RAF Air Operations Control Officer - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship Royal Air Force
A unique opportunity to complete an apprenticeship as a RAF Air Operations Control Officer, with an Ofsted outstanding training provider. You'll be working with some of the most advanced technology and aircraft in the world and play a key part in the UKs defence. With over 35 places available across the year, Apply today!
This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.
Apply nowClosing date: 01 Aug 2024
Apprenticeship summary
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Annual wage
£31,300.00
The minimum pay in your first year is £21,091 (6 mth at £18,687 and 6 mth at £23,496). On completion of technical training, at least 1 years' service and a workplace assessment, your pay will rise to £27,245, increasing incrementally year on year.
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Working week
Days and shifts to be confirmed on assignment to your first station after training.
Total hours per week: 48.0
(the hours are based on the candidate being over 18)
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Expected duration
36 Months
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Possible start date
01 Sep 2024
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Date posted
15 Apr 2024
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Apprenticeship level
Higher
Level 5 (Higher national Diploma) -
Reference number
VAC1000244295
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Positions
35 available
What you will do in your working day
The specialisation of Air Operations Control Officer is part of the Air & Space Ops Profession within the RAF, which also includes Air Operations Systems Officer, Air Traffic & Weapons Controller, Air and Space Operations Specialists, Air Cartographers and Firefighters. This vacancy is for the Air Operations Control Officer position.
The Air Operations (Control) is a diverse, exciting and complex employment area which directs and supports operations both in the UK and around the world. The three key employment areas are Terminal Air Traffic Control (providing an ATC service at an airfield), Area Control (working alongside civilian air traffic controllers at the UK’s Air Traffic Control Centre at Swanwick) and finally as a Weapons Controller (direct fast jet aircraft to intercept potentially hostile aircraft that threaten the integrity of UK Airspace).
As a member of the Royal Air Force, you could find yourself operating from a field, a bunker, a building, a tent, from the back of a plane or even an aircraft carrier. Regardless, you will be part of a varied and stimulating organisation which offers an excellent career and worldwide employment opportunities that is at the heart of the RAF’s flying output.
There are three key employment areas you could find yourself working in:
- Terminal Air Traffic Control providing Air Traffic Control services to aircraft operating at or near RAF stations around the world.
- Weapons Control where you’ll direct and control fast jet aircraft to intercept potentially hostile aircraft that threaten UK Airspace or in complex air-to-air exercises.
- Area Control working alongside civilian air traffic controllers at the UK’s Air Traffic Control Centre at Swanwick where you will control military aircraft across the country by radar.
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.
The training you will be getting
Level 5 Air Traffic Controller
You will complete a challenging course designed to develop your strength, fitness, leadership and academic skills through a number of indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK.
Module 1 – Military Skills where you will learn the basics of being part of the RAF
Module 2 – Development 1: Know yourself to lead others
Module 3 – Development 2: Line management & command
Module 4 – Consolidation (Summative assessment & graduation)
Specialist training is delivered at the Defence College of Air and Space Operations at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and subsequently for Weapons Controllers at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland.
This training starts with a Foundation Module and is completed alongside Air Operations (Systems) Officers, Air Ops (Control) Officers and Air Traffic & Weapons Controllers. Following successful completion, you will be assigned to a specialist module in one of the core specialisations: Terminal (Airfield) ATC or Weapons Control. Prospective Weapons Controllers will carry out the last part of their training at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland.
You could return at a later date to complete a short conversion course to allow you to undertake roles in the other core areas including Area Radar control.
What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship
- You will join the RAF as an Officer under an initial 12 year engagement. Following 4 years' service, you will be eligible to apply for an extension of service to complete a Pension Earning Engagement of 20 years' service or age 40, whichever is the later, during this time.
- Promotion to the rank of Sqn Ldr and beyond is dependent on successful completion of the Air Traffic Control 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 any (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent any (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent English Language (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
A Level or equivalent any (Grade C or above) Essential
A Level or equivalent any (Grade C or above) Essential
Things to consider
About the employer
Employer
Royal Air Force
https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/
Address
Sheffield
S1 2EE
Contact
0345 6055555
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
Air traffic controller
Level 5 (Higher national Diploma)
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.
This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.
Apply nowClosing date: 01 Aug 2024