ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

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.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

After your initial Recruit and Specialist Training, you will be assigned to a UK unit where, under supervision, you will apply your newly-gained skills in a live environment; adding immediate value to RAF and UK air operations.
You may work on a Royal Air Force flying station providing direct support to the operation of combat air, multi-engined aircraft or helicopters. Alternatively, you may work within the Airborne Forces environment, maintaining parachute equipment for UK military parachutists; this could involve working on active parachute drop zones both in the UK and overseas.
You may support the delivery of Survival, Evasion, Resistance & Extraction training, providing assistance in the instruction of aircrew practicing survival training on land, or at sea.With additional experience and when demonstrating the required competence levels, supervision will be reduced. After completing one year’s total service, providing you have passed Specialist Training and a Professional Workplace Assessment, you will be eligible for promotion to AS(1). Following promotion to AS(1) and on completion of a further Professional Workplace Assessment and the level 3 Diploma; you will attain the rank of AS(1) Technician. This may afford the opportunity for further training, providing you with the skills to carry out additional and more complex tasks in your workplace.

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.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND PROGRESSION

As an AS(1), you may be able to undertake a tour at an overseas location, such as RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and Brunei in South East Asia. As your skill levels and leadership potential develop further, promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is judged on merit and by competitive selection.
As you gain more experience you may be offered employment in areas such as
at the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine: Undertaking the development, trials, testing and aircraft integration of new, often technologically advanced, Airborne Life Support Equipment and Pilot Flight Equipment entering Service; or providing expert advice in support of aircraft accident investigations and determining causes of equipment failure.
As a Corporal, you will be trained in Pilot Flight Equipment fitting and pilot Aircraft Integration: Undertaking precise Pilot Flight Equipment fitting and integration which provides the pilot with audio or visual acuity; respiratory enrichment and counterpressure support for safe operation of the Aircraft.
Instructional Posts: On promotion to Corporal or above, and on completing instructional techniques courses, you may train recruits during specialist training, provide trade-related management training to other Survival Equipment Specialist or teach Survival, Evasion, Resistance & Extraction techniques. You may also be able to undertake further training such as Jungle, Desert, and Extreme Cold Weather environmental survival courses to enhance your abilities as an instructor.
There may well be opportunities to work outside the specialisation. As you advance through the ranks on merit, you will have an increased opportunity to lead and direct; managing resources and manpower within your work to deliver the required outputs whilst instilling the high standards expected within the RAF, maintaining excellence both within and outside your chosen specialisation of Survival Equipment Specialist.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The qualifications, experience and skill sets that you develop as an SE specialist, engineer and manager are recognised and highly regarded in civilian industry which mean that, should you ever decide to pursue a career outside the RAF, you will be well placed to find employment.