Air & Ground Steward

What will you do?

You will be responsible for the comfort, safety and welfare of passengers travelling on 10 Sqn or 101 Sqn Voyager aircraft. In your role you will:

Be part of cabin crew on the RAF A330-200 ‘Voyager’ Aircraft of 10Sqn and 101Sqn Be part of cabin crew on the RAF Envoy IV CC1 aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Sqn Following your first flying tour you could work alongside our industry partners in military messes or be part of our specialist field catering squadron Get the opportunity to fly on the Envoy IV CC1 aircraft, having gained Voyager experience, and fly with Royals, the Prime Minister and senior members of the cabinet and HM forces Minimum education requirements

As a minimum, you need GCSE's at grade G/1 in English Language and Mathematics

For qualified entry you must also have one of the following:

At least 12 months currency as qualified airline industry Cabin Crew, within the last 24 months.Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew Operations Level 2 Minimum Education requirements

You must have one of the following:

Must be ex–RAF Air and Ground Steward or Civilian qualified Cabin Crew At least 12 months currency as qualified airline industry Cabin Crew, within the last 24 months. Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3 City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew Operations Level 2 Requirements Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)  Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality Must be within the height range of 161cm - 195cm Must be able to swim (see below) Commit to a minimum 3 years after specialist training Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment  Pass a fitness test  Requirements Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis Be a UK or Republic of Ireland citizen Commit 27 days per year Pass the Pass a Pass a Swimming Test - see details below A minimum & maximum height range 161cm to 195cm applies to this Trade. Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: 622 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire Apprenticeships available The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role: Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3 The role of an air cabin crew member is to primarily ensure customers safety at all times whilst onboard the aircraft. They also provide excellent customer service to customers throughout the flight. They are trained to deal with security and emergency situations which may arise and can administer first aid to customers. CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 10 weeks RAF Halton Your career will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. 10 weeks RAF Halton Phase one training

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.

02 Phase two training Specialist training 16 weeks MOD Worthy Down All entrants will complete specialist food service training at the Food Services Training School (Air) at Worthy Down. 16 weeks MOD Worthy Down Phase two training

Pre-employment land and sea survival training at Defence Survival Training Organisation, RAF St Mawgan. Decompression Training at the Aviation Medicine Training Wing, RAF Henlow and A330-200 Cabin Crew training at the AirTanker Academy, RAF Brize Norton, before finishing flying training with Sqn instructors on 10 Sqn/101 Sqn.

03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned Your first tour will be as Cabin Crew on the Airbus A330-200 Multi Role Tanker Transport Aircraft “Voyager”. Ongoing As assigned First tour

During your first tour, you will consolidate your training and gain valuable experience that will prepare you for the rest of your RAF career. The consolidation period includes your Trade Ability Tests (TATs).

Successful completion of TATs demonstrates you have achieved an initial level of competence and is a prerequisite for promotion to the rank of Air Specialist (Class 1), unless you are on a Qualified AGS engagement. A first tour is always demanding but also highly rewarding and you will be given the time to develop your skills and become an effective member of the team.

04 Additional qualifications Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned As your career progresses, we will continue to train you to the highest standard and equip you with the skills you require to take on new responsibilities. Ongoing As assigned Additional qualifications

This means that there are opportunities for management, leadership, health and safety training and a wide range of associated qualifications. These include:

A330 -200 senior cabin crew training A330 -200 purser training Envoy IV CC1 cabin crew training Catering deployed skills course Catering advanced skills course Catering supervisors/managers course Advanced deployed skills (ADS) course 05 Career progression Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection. Ongoing As assigned Career progression

We want you to grow and experience all the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities that being an AGS has to offer, but it will be up to you to manage your career and tell us when you are ready for a new challenge.

Your first posting will be for 3 years plus an additional 1 year, if agreeable to all parties, and all following tours will be 3-5 years. AS1s can be employed on Cabin Crew Squadrons, Catering Retail and Leisure Units, 3 Mobile Catering Squadron and on VIP duties. On promotion to Corporal you can add Instructional duties to possible employment areas.

06 Qualification opportunities Ongoing Development Ongoing As assigned All AGS entrants will be enrolled on the Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Diploma Level 3, Reference: ST0558. Ongoing As assigned Qualification opportunities

This qualification is recognised by British Airways, British Airways City Flyer, EasyJet, Virgin, Eastern Airways, BMI Regional and Titan Airways. The apprenticeship is directly transferable to the industry after completion of service.

Elements covered include -

Part A - Flight operations – Pre-flight, in-flight, post flight duties. Part B – Organisation and commercial - Compliance and legislation, Health, safety and wellbeing, Organisation, CRM / Human factors. 07 Transferable skills Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned Qualified AGS and Catering skills are sought after by civilian organisations. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills

Therefore, on leaving the RAF you are extremely employable and well placed to find a new job in any of the following:

Airline cabin crew Airline cabin services director Cabin crew trainer In-flight services recruitment officer Cabin crew performance manager Cabin crew regional manager Passenger transport manager Airport dispatcher Bar manager Catering manager Counter service manager Food manufacturing inspector Publican Restaurant manager prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Basic recruit training 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). 23 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training

This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.

Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.

02 Phase two training Specialist training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training 03 Commitment Your commitment to us Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us. Ongoing As assigned Commitment

Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.

04 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development

As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.

05 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skills

The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.

prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF ?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES ?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday Commitment and location

You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.

Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Aptitude test 2 Selection Interviews 3 Health Assessment 4 Fitness Test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Aptitude test Stage 1 of 6

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts Memory - Ability to remember information accurately

Click to try the online practice test.

2 Selection Interviews Stage 2 of 6

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

Family life Education Work experience Special interests and hobbies Interest in the RAF Training The role you’ve applied for The RAF

You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

3 Health Assessment Stage 3 of 6

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

4 Fitness Test Stage 4 of 6

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .

5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO. This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

6 Training Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Must be between 17.5 and 47 years old. (Must attest before 48th birthday).

Applicants must also readall ofthe sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements beforesubmittingan application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

As a minimum, you need GCSE's at grade G/1 in English Language and Mathematics

For qualified entry you must also have one of the following:

At least 12 months currency as qualified airline industry Cabin Crew, within the last 24 months. Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3 City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew Operations Level 2 NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY

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

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

If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.

As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.

---