RAF Air Operations Control Officer - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

A unique opportunity to complete an apprenticeship as a RAF Air Operations Control Officer, with an Ofsted outstanding training provider. You'll be working with some of the most advanced technology and aircraft in the world and play a key part in the UK's defence. With over 35 places available across the year, apply today!

The specialisation of Air Operations Control Officer is part of the Air & Space Ops Profession within the RAF, which also includes Air Operations Systems Officer, Air Traffic & Weapons Controller, Air and Space Operations Specialists, Air Cartographers and Firefighters.

The Air Operations (Control) is a diverse, exciting and complex employment area which directs and supports operations both in the UK and around the world. The three key employment areas are:

• Terminal Air Traffic Control (providing an ATC service at an airfield)
• Area Control (working alongside civilian air traffic controllers at the UK's Air Traffic Control Centre at Swanwick)
• Weapons Control (direct fast jet aircraft to intercept potentially hostile aircraft that threaten the integrity of UK Airspace)

As a member of the Royal Air Force, you could find yourself operating from a field, a bunker, a building, a tent, from the back of a plane or even an aircraft carrier. Regardless, you will be part of a varied and stimulating organisation which offers an excellent career and worldwide employment opportunities that is at the heart of the RAF's flying output.

You will be able to set preferences for the location and type of employment you would like to undertake and there is also the opportunity to undertake roles outside of your specialisation. Within your first few years, you will get the opportunity to deploy overseas in support of the RAF's mission. The role is varied and, after training, you could be stationed across the UK and beyond. You will join the RAF as an Officer under an initial 12 year engagement. Following 4 years' service, you will be eligible to apply for an extension of service to complete a Pension Earning Engagement of 20 years' service or age 40, whichever is the later.

Promotion to the rank of Sqn Ldr and beyond is dependent on successful completion of the Air Traffic Control apprenticeship and then on merit by competitive selection. As you advance through the ranks, you will have the increased opportunity to lead and direct people, managing resources and workforce within your area of work to deliver the required outputs whilst maintaining and instilling the highest standards expected within the RAF.

About the Training

Level 5 Air Traffic Controller: You will complete a challenging course designed to develop your strength, fitness, leadership and academic skills through a number of indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK.

• Module 1 – Military Skills where you will learn the basics of being part of the RAF
• Module 2 – Development 1: Know yourself to lead others
• Module 3 – Development 2: Line management & command
• Module 4 – Consolidation (Summative assessment & graduation)

Specialist training is delivered at the Defence College of Air and Space Operations at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and subsequently for Weapons Controllers at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland. This training starts with a Foundation Module and is completed alongside Air Operations (Systems) Officers, Air Ops (Control) Officers and Air Traffic & Weapons Controllers. Following successful completion, you will be assigned to a specialist module in one of the core specialisations:

• Terminal (Airfield) ATC
• Weapons Control

Prospective Weapons Controllers will carry out the last part of their training at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland. You could return at a later date to complete a short conversion course to allow you to undertake roles in the other core areas including Area Radar control.

About the Employer

The Royal Air Force works with our UK and international partners to watch the skies, respond to threats, prevent conflict, and provide assistance in an uncertain world. We provide all personnel with a varied range of training and activities to make sure you're ready for anything. A career in the Royal Air Force will provide you with a whole host of possibilities. You will receive world class training, allowing you to learn and develop throughout your career. We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore the closing and start dates.