RAF Firefighter - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship Royal Air Force

A unique opportunity to complete an advanced apprenticeship in Operational Firefighter, with an Ofsted outstanding training provider. You'll be working with some of the most advanced equipment and aircraft in the world and play a key part in the UKs defence. With over 65 places available across 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

    36 Months

  • Possible start date

    01 Sep 2024

  • Date posted

    15 Apr 2024

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000244454

  • Positions

    65 available

What you will do in your working day

RAF Firefighters provide a deployable Aerodrome & Rescue Firefighting capability to defence in the UK and overseas. When in the UK your role will be to maintain immediate readiness to respond to fight fires and effect rescue from military aircraft. 

Whilst in your role you will:

  • Provide a first response to emergencies on the defence estate and assist in providing fire safety awareness to station personnel
  • Be required to deploy within short time frame in the UK and overseas to support operations and exercises in potentially austere environments
  • Be trained to use highly specialised vehicles and equipment including the new defence capability of High Reach Extendable Turrets
  • Resolve incidents involving aircraft, buildings, hazardous  substances and incidents caused by hostile activities
  • Work in a close-knit team on the aerodrome and your daily tasks will include ensuring that specialised vehicles and
    equipment are tested and inspected whilst also maintaining and honing your professional firefighter skills

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 may also the opportunity to undertake roles outside of your specialisation.

(Note: due to the sophistication and efficiency of aircraft, and advancements in early fire detection on MOD establishments, fire crews spend significantly less time responding to aircraft and domestic fires than historically attended.)

The training you will be getting

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Operational Firefighter

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.

The 14 weeks specialist Firefighter training course takes place at the Defence Fire Training Unit Moreton-in-Marsh. The specialist course will teach you:

  • Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
  • Fire Service Drill
  • Breathing Apparatus Operations
  • Structural Firefighting Operations
  • Road Traffic Incident Techniques
  • Aircraft Construction
  • Aviation Firefighting Operations
  • You will deal with ‘live’ practice fires and gain experience of specialist crash rescue fire-fighting vehicles

As part of specialist training, you will be enrolled on to a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. 

This is a 12-24 month programme you will complete as part of your daily duties. 

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 Operational Firefighter 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

Communication skills, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Patience, Physical fitness

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

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

Address

Carlisle

CA3 8ND

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

Operational firefighter

Level 3 (A level)

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 now

Closing date: 01 Aug 2024