Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

SECURITY AND RESILIENCE OPERATIONS Physical Training Instructor

As an RAF Physical Training Instructor, you will lead fitness and training programs that keep RAF personnel in top shape.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During First Six Months £16,800+ + Benefits

Initial Pay After Training £28,500+ + Benefits

Register Interest


DAY RATE STARTS AT: £42.29 + Benefits

Earn up to £15,446 per year

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language and Maths
  • 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
  • Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Sport & Fitness
  • Helping people
  • Health care

Apprenticeships available

Level 3 Personal Trainer Apprenticeship

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
  • 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
  • Will need to attain GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language & Maths by the time you are promoted to substantive Cpl (usually around 2-3 years of attestation)
  • Be on the Register for the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for accreditation (other governing bodies will be considered however must be part of CIMSPA before phase 2 training commences)
  • Be in possession of a Level 3 Personal Trainer Award registered with CIMSPA or other governing bodies (must be accredited by CIMSPA before phase 2 training commences)
  • Be able to evidence the delivery of group physical education classes and have 2 years’ experience of teaching physical education within the last 5 years
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Be able to swim competently 50m Backstroke, Breaststroke and Front crawl, tread water for 2 minutes and deep dive to approx 3 metres
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Sport & Fitness
  • Helping people
  • Health care

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland (Ex-Regular only)
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon (Ex-Regular only)
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
614 Sqn, Cardiff, (No current vacancies)
2620 Sqn, RAF Marham, Norfolk

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct fitness and health tests as well as counselling
  • Organise sporting and adventure activities
  • Manage a wide range of sporting facilities
Play video
Play video

Your role covers a few different areas of fitness coaching, from training personnel to helping people who fail the annual fitness test, encouraging them to change their lifestyles. In the RAF you can gain a lot of civilian qualifications – diplomas in sports therapy, sports massage, aerobics, diet and nutrition – that could help you in the future.

The RAF PTI is in a unique position in Defence. The mainstream PEd functions, whilst providing a critical output to RAF operational preparedness, is to also develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes for all PTIs to train as either Parachute Jumping Instructors (PJIs), Force Development Instructors (FDIs) or Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors (ERIs). The PTI trade is a very diverse and exciting career choice with opportunities also available in Survival Training, Training Consultancy and Leadership Development.

RAF Physical Training Instructor with trainees on assault course

Your role covers a few different areas of fitness coaching, from training personnel to helping people who fail the annual fitness test, encouraging them to change their lifestyles. In the RAF you can gain a lot of civilian qualifications – diplomas in sports therapy, sports massage, aerobics, diet and nutrition – that could help you in the future.

The RAF PTI is in a unique position in Defence. The mainstream PEd functions, whilst providing a critical output to RAF operational preparedness, is to also develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes for all PTIs to train as either Parachute Jumping Instructors (PJIs), Force Development Instructors (FDIs) or Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors (ERIs). The PTI trade is a very diverse and exciting career choice with opportunities also available in Survival Training, Training Consultancy and Leadership Development.

RAF Physical Training Instructor with trainees on assault course

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

  • Training
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Paid pension
  • Paid holiday

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

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’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The specialist training course of 21 weeks is held at the School of Physical Training, RAF Cosford near Wolverhampton. The course will qualify you in class instructional techniques across a
broad range of physical domains and Human Performance, the effects of exercise on the body, leadership, coaching techniques, sports administration and officiating. At the end of this course you will gain a Level 2 Gym Instructor as well as be eligible to join the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

More Details +

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

On day 1 of the 21 week specialist training course you will be offered the opportunity to commence a Level 3 Personal Trainer Apprenticeship. This scheme will continue post-graduation in your workplace. Following specific work-based tasks you will be expected to conduct an end point assessment with an external company in order to gain the qualification. On completion of the Apprenticeship you will be awarded a Level 3 Personal Trainer award. This qualification is also recognised by CIMSPA.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

For your first tour, you will probably be assigned to an RAF base where you will deliver programmed physical training to personnel who are undergoing their own role-related training courses. Additionally, you can expect to be carrying out physical fitness tests and providing specific fitness related training programmes to RAF personnel. This work will allow you to consolidate your specialist training as you complete your Work Place Training package over the
first 12 months.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND PROGRESSION:  

You will initially join the RAF for a period of 12 years on a Notice Engagement with the rank of acting Corporal. After completing one year total service and providing you pass further training courses, you will be confirmed in the rank of substantive Corporal. This early part of your career will focus on Human Performance development training and delivery. As you progress, you will be required to undertake training in at least one of 3 further pathways to continue your career: Parachute Jumping Instructor, Force Development Instructor or Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor. Personal preference is considered, whenever possible, but cannot always be granted due
to the needs of the RAF. As a prospective PTI you will have signed a certificate during your specialist interview to acknowledge this requirement. Further promotion to the rank of Sergeant and beyond is by competitive selection.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:

The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF – which means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF, you will be well placed to find a job in
the physical recreation and leisure industry or wider in the training delivery and assurance field.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

Commitment and location

You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.


Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.


You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS 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 (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

Be aged between 16 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

ALL APPLICANTS 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 (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
Mathematics C Grade 4 Grade 5
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

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 (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

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

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Your first fitness test is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

For the role of PTI your second fitness tests will be during the Specialist Vetting Course at RAF Cosford. You can see what you'll do on the course here:

RAF PTI Specialist Vetting Course.

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton as part of your three-day Pre-Recruit Familiarization Visit (PRFV). This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 9.03 20 35
17-29 9.10 20 35
30-34 9.04 19 32
35-39 8.09 18 29
40-44 8.03 17 26
45-47 7.07 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 6.07 10 32
17-29 7.02 10 32
30-34 6.08 9 29
35-39 6.04 8 26
40-44 5.08 7 23
45-47 5.04 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRFV Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRFV Fitness Test here:

RAF PRFV Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
Mathematics C Grade 4 Grade 5
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5

All applicants must also be on the Register of Exercise Professionals to Level 3 Accreditation, and be in possession of a Level 3 award in Anatomy, Physiology and Health. You must have two years experience of teaching physical education and be able to swim.

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

 

Be on the Register for the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for accreditation (other governing bodies will be considered however must be part of CIMSPA before phase 2 training commences)

Be in possession of a Level 3 Personal Trainer Award registered with CIMSPA or other governing bodies (must be accredited by CIMSPA before phase 2 training commences)

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

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 (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

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

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

You must be able to swim competently 50m Backstroke, Breaststroke and Front crawl, tread water for 2 minutes and deep dive to approx 3 metres.

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Register Interest

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve

SIMILAR ROLES

Force protection
RAF Regiment Gunner
Find Out More
Force protection
RAF Police
Find Out More
Air operations support
Firefighter
Find Out More
Force protection
RAF Regiment Gunner
Find Out More
Force protection
RAF Police
Find Out More
Air operations support
Firefighter
Find Out More
01 03
01 03

View all roles