There is ‘
‘ in the RAF
The Royal Air Force offers more than 50 different job roles and apprenticeships for young people from the age of 16. With everything from chef and catering to technical and engineering opportunities - the options available are diverse no matter how you performed in your GCSEs or A-Levels.
But the RAF is more than just a career choice - it is a lifestyle, with limitless boundaries to explore the world, all while being paid a competitive wage to work alongside colleagues who quickly become friends. You could be travelling the world with a famous aerobatic team before the age of 18 or in charge of 12 Eurofighter Typhoons that help keep Britain safe before you have even reached 30. Whether you are looking for an apprenticeship to put money in your pocket and further your education or already have your sights on a long-term career as an RAF engineer or fast-jet pilot - the RAF really is No Ordinary Job.
Find out what’s so great about our job roles by reading the stories of those who live them on a daily basis…
SAC Ellie Morgan
When Ellie decided that A-Levels weren’t for her at the age of 17, she began to look at other options. 18 months later and she now finds herself working as an Aircraft Mechanic with the world famous RAF Aerobatic Team - the Red Arrows.
So how did everything change so quickly? And what’s next for a young servicewoman with the world at her feet? Read Ellie’s story below…
“I left education at the age of 17 after finishing my first year of A-Levels and deciding education was just no longer for me. Two years later and I find myself working with the Red Arrows!
“After applying to join the RAF I completed a 10 week basic training course at RAF Halton, which taught me standard military skills and set me up for the next stage of my career. Before I got my first proper posting (job) with the RAF I also completed a six month trade training course which taught me the technical side of the job. The courses set you up for the rest of your career and you are taught everything you need to know, so you don’t require an engineering background before joining.”
“I was posted straight to the Red Arrows at the end of my training, which was a complete shock but a posting that I was very happy with. I currently travel all over the world with the team and am mainly involved in the servicing of the aircraft; working alongside the engineers. I also work closely with Team Leader, Red 1 - Squadron Leader Dave Montenegro.
“My family are extremely proud that I decided to join the RAF and my dad loves that I am part of the Red Arrows, so is forever talking about it and posting things on social media! It feels great to know that my parents are proud of me so early in my career.
“In the future I want to continue to travel with the RAF - both overseas and around the UK. I am only 19, so still have my whole career ahead of me. If I could choose my next posting it would be to a squadron to work on fast-jets such as Lossiemouth in Scotland, where they have both the Tornado and Typhoon. But for now I am more than happy travelling the world with the Red Arrows!”
Flight Lieutenant Harry Gopalakrishnan (Lucky)
Flight Lieutenant Harry Gopalakrishnan, also known as Lucky, always knew that he wanted to join the Royal Air Force. Lucky’s interest in the Royal Air Force started aged 15 when a RAF Liaison Officer visited his school and gave a talk on career options.
Now aged 27, Harry is flying-high in the RAF as an Engineer Officer based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. So what is it like to be in command of 12 Eurofighter Typhoons before you have even reached the age of 30? Read Lucky’s story below…
“I decided I wanted to join the RAF before I had even sat my GCSEs. An RAF Liaison Officer visited my school and the information about the lifestyle of the air force was enough to make me sit up and find out more.
“At Sixth-Form I was offered to be put forward for selection to receive RAF sponsorship. After fitness, aptitude and leadership assessments, I eventually received a bursary for university with a place on RAF Initial Officer Training (IOT) after my university graduation.”
“My parents supported me: as refugees from the 1980s Sri Lankan civil war, they saw this as a chance to give back to a country that had given our family so much.
“Today I am the Junior Engineering Officer for a Squadron of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft;
responsible for their engineering and for the 120
personnel who keep the aircraft flying. The squadron’s role includes holding Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) ensuring the RAF has aircraft armed and ready to take-off at a moment’s notice to defend the skies of our country from hostile aircraft.
“The benefits which come with the RAF really are what you make of them, including opportunities such as playing sport, going on adventurous training expeditions and furthering your education.
“I can see a path of roles that I would love to take as my career progresses - either as the Senior Engineering Officer of a squadron deployed on operations, or by becoming the lead Engineering Officer on a RAF Station. As long as my future roles continue to give me the opportunity to command personnel, I can see myself fulfilling a hopefully distinguished career in the Royal Air Force.”
The Royal Air Force’s latest advertising campaign #NoOrdinaryJob is now live on social media or by visiting
www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment. Visit the website or the RAF Facebook and Twitter accounts to watch videos of Ellie and Lucky show you why their role in the RAF is #NoOrdinaryJob.
34 Winter 2016
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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