You could apply to join the navy through an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You'll apply directly to the navy to find 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 join the Royal Navy Reserve to get some experience of what life is like in the service, and to learn new skills at the same time. 

You'll need to be:

• between the ages of 16 and 42
• able to commit to basic training, including a 2-week course at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall

If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Sea Cadets.

You can apply directly to join the Royal Navy as a rating. You don't need any specific qualifications, but you will need to meet the navy's eligibility requirements. For example, you must:

• be aged between 16 and 39
• pass fitness and medical tests

After applying, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You will then do the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) followed by an interview.

If you have the right skills, you'll be asked to attend the 4-day Pre-Royal Navy Course. This includes further interviews, fitness, medical and aptitude tests. If successful, you'll be offered a place on the navy's basic training programme.

You'll need:

• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to work well with others in a team
• excellent verbal communication skills
• concentration skills for practical tasks
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
• pass a medical check
• have a good level of fitness
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks
• be at least 145cm tall

As a Royal Navy rating, you could:

• operate a ship's weapons and communications systems
• maintain and refit ships, submarines and aircraft
• co-ordinate delivery of equipment and supplies
• provide healthcare to Royal Navy staff and their families
• assist with navigation based on satellite and sonar systems
• maintain submarine weapons, electronic systems and sensors

You could work at a military base, on a ship, be based overseas or in a warzone.

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

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.