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RAF airman or airwoman

Use specialist skills for a crucial support role in the Royal Air Force.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£358

Entry level

£485

Experienced

Monthly

£1,550

Entry level

£2,100

Experienced

Yearly

£18,600

Entry level

£25,200

Experienced

2,600

people are currently employed

Low growth

200 fewer jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You could work in one of the many support roles in the Royal Air Force. You’d use specialist skills to carry out crucial tasks, mostly on the ground.

There is a wide range of areas in which you could work:

  • Aircrew – which includes non-commissioned aircrew and weapon systems operators

  • Engineering and technical – including roles like aircraft technician

  • Catering and hospitality – which includes roles such as catering officer

  • Security and defence – with jobs in firefighting and the RAF police

  • Medical and medical support – dental, nursing, medical and laboratory roles

  • Personnel support – including administration, bands, and training

  • Air operations support – for example air traffic controllers

  • Communications and intelligence – such as photographers and intelligence analysts

  • Logistics and equipment – which includes drivers and supply officers

While your exact role would vary according to your specialist skill or trade, you would also carry out military tasks like guard duties and take part in military exercises and training.

Royal Air Force airmen and airwomen make up the largest number of RAF personnel.

Hours

You would usually work 9am to 5pm, over a five-day week, although you are likely to be on-call at all times. When you are on exercises or involved in operations, your hours may be longer and more irregular.

Environment

You might have duties and exercises both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Travel

You would be posted to RAF bases in the UK or overseas. You may also go on detachments and exercises anywhere in the world. When on detachment, you could be away from your family for several months at a time.

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    Top skills

    Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

    It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

    Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

    • problem solving
    • building relationships
    • cooperating
    • written communication
    • verbal communication
    • listening
    • reading
    • taking initiative
    • resilience

    Your skills are important

    Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

    Discover skills

    Getting in

    Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

    You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

    Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

    Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

    • Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services

    To apply to the RAF you'll need a minimum of five National 5 qualifications (SCQF Level 5) including English and maths. 

    For more specialised roles, you'll need three Highers at grade C or a degree (SCQF Level 9/10). 

    The RAF recruitment website has qualification requirements for each role.  

    Qualifications that show understanding of the armed services, physical and mental fitness and commitment to your community such as: 

    • Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4)

    • SQA  Leadership Award (SCQF level 5/6)

    • Cadet Organisation or other Youth Awards

    You will need to research individual roles to find out the specific entry requirements but you will need to meet fitness, health, nationality and residency criteria for all roles.

    To meet RAF nationality requirements, you need to be one of the following: 

    • British citizen

    • British national

    • British/Dual national

    • Commonwealth citizen

    • Irish Republic national 

    You should have been a UK Resident for a minimum of five years immediately preceding application, and have spent no more than 28 days per year outside the UK within those five years. UK residents of less than five years or those who have spent more than 28 days per year outside the UK will require more eligibility checks.

    Age requirements vary depending on which role you choose.

    The youngest age for applying is 15 years and nine months for an Airman. The oldest is 55 years for a Medical Officer. If you’re under 18 years of age, you’ll need consent from a parent or guardian before you apply.

    Every candidate undergoes two or three separate fitness tests as part of the application process: Selection Fitness Test, Pre-joining Fitness Test or Pre-recruit Training Course. The fitness requirements for these tests vary according to your role, age and gender.

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

    • Body Mass Index requirements

    • Eyesight requirements - they vary for different roles.

    • Medical conditions - there are some medical conditions that may stop you from entering the RAF. Check the website for details.

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