Life as an RAF apprentice: a snapshot

An RAF engineering apprenticeship can take several different forms. In order to understand more, we spoke to two apprentices based at RAF Cosford about some of the features and benefits of undertaking a military apprenticeship.

AC Emma Dixon and AC Toby Evans embarked on their training from quite different starting points. Having worked in customer services and administration for over a decade, Emma was looking for a more practical role. She explains why she decided on this route to re-train:

“The RAF apprenticeship offered the opportunity to develop a completely new skill set whilst still earning. It has many advantages over a civilian apprenticeship, such as the chance to travel, work on fast jet aircraft and incorporate sport and fitness into my career.”

Toby says he always had a passion for engineering but his school didn’t really promote apprenticeships.

“It wasn’t until a friend became an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic (AMM) that I understood all the opportunities the RAF has to offer. One of the highlights so far has been the mechanical hand skills phase, learning under instructors with a wealth of knowledge.”

Both are becoming more adaptable and adept in leadership and communication. Emma says,

“My apprenticeship has not only started me on the path to a new career through learning tech-specific skills, but also helped me to develop as a person, through basic training and continued investment in the Development Training Programme.”

Toby feels membership of the Institution provides an excellent link to life as a civilian engineer beyond his career in the Royal Air Force. “It also provides support and advice whilst I am completing my apprenticeship.”

Flt Lt Al Cooper IEng MIMechE is Chief of Staff at the No 1 School of Technical Training, where Emma and Toby are undertaking their apprenticeships. He says the range of aircraft that RAF Cosford apprentices work is one of the factors that distinguishes their experience from a civilian apprenticeship.

“They will have the opportunity to be employed on many diverse aircraft, from the Typhoon to the A400M, Voyager, Chinook and even the Red Arrows. On arriving at a squadron they will very quickly be trained to carry out flight line operations and maintenance to keep the aircraft serviceable.”

RAF Cosford offers an extensive range of Advanced Apprenticeship courses, from mechanical and avionics to survival equipment and expedient repair. Around 2000 aircraft engineers graduate from the School each year, ready to contribute to current and contingent operational commitments for defence.

Discover more about the work the Institution does with the Armed Forces and the MOD.