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RAF Survival Equipment Specialist Apprenticeship

Survival Equipment Specialists are experts in the maintenance, modification, diagnostics and repair of the Airborne Life Support Equipment and Pilot Flight Equipment fitted to aircraft and crew members.

Typical Responsibilities:

  • Maintain, test, repair and integrate cutting-edge Pilot Flight Equipment used to operate Aircraft.
  • Pack and maintain Airborne Forces parachutes, ejection seat parachutes and aircraft brake parachutes.
  • Provide a key role aiding Pilots and aircraft passengers survival; both in the UK and deployed overseas.

We offer an apprenticeship with an almost guaranteed job at the end.  Throughout the apprenticeship and beyond, there are opportunities for adventurous training, sport and an excellent benefits package. 

We also offer free medical and dental support, subsidised accommodation and catering coupled with 6 weeks paid holiday a year plus public holidays and much much more.  Search for "RAF Recruitment Benefits" for more info.

Salary:

Pay during first 6 months - £18,600 + benefits

Pay until completion of Technical training - £23,400 + benefits

 Pay on completion of Technical training - £27,200 + benefits

Qualifications you need;

A minimum of GCSE grade C/4, Scottish National 5 grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics.

Joining age;

16-47*

*Must attest before 48th birthday. (If you are under 18 years of age, you will need consent from a parent or guardian before you apply however you may commence your application from 15 years and 9 months).

Other entry requirements;

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application but candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Apprenticeship/Training;

Your career 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 Phase 2 Specialist Training at the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering Cosford, near Wolverhampton, lasting approximately 29 weeks. You will be taught the basic skills of mechanical and electrical engineering and learn the principles of engineering and maintenance of parachutes, life rafts, and Pilot Flight Equipment; including night vision devices, helmet mounted displays and oxygen systems. On successful completion, you will be promoted to Air Specialist Class 2 (AS(2)) and assigned to your first unit.   

During Recruit Training you will gain Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English, if required. During Specialist Training you will gain a Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace & Aviation Engineering (Survival Equipment Maintenance) and a Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance (Survival Equipment). During your first tour you will complete the portfolio element of the Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) and, where eligible and following an End Point Assessment, you will be awarded your Level 3 Survival Equipment Fitter Advanced Apprenticeship. As new equipment and aircraft enter Service, the aim is to accredit specialist training, to ensure that you hold recognised civilian qualifications as part of your career development.

Ongoing Training/Development Opportunities

Throughout your career we will continue to train you and provide you with through-Service career development. There are opportunities to undertake the management and leadership training required for promotion and to join relevant civilian professional associations and bodies; as an Air Specialist Class 1 (AS(1)) holding the Level 3 qualifications as part of your training, you meet the UK Engineering Council standard as an Engineering Technician and are able to apply for registration as such. Furthermore, you will be able to employ your new-found military and leadership skills on adventure training expeditions in the UK and around the world.

For more information about the role and details of our application process, visit the RAF Recruitment website. To be directed straight to our site Click 'Apply Now'.

 Advanced Apprenticeship
  NA
 Published on 2023-08-25
 Deadline NA