RAF Mover - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

A unique opportunity to complete a Level 2 apprenticeship as an RAF Mover with an OFSTED outstanding training provider. You'll be working with some of the most advanced equipment in the world and play a key part in the UK's defence. With places available throughout the year, apply today!

Role

RAF Movers are responsible for the movement of troops and cargo according to RAF operational needs.

You will operate IT systems, load and unload transport aircraft and accompany cargo all over the world. 

You could be checking in passengers flying out on operations or operating forklift trucks and specialist vehicles to load cargo and baggage to transport aircraft. 

It could be your job to plan aircraft loads using IT systems or calculate aircraft weights and balances using pen and paper with weight and balance paperwork. 

You could work in a port where shipments of cargo and explosives are handled, or help put together an under-slung load for a helicopter. Like most people in the RAF, you will probably move jobs every few years, and each job is known as a tour. 

Within your first few years, you will probably be detached overseas for anything from a few days to a few months. You may also have a long-term posting to one of our overseas bases, such as RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Training

On successful completion of the application and selection process, your apprenticeship will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle. 

Your next step will be a specialist training course at the Defence Movements Training Squadron (DMTS), RAF Brize Norton, which lasts approximately 18 weeks.

This course will give you a basic understanding of your role as a Logistics Mover, which includes transport procedures and regulations, aircraft loading and the handling of passengers and cargo.

At the end of the course, you will gain a Level 2 Apprenticeship as an Aviation Ground Operative – Aircraft Handling.  

Apprentices who have not yet achieved Level 1 English and maths are required to achieve level 1 English and maths and take the test for level 2 prior to completion of the apprenticeship. 

The apprenticeship is a gateway to a full-time career in the Royal Air Force. Promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is dependent on successful completion of the 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, manage resources and workforce within your area of work to deliver the required output whilst maintaining and instilling the highest standards expected within the RAF. 

Progression from this apprenticeship is expected to be into a ground operator’s role with the potential to develop into an aviation operations specialist role.

Apprenticeship Standard
Aviation ground operative (level 2)
Training Provider
ROYAL AIR FORCE
Working Week
Shifts to be confirmed on assignment to your first station after training (TBC).
Expected Duration
2 Years
Positions Available
70
Closing Date
Saturday, 30th August 2025
Start Date
Monday, 1st September 2025

Desired Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Qualifications

  • None Other, grade None (Desired)

About the Employer

Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force work 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.
Company
Royal Air Force
Location
Leeds, England
Employment Type
Intermediate Apprenticeship
Salary
£25,200.00
Posted
Company
Royal Air Force
Location
Leeds, England
Employment Type
Intermediate Apprenticeship
Salary
£25,200.00
Posted