ENGINEERING Vehicle and Mechanical Equipment Technician

As a Vehicle and Mechanical Equipment Technician, you will keep the RAF on the move by carrying out repairs and adjustments on a range of land-based vehicles and equipment.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During First Six Months £16,840+ + Benefits

Pay Until Completion Of Phase Two Training* £21,420+ + Benefits

DAY STARTS AT: £42.29 + Benefits

Earn up to £15,446.64 per year.

Please note, when you submit your full application the role will be listed at 'General Technician Mechanical' within the online system. 

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • GCSE Grade C/Grade 4 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 (Grade A – C) in English, Maths & Science/Tech based subject
  • 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 to minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a Fitness Test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Transport & Vehicles
  • Building and Problem solving
  • Travelling the world

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
  • GCSEs at Grade C or equivalent in English Language, Mathematics and an approved Science/Technology-based subject (Grade 4 to 5 WEF Aug 17), or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English, Mathematics and an approved Science/Technology-based subject
  • Level 3 Qualification in a mechanical engineering discipline with relevant experience
  • 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 27 days per year
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Transport & Vehicles
  • Building and Problem solving
  • Analysis and maths

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
504 Sqn, RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon
607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
614 Sqn, Cardiff,

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintain and repair aircraft support equipment like ground power and hydraulic supply units and dehumidifiers.
  • Test and repair airfield arrestor systems that prevent aircraft runway overrun.
  • Examine, maintain and repair specialist airfield support vehicles like refuelling bowsers and aircraft loading equipment.

You will be a specialist engineering technician that repairs and maintains a wide and diverse fleet of specialist airfield support equipment and airfield vehicles that are essential to the smooth running of the RAF, and ensures that aircraft can take off and complete their missions.

You can work on a vast range of equipment including aircraft ground power units, airfield arrestor systems which catch aircraft from overshooting the runway, specialist airfield vehicles such as aircraft refuellers, snow clearing vehicles and aircraft equipment loaders and even RAF Regiment specialist light patrol vehicles. You will be employed in specialist engineering facilities, where you will carry out equipment servicing, investigate faults and make repairs when you find them.
These facilities are equipped for extensive maintenance, rectification and use technically advanced test equipment for fault diagnosis and analysis of a wide and varied range of engine management systems.

Like most people in the RAF, you could move jobs every 3 - 5 years as part of your ‘through service career management’ and have the opportunity to diversify and experience a wide range of jobs and equipment (each job is known as a ‘tour’). You will be able to set preferences for the type of tour you would like to undertake and there is also the opportunity to undertake roles outside of your trade. Within your first few years, you may get the opportunity to deploy overseas in support of the RAF’s mission.

The official specialisation name of a RAF Vehicle & Mechanical Equipment Technician is General Technician Mechanical (GTM). They are specialist engineering technicians that repair and maintain a diverse fleet of Airfield Support Equipment (ASE) and airfield specialist vehicles that are essential to the smooth running of the RAF and ensures that aircraft can take off and complete their missions.

You will work on a vast range of equipment including aircraft ground power units, airfield arrestor systems which catch aircraft from overshooting the runway, specialist aircraft and support vehicles, aircraft refuellers, aircraft equipment loaders or RAF Regiment specialist patrol vehicles.

You will be employed in specialist engineering facilities, where you will carry out equipment servicing, investigate faults and make repairs when you find them. These facilities are equipped for extensive maintenance, rectification and use technically advanced test equipment for fault diagnosis and analysis of a wide and varied range of engine management systems.

Like Regular RAF personnel, Reservists can be mobilised on expeditionary operations. These mobilisations can vary in length and can be a deployment to a UK, overseas or temporary base which includes pre-deployment training and post-deployment relaxation. During your deployment you could be travelling with your unit, filling-in for another member of the RAF, or working alongside regulars and reserves from other Services. You could be part of a small team dedicated to a particular task, or a large-scale disaster relief mission.

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

GARY ,Vehicle & Mechanical Equipment Technician GARY ,Vehicle & Mechanical Equipment Technician
I like the fact that you’re not just pigeon-holed into doing one type of work all the time. I find that really rewarding.

GARY Vehicle & Mechanical Equipment Technician

TRAINING AND CAREERS

TRAINING YOU'LL RECEIVE

Your career will start with 10weeks of basic recruit training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to military life. As well as fitness and military training, you will also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The next step is a specialist training course, currently at MOD St Athan, near Cardiff, which lasts approximately 47 training weeks but is likely to reduce in the future. You will be enrolled on an Advanced Apprenticeship and a team of RAF and Civilian Instructors will teach you mechanical engineering principles. You will then put the theory into practice when learning how to service and repair airfield support vehicles and aircraft support equipment. On successful completion of
this training course, you will receive your first posting. For courses starting from Sep 20, your specialist training, along with the experience you gain on the job, should lead to the award of an Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 Engineering Technician - Mechatronics Maintenance Technician (Mechanical) with the additional qualification of a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles by the 3-year point.

More Details +

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities exist for individuals to gain further training and qualifications in areas such as F-GAS, where they may be required to work on specialist air conditioning equipment and systems used worldwide in support of operations.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills, and you will develop fault diagnosis techniques. You may be posted to a specialist area of employment, such as Air Defence Radar, Tactical Communications, Tactical Supply, or the Expeditionary Airfield Squadron
where amongst other things you will build temporary engineering accommodation both in the UK and abroad. There are also opportunities to gain a degree with the foundation degree BEng program in either General Engineering or Engineering Management and also opportunities for
management and leadership training; in addition, the qualifications and experience you will gain in your RAF career can be used to meet the joining criteria for civilian professional associations to attain EngTech, IEng or CEng.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

For your first tour, you will be posted to an RAF station where you will work on a wide range of airfield support equipment and specialist vehicles in the RAF inventory. You will use and further develop the skills you learnt during training as you carry out inspections and servicing. Furthermore, you will also help experienced technicians carry out more complex tasks. You will
have a key role in supporting the station’s mission and you will form part of a professional team.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND PROGRESSION

After completing one year’s total service, you will be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman, providing you pass a Trade Ability Test and Basic Trade Training. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection. As you gain experience and complete your
Advanced Apprenticeship, you will achieve Technician status. As you advance through the ranks, you will have the increased opportunity to lead and direct people, managing resources and manpower within your area of work to deliver the required outputs whilst maintaining and instilling the highest standards expected within the RAF.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The qualifications, experience and skill-sets that you develop as a specialist Mechanical Technician are recognised and are as highly regarded in civilian industry as they are in the RAF, which means that should you ever decide to pursue a career outside the RAF, you will be well placed to find employment.

TRAINING AND CAREERS

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserve, followed by a 15 day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This training course will prepare you for Service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world; it is also designed to help you tune into the military environment and way of life.  As well as military training, you will learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The next step is a specialist training course (Basic Trade Training (BTT)) at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, which lasts for one week.  The course is designed to convert you from your current role as a civilian light vehicle maintainer to a military heavy vehicle maintainer.  Following your BTT you will be required to complete the ‘Support Vehicle Maintainer Conversion’ course, which then qualifies you to maintain the RAF’s fleet of vehicles.  Further training and practical experience, combined with the completion of the Aircraft Support Equipment (ASE) workbook, will make you an assimilated Gen Tech M, meaning that your skills can be utilised across the range of vehicles and ASE, akin to your Regular counterparts.

More Details +

ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Once mobilised, during pre-deployment training you will receive the necessary instruction in order to fulfil the requirements of the position that you will be holding.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your service progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills, and you will develop fault diagnosis techniques.  You may be mobilised into specialist areas, such as Tactical Supply, Convoy Support or the Expeditionary Airfield Squadron, where you will build temporary engineering accommodation both in the UK and abroad; you could also have opportunities for management and leadership training.  The qualifications and experience you will gain as a RAF Reservist may be used to meet the joining criteria for relevant civilian professional associations.

PROGRESSION

You will initially join the RAF Reserves for a period of 12 years, with a minimum commitment of 27 days per year.  Each year’s training includes a 2-week (15 day) block for general RAF training, and at least 6 weekends (12 days) for additional training, trade training, or training exercises.

After completing one year’s service, you will be eligible for promotion to Leading Aircraftman, providing that your BTT has commenced.  The rank of Senior Aircraftman can be achieved at the 2 year point; further promotion to the rank Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection.  As you gain experience and complete your Trade Training, you will achieve ‘Technician’ status.  As you advance through the ranks, you will have the increased opportunity to lead and direct people, managing resources and manpower to deliver the required outputs whilst maintaining and instilling the highest standards expected within the RAF.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The experience and skill-sets that you develop as a specialist Mechanical Technician are recognised and are as highly-regarded in civilian industry as they are in the RAF; if you decide to further your career outside the RAF Reserves, your skills should mean that you are better placed to find employment.

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

You will have to commit to 27 days per year.

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

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 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

*Until at least you have completed one year of service and successfully completed Professional Workplace Assessments on first posting.

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
Science or Technology C Grade 4 Grade 5

find a list of the approved subjects here

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

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You 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).

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

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

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton on day one of your initial training. 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 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-47 15.19 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
Science or Technology C Grade 4 Grade 5

find a list of the approved subjects here

Level 3 Qualification in a Mechanical Engineering discipline with relevant experience. (If the candidate does not hold a qualification in an approved Science or Technology based subject, they can still apply as a qualified General Technician Mechanical provided, they have the required Level 3 in a Mechanical Engineering, English language and Mathematics grade.)

Further information and advice is available from your local AFCO or RAF Reserve Squadron.

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

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You 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).

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

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 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 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

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?

Start your application here.

Register Interest

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here.

Please note, when you submit your full application the role will be listed at 'General Technician Mechanical' within the online system. 

 

Apply as a Reserve