How do I get a graduate job in the armed forces or emergency services?
If you want a career where you can make a practical impact on the safety of people at home and abroad, look no further than the armed forces and emergency services. With front-line and behind-the-scenes opportunities for graduates of all backgrounds, there’s bound to be something for you: you could join the Army, the Navy or the RAF, become a member of the police, ambulance or fire service or work in emergency planning.
How do I get a job in the emergency services?
Most people can easily name the three emergency services – ambulance, fire and rescue, and police – but they have a lesser-known relation: emergency planning. The ambulance, police, and fire and rescue services tend to work separately, while emergency planners liaise with all three active services and co-ordinate their actions in the event of an emergency. All four services work together to assess situations, minimise the likelihood of incidents and formulate action plans.
There are two routes into the ambulance service if you want to become a paramedic: taking paramedical qualifications (a foundation degree, diploma or bachelors degree) or applying for a student paramedic position with an ambulance trust, where you will undergo intensive training in life-saving clinical skills on the job. Ambulance crews are employed and recruited by regional groups (such as NHS Trusts), and paramedics can also join the armed forces or work on oil or gas rigs. Contact your local trust for more information about their selection criteria and vacancies.
To work in emergency planning you do not need any specific formal qualifications but a good general education is important – and it is now possible to take related courses. National emergency planning is overseen by the Cabinet Office but each local authority has responsibility for emergency planning officers in its own area. Check the websites of local authorities for details of vacancies.
Each fire and rescue service is run by its local authority so recruitment is done independently and it’s best to contact the one you have in mind to find out their specific requirements. In all cases, firefighters must be physically fit and need to have good eyesight, so applicants need to pass a fitness test as part of the application process.
To join the police service as a police officer, you will need to complete a standard entry application form. You will also need to pass medical and fitness tests, a background check and attend a two-day assessment centre. Each force recruits locally and has its own procedures, but all use the same competence-based framework to select new recruits. Graduates and high quality candidates may be eligible to join the High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS), which develops managerial skills and supports further education so that you could reach the rank of superintendent in seven to nine years.
How do I get a job in the armed forces?
There are three parts of the armed forces: the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy (which includes the Royal Marines). The three branches of the armed forces may work together on assignments but they have very distinct structures and responsibilities. Roles range from hands-on operational positions to behind-the-scenes work. Graduates are recruited into all three divisions, usually as officers – the managers of the military world. There are opportunities for around 25,000 new recruits each year.
To join The Army, you’ll first arrange an interview at an Army careers office to discuss your options. You can then attend the Army Officer Selection Board for a selection briefing, medical and fitness tests, and assessment of your intellectual abilities, practical skills and leadership potential. If you are successful, you will be eligible to begin training at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy.
The Royal Air Force application process starts with an interview at an armed forces careers office. You will then spend four days at the officers and aircrew selection centre at RAF College Cranwell, doing aptitude tests, undertaking a health assessment and fitness test, and having an interview. All new RAF recruits start with initial military training, followed by specialist training in their particular area.
To join the Royal Navy, you will need to arrange an interview at a career liaison centre. Potential officers will be invited to the two-day admiralty interview board at HMS Sultan in Hampshire, which includes a biographical questionnaire, a variety of aptitude tests, an essay, a fitness assessment and a medical examination, a leadership task, a planning exercise and an interview. The next step for successful candidates is basic training at Britannia Royal Naval College.
To become an officer in the Royal Marines, you will attend an interview at an armed forces career office, and then a three-day potential officers’ course at the commando training centre (CTC). This encompasses a range of physical tests, aptitude tests, leadership and teamwork exercises, and interviews. If you are successful, you will attend the two-day Admiralty Interview Board at HMS Sultan in Hampshire – like all potential Royal Navy recruits. Successful applicants will go on to the CTC for 54 weeks of training.
What qualifications and skills do I need to work in the emergency services and armed forces?
To work in this area one of the most important attributes is the ability to communicate with members of the public from all walks of life, often in times of distress. The ability to keep a cool head under pressure while providing a calm environment for others is also essential and in front line roles courage, decisiveness and leadership will go a long way. Teamwork and organisational skills are necessary competences across a range of emergency services and armed forces careers, and in some roles you might need to fulfil physical and medical requirements.