The armed forces are more than just job they are a whole lifestyle choice. Most people enter the armed forces after the age of 18 and can stay for more than 20 years, although they usually sign on for between 3-6 years.The armed forces also have apprenticeships and have a sixth form college. Some bursaries are available for university study, particularly in technical degrees such as engineering.
An introduction to the Defence and Marine industry in the North East: Real Help North East
Jobs within this section
| ►Army |
| ►The Royal Navy |
| ►The Royal Air Force (RAF) |
The Army is a huge employer with jobs in almost every sector of work, for example, infantry soldier, dog handler, doctor, nurse, engineer, musician driver, etc. Many jobs and the training you will receive for them are equivalent to a similar non-military role. You can join the army either as an:
Officer, were you will be in charge of other soldiers or a section of work. Officers undertake a selection process and most have a qualification in Higher Education. For some careers such as doctor, vet, dentist, their professional training is the same as for non military personnel.
Soldier, where will take on a specific job role in a regiment or unit. You will join up for a minimum of 4 years and be trained for that specific role with the possibility of being promoted into other job roles.
The Army have a foundation college where you can go if you are aged 16-17. You will undertake training in combat or technical trades.
For more information visit:
Your local Armed Forces Careers Office or the Army website: www.armyjobs.mod.uk
The Navy has jobs based on ships, aircraft and on land.The main role is in defence but they also work alongside other agencies such as customs and border agencies. The job roles are divided into 5 sections:
►Warfare – including weapons, submarines, diving, scientific, communications and general shipboard roles.
►Engineering – working on weapons, ships and aircraft.
►Logistics – mainly support roles such as administration, catering and stores.
►Medical – doctors, dentists, medical assistants, nurses, etc.
Fleet Air Arm – dealing with the aircraft including, pilots, navigators, air traffic control, etc.
For more information visit:
Your local Armed Forces Careers Office or the Navy website: www.royalnavy.mod.uk
The Royal Marines are a branch of the Navy who take on the role of soldiers (Commandos).They specialise in warfare roles in difficult area for example in snow, mountainous or jungle environments or where they need to use amphibious landing craft. Royal Marines have to pass very intense selection tests and must be very fit. Women cannot join the Royal Marines except as musicians.
For more information visit:
Your local Armed Forces Careers Office or the Army website: www.royalmarines.mod.uk
The RAF is a service which is air based but includes many technical and engineering jobs in maintaining a flying force. Their main role is in defence but they are also involved in search and rescue. Many of the job roles replicate those outside the RAF such as aircraft engineer, air traffic control, etc. You can join as either an:
►Commissioned Officer in roles such as pilot or engineering officer where you will undertake training at the RAF College in Cranwell
►Non Commissioned Officer where you would have additional leadership and technical training for your specific aircrew role, you would also train at the RAF college.
►Airman/Airwoman where you be trained in the specific support trade for which you have been appointed.
For more information visit:
Your local Armed Forces Careers Office or the Army website: www.rafcareers.com
The Ministry of Defence has a sixth form college which is residential for those who are planning a career in the armed forces. It has a science based curriculum aimed at young people planning to become officers in the technical trades. For more information visit Welbeck College website: www.welbeck.mod.uk
Air cadets website
Army cadets website
Sea cadets website
Here you can find information on joining the cadets if you are male or female and aged 13-16.
