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Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Level 5 Air Traffic Controller
The UK manages one of the busiest and most complex pieces of airspace in the world. A range of specialist air traffic controller roles contribute to the safe and efficient movement of aircraft with civil and military operations working collaboratively to maintain a fully integrated service to all users, 24 hours a day, every day of the year
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& EDUCATION

At 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
Initial Officer training
24 weeks
RAF Cranwell
Your career will start with Initial Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire where you will follow a challenging 24-week syllabus to develop your leadership and management skills.
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02
Phase two training
Specialist Training
28/30 weeks
RAF Shawbury
Specialist training is delivered at the Defence College of Air and Space Operations at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire, or the Operations Conversion Unit at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland.
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03
First tour
Specialist training
24-36 months
As assigned
You will be based at one of the RAF’s airfields around the UK or in Cyprus, at our Control and Reporting Centre or at the Air Traffic Control Centre.
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04
Your career prospects
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
You will join the RAF on an initial commission of 12 years and may be selected to continue your service on a pension earning commission of 20 years’ service or to age 40, whichever is the later.
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05
Continued development
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
Subsequent tours of duty may see you being employed in a wide variety of areas, including:
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06
Transferable skills
Accredited training
Ongoing
As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies.
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07
Foundation Degree
Ongoing education
Ongoing
As assigned
Successful completed of the Air Traffic Controllers Course and requisite workplace training will mean eligibility for the Air Space Management Degree.

REQUIREMENTS

You must be aged between 17.5 – 38 years old.
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 and after

Scottish National 5
Mathematics/Application of Mathematics

C

Grade 4

C
English Language

C

Grade 4

C
Three Other Subjects

C

Grade 4

C
In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
If you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSEs Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
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.

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

This is a diverse and exciting role which directs and supports operations in the UK and around the world. There are 3 key employment areas - Terminal Air Traffic Control (ATC), Area Control and Weapons Controller. Within each of these roles you could be:

• Coordinating air traffic to and from military airfields
• Part of the team that orders Typhoon jets to scramble and intercept suspect aircraft
• Controlling fighter, surveillance, refuelling and unmanned aircraft as they support missions at home and overseas
• Working alongside civilian controllers as an Area Radar Controller, making sure military aircraft operate safely alongside civilian aircraft
• Giving specialist battlespace management support to both UK and missions around the world
• Travelling on military operations as a Tactical Air Traffic Controller, setting up temporary runway

The first step in the application process is a series of Computer Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT). These tests ensure we match the right candidate to the right role. They take place over one day at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and measure your ability to perform specific tasks such as:

• How well you respond physically to visual information
• Your ability to interpret information in two dimensions and devise a three-dimensional solution
• Your ability to complete several tasks simultaneously
• Your natural abilities, including deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate and concentration, and verbal and numerical reasonin