Job Description

Currently recruiting


Aircraft Building & fixing things Analysis & maths


INITIAL ANNUAL PAY

26,300+

+ BENEFITS

SALARY IF PROMOTED TO CORPORAL

40,000

+ BENEFITS

As an Air Technician Mechanical your job is to carry out maintenance and repair work on the airframe and propulsion systems on RAF aircraft.




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What will you do?


Examine and maintain all mechanical, structural, and electrical components Ensure the high performance of engines, flying controls, pneumatics and hydraulic systems Test and repair equipment on fast jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, ISTAR platforms and air-to-air refuelling aircraft Undertake training for aircraft servicing work, preparing aircraft for flight and ensuring they're flying fit Minimum Education Requirements


GCSE grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English language, Mathematics and an approved Science/Technology-based subject. Requirements


Be aged 16 - 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday) You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below Commit to minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment Pass a Fitness test

View all details in the Entry Requirements section below.
Apprenticeships available


The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Level 3 Apprenticeship: Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Doing an RAF apprenticeship means you can gain a professional qualification that's recognised in the civilian world, and you'll also have a guaranteed job in your chosen role once you've completed it.


View full details

CAREER, TRAINING

& EDUCATIONAt any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.


01


Phase one training
Basic Recruit Training


10 weeks
RAF Halton
You'll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
02


Phase two training
Specialist training


16 months
DSAE Cosford
Next you'll move onto your specialist trade training course at the Defence School Aeronautical Engineering at Cosford (DSAE Cosford) near Wolverhampton.
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03


Additional qualifications
Ongoing development


Ongoing
As assigned
During your specialist training you will be enrolled on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Technician.
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04


Your first tour
Specialist training


Ongoing
As assigned
You are likely to be posted to an active flying base where you will use, and further develop, the skills you learnt during training.
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05


Ongoing training
Ongoing development


Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, you will continue to be trained in new skills and you will develop as a technician.
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06


Career progression
Ongoing training


12 years
As assigned
You will initially join the RAF for 12 years on a Notice Engagement.
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07


Transferable skills
Ongoing training


Ongoing
As assigned
The Diplomas and Apprenticeship that you can earn are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF.
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WHY JOIN

THE RAF?Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from 75p/m
Free gym
Subsidised food
Health care
World travel
Training
View all benefits

WHAT HAPPENS

AFTER APPLYINGJoining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you're the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.


1


Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 6


The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you're a good fit for the role you're applying for. You'll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts

Click here to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.
2


Selection Interview
Stage 2 of 6


Here's where we get to know you a little better. You'll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we'll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
Family life Education Work experience Special interests and hobbies Interest in the RAF Training The role you've applied for The RAF

You'll be asked a series of standard questions, and you'll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you'll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you'll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
3


Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 6


You're legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you're fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.



We'll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you'll need to meet.
4


Fitness Test
Stage 4 of 6


A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it's also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You'll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run.



The performance level you'll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.
5


Acceptance
Stage 5 of 6


Once you've successfully completed each phase of the application process you'll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.



This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
6


Training
Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:
Arrival - You'll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number General Service training - You'll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities Graduation - Learn about what's required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?

Now you're a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

ENTRY

REQUIREMENTSApplicants must be aged 16 - 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).



Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Have these minimum grades:

GCSE pre-??2017 GCSE 2017 onwards Scottish National 5


Mathematics C Grade 4 C


English Language C Grade 4 C


Science or Technology C Grade 4 C


find a list of the approved subjects here

Secondary school students are advised to study Physics, either by itself or as part of combined science, if they are interested in a technical trade in the RAF.

If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
If you don't have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

APPLY

NOWGot what it takes? Start your application here.