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, following an End Point Assessment, you will be awarded your Level 3 Survival Equipment Fitter 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 fast jets, 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
(SERE) training, providing assistance in the instruction of aircrew practicing survival drills on land, in pools, or at sea. For this role, SE specialists are trained to pass the RAF Swimming Competency Test and are then required to pass the RAF Role Related Swim Test on an annual basis. Once your experience builds, and you demonstrate the required competence levels, supervision will be reduced. After completing one year’s total service, providing you have passed Specialist Training and a Trade Ability Test, you will be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman.

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 SAC 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 a Senior Aircraftman, you may be able to undertake a tour at an overseas location, such as RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. 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:

Aircrew Equipment Fitting and Integration and Aircraft Accident Investigation: Undertaking the development, trials, testing and aircraft integration of new, often technologically advanced, SE and AEA 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 the fitting and function of AEA from an Aviation Medicine perspective.

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 SE Tech tradesmen or teach SERE 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 trade. 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 trade of Survival Equipment Technician.

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.