Visual Communicator

Being creative Travelling the world Gaming & computers

INITIAL ANNUAL PAY

As an RAF Visual Communicator, your camera will go where the story is. You could be capturing kinetic air operations one day and creating dynamic digital content for audiences across the globe the next.

As an RAF Visual Communicator you will become the eyes and the voice of the Royal Air Force. This can include:

Producing high quality videography, photography, and audio to support operations, strategic messaging, and public relations both internally and across defence.

Creating digital content as a photojournalist and influencer crafting reels, podcasting output, and engaging material for social media.

Gathering critical technical imagery for engineering, air safety, and accident investigations

Shooting key training support media and produce high impact visual assets

Developing your skills through a highly respected training provider working alongside the likes of the Royal Photographic Society and the British Institute of Professional Photography

Requirements at a glance

• Minimum of GCSE grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics
• 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 specialist training

Applicants 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.

Have these minimum grades:

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.

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

The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:

Level 4 Photographer Apprenticeship

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.

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

Basic Recruit Training

10 weeks

RAF Halton

01 Basic Recruit Training 10 weeks RAF Halton You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

02

Phase two training

Specialist training

24 weeks

RAF Cosford

02 Specialist training 24 weeks RAF Cosford The next step is a specialist training course at the Defence School of Photography (DSOP) RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton.

03

First tour

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

03 Specialist training Ongoing As assigned You will find yourself assigned to one of 28 stations within the UK.

04

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

04 Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned Throughout your career we will continue to train you and provide you with through-service career development.

05

Ongoing

As assigned

05 Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned The start of your DVCS Foundation and the end of DVCS Practitioner courses are programmed to be completed in approximately 12 months.

06

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

06 Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Joining 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

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

2

Selection Interviews

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
• 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

Basic 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.

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