They’ll play a key role in one of the world’s most advanced military forces with the opportunity to be a part of everything, from preventing civil war to delivering humanitarian aid to hosting ceremonial events.
All of our trainees gain professional skills and qualifications with continuous learning, hands-on experience and training to enable them to perform at the top of their field.
Basic recruit training will prepare your family member for their role in the RAF, making them fitter and more confident over a period of 10 weeks at RAF Halton (Aviators entrants) or 24 weeks at RAF Cranwell (Officer entrants).
They’ll be part of a large community where wellbeing is a priority. We know how essential wellbeing is to be fully effective in duties which is why advice and support services are always available wherever they’re needed.
Once they’ve been successful in their application you’ll receive an invitation to attend the Parent’s Day at RAF Halton or Cranwell. This is a day where you’ll get an insight into what the recruits will be going through over the next 10 weeks. There’ll also be a talk with the Squadron Commander, and a tour of the facilities available on site.
Our RAF Regulars can be posted across the UK and to bases all over the world. They’ll do whatever’s needed to get the job done - the RAF isn’t a 9-5 job.
Because of this Personnel develop a great deal of trust and confidence in one another, building strong bonds and friendships in the process.
Most bases are like small, self-contained towns with shops, gyms, playing fields, creches, post offices, cinemas and even bowling alleys.
Recruits will live in on-based accommodation during their initial 10-week training so they can get to know their new colleagues, work as a team and learn about the RAF.
Recruit training at RAF Halton lasts for 70 days and is split into six sections. To find out more about this please click here. For an Officer in the RAF, Initial Officer Training takes place at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. This involves a challenging 24 week course designed to develop leadership and management skills. For information about training at RAF Cranwell please click here.
Throughout training there will be the opportunity to call home during evenings. Recruits are allowed to bring a mobile phone for use in free time.
All recruits are looked after by station medical and dental teams. If too ill to train, recruits will be excused from duty until well enough to return.
There may be occasions when trainees can return home during Initial Training, but this is very much dependent on the training schedule.
The RAF has a zero-tolerance policy on bullying and harassment both during and post training. We have dedicated Welfare and Support Personnel on all of our stations who are there to assist with any problems a trainee may have.
Part of recruit training at RAF Halton includes Parents’ Day, which is part of the first day of the course. This is to give parents an insight into what the recruits will be going through over the next 70 days. Parents are given the chance to ask questions and also speak with the Squadron Commander or Deputy Commander. There is a tour of the facilities and parents can witness the formal attestation. Other guardians or partners are welcome to come along.
Post training, personnel in the RAF may be required to live on one of our many stations either in the UK or overseas. To see a list of stations visit www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations.
RAF Accreditation provides opportunities to gain nationally recognised civilian qualifications through the accreditation of education, training and experience to maximise recruitment, retention, career development and resettlement benefits.
RAF apprenticeships are on an equal par with other educational programmes. Serving in the RAF provides relevant training for young people and is a valid and valuable career route. Not all young people will be able to join immediately after the end of the year and may be concerned about having to start a further education course in line with Government policy. Young people who have been recruited to serve in the armed forces may, on occasion, have to wait for a training place and the gap could be as much as five to six months. Where this is the case, your son or daughter should consider how they might use their time constructively, for example by improving their academic skills or seeking temporary employment.
No, they are better! The RAF has been awarded the level of ‘Outstanding’ for its apprenticeship training schemes – a rarity in both the defence and civilian worlds.
Stephen (Cyberspace Communication Specialist)
