The Royal Navy – Naval Airman Aircraft Handler Aviation Ground Operative Apprenticeship Intermediate Level 2 (GCSE)

As an Apprentice Naval Airman (Aircraft Handler), you’re responsible for safety whenever there’s aircraft on the deck or the ground. That means working with flight crews at Royal Naval Air Stations (RNAS), on our state-of-the-art warships, or even the new Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier.

• Your core responsibility is to ensure our aircraft are in the right place and ready for action when we need them
• On a ship, you’ll operate the lift that brings the aircraft out of the hangar before securing them to the flight deck
• Sometimes you’ll be up against challenging weather conditions, so it’s an element of your role that requires real skill, judgement, and perseverance.
• During training you’ll develop the skills you need to fight fuel, hangar, and aircraft fires. That means in the event of an emergency, everyone will look to you for guidance
• You’ll need to use all of your powers of concentration, every day. As you manoeuvre aircraft into place, lives may be at stake. Any driving experience you have will be put to use as you form part of the team that keeps our aircraft flight ready
• It’s a physical job where you’ll work outside in all conditions, but by making sure that our jets and helicopters are in the right place at the right time, you’ll be playing a key role in providing Royal Navy’s airborne capability

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

• Once you have completed your training you will be a qualified Naval Airman Aircraft Handler (Aviation Ground Operative)

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

• You’ll start your naval career as an Able Rate, with experience and further training, you could be promoted to Leading Hand and beyond
• If you show the right commitment, skills, and academic ability, you could become a Commissioned Officer
• Members of the Royal Navy are promoted on merit. Work hard and you can rise through the ranks

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness

Things to consider

When you join you complete 10 weeks of basic naval training, followed by six months at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall, working in an aircraft hangar or a flight deck team. You’ll learn to use the lifts, mechanical handlers and chocks and lashings used on board ship. When you’ve finished, you’ll be posted to your first unit.

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Math and English, Grade GCSE Level C/4 Desired

Employer Name

Royal Navy

Training provider

ROYAL NAVY

Apprenticeship standard

Aviation ground operative (level 2)

How to apply?

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.