RAF apprenticeship roles offer you the chance to learn on the job and gain a UK-recognised trade qualification.

There are more than 20 roles to choose from in professions such as:

• air and space operations
• engineering
• logistics
• catering
• medical services
• cyberspace and intelligence

You'll apply directly to the RAF to discuss which is the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in.

Entry requirements

• entry requirements vary

You can apply directly for roles as an RAF aviator.

Some roles do not need any qualifications while others require qualifications in certain subjects. All roles and entry requirements are listed on RAF Recruitment.

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to an adviser at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You'll also take a defence aptitude assessment.

If you're successful, you’ll then have an interview and a medical examination. Once this is complete, you will attend a fitness assessment.

RAF Reserve

You can join the RAF Reserve in some roles as a part-time enlisted aviator. This will give you experience of what life is like in the Royal Air Force, and you'll learn new skills at the same time.

You'll need to:

• be between 18 and 54
• commit to at least 27 days a year
• attend a 2-week residential training course each year, though this may not always be the case

Air Cadets

If you're between 13 and 17 years old, you can join the Air Cadets.

The skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit you whatever career path you choose. Cadets have many opportunities, including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses and air experience flights.

Further information

You'll find more details about how to become an enlisted aviator through RAF Recruitment.

You'll need:

• leadership skills to manage and motivate teams
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• persistence, determination and endurance
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills and quick reactions
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others in a team
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
• be over 16 years of age
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks

As an RAF aviator, your duties will depend on your job. You could:

• fix and maintain aircraft
• load weapons
• drive a range of vehicles
• cook for troops
• monitor airspace
• protect airfields
• support medical staff
• work in human resources (HR)

You could work at a military base or in a warzone.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.