibuses and coaches), to both rigid and articulated Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) and mobile cranes; you will also refuel aircraft using tankers, clear runways using specialist de-icing vehicles and move specialist freight with complex trailers. It will be your responsibility to make sure that RAF personnel, equipment and vehicles get to the right place, at the right time to meet Defence's operational output. You will be driving or operating on exercises, operational deployments, on and off airfields throughout the world, both on roads or rough terrain.

You will drive an array of different passengers (including VIPs), LGVs containing equipment, which will include hazardous materials using the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) qualification you gained during your Initial Trade Training. Within your first few years, you will probably be detached overseas from a few days, up to several months.

As a specialist and professional vocational driver, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of dress, deportment and driving technique. You must work as part of a team, whilst having the capability and confidence to work and make decisions independently. Full training and support is available to RAF Drivers throughout their career.

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.

Your next step will be the specialist driving course at the Defence School of Transport at Leconfield in East Yorkshire, which takes up to four months. During this course you will be trained to pass driving tests in Categories B, C, C+E and D; you will also learn additional military
driving skills such as Vehicle Loading and Restraint, Off Road Driving, Skid Avoidance and Recovery Techniques as well as the procedures and regulations for carrying dangerous goods by road (ADR).

At the end of the course, you will have passed your driving tests (if you haven’t already done so before you join) and earned the SQA ADR Driver Training Certificate for Carrying Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). You will also be well on the way to achieving an Intermediate Apprenticeship (L2) in Driving Goods Vehicles.

What to expect at the end of your 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 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

Organisation skills, Number skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, 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.

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

Peterborough

PE1 1TB

Contact

0345 6055555

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Training

Training provider

BRITISH ARMY

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

Large goods vehicle (LGV) driver C + E

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.