A unique opportunity to complete an apprenticeship as an 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 that 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) and finally as a Weapons Controller (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 that offers an excellent career and worldwide employment opportunities that is at the heart of the RAF’s flying output.
There are three key employment areas you could find yourself working in:
– Terminal Air Traffic Control providing Air Traffic Control services to aircraft operating at or near RAF stations around the world.
– Weapons Control where you’ll direct and control fast jet aircraft to intercept potentially hostile aircraft that threaten UK Airspace or in complex air-to-air exercises.
– Area Control working alongside civilian air traffic controllers at the UK’s Air Traffic Control Centre at Swanwick where you will control military aircraft across the country by radar.
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.
Level 5 Air Traffic Controller Apprenticeship Standard
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 or 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.
Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Patience, Physical fitness
The role is varied and, after training, you could be stationed across the UK and beyond.
GCSE or equivalent any, Grade C/4 or above Essential
GCSE or equivalent any, Grade C/4 or above Essential
GCSE or equivalent any, Grade C/4 or above Essential
GCSE or equivalent English Language, Grade C/4 or above Essential
GCSE or equivalent Mathematics, Grade C/4 or above Essential
A Level or equivalent any, Grade C or above Essential
A Level or equivalent any, Grade C or above Essential
Royal Air Force
ROYAL AIR FORCE
Air traffic controller (level 5)
To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.