Air Operations Control Officer

The Air Operations Control is a diverse, exciting, and complex employment area which 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 UKs Air Traffic Control Centre at Swanwick) and finally as a Weapons Controller (directing fast jet aircraft to intercept potentially hostile aircraft that threaten the integrity of UK airspace. Within each of these roles you could be:

• Coordinating air traffic to and from military airfields.
• Part of the team that orders Typhoon jets to scramble and intercept suspect aircraft.
• Controlling fighter, surveillance, refuelling and unmanned aircraft as they support missions at home and overseas.
• Giving specialist battlespace management support to both UK and international missions around the world.
• Travelling on military operations as a Tactical Air Traffic Controller, setting up temporary runways in austere locations in support of agencies including UK Special Forces.

We offer an apprenticeship with a guaranteed job at the end. Throughout the apprenticeship and beyond, there are opportunities for adventurous training, sport and an excellent benefits package.

We also offer free medical and dental support, subsidised accommodation and catering, coupled with 6 weeks paid holiday a year plus public holiday and much more. Search for "RAF Recruitment Benefits” for more info.

Salary:

Pay during Initial Officer training + 6 months - £31,300 + Benefits.

Pay after 3 years’ service + promotion to the rank of Flt Lt - £47,600 + benefits.

Qualifications you need:

GCSE at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at grade C in English, Maths/Application of Mathematics and at least 3 other subjects.

At least 2 A2 levels/3 Highters at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points. Or hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative)

Joining age

17.5-38

Other entry requirements:

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of Dual UK/other nationality.

Whether or not you were born in the UK, you should have resided there for 5 years immediately preceding your application but candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Pass a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT).

Attend and be successful at the Officer & Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC).

Commit to a minimum of 3 years post phase 2 specialist training.

Pass a health assessment.

Pass a fitness test.

Apprenticeship/Training:

During your specialist training you will be enrolled on a Level 5 Air Traffic Controller apprenticeship. You will be required to complete the portfolio element of the Level 5 Diploma in Air Traffic Controlling during your first tour when you leave specialist training and conduct an End Point Assessment to be awarded your Apprenticeship.

A Modern Force:

The RAF recognises the value of a person’s ability no matter their ethnicity, social background, religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status/civil partnership.