Work Experience -RAF

Im going into year 12 to do my AS levels and i will be doing another W/E. Is it possible to do any W/E with the RAF? I dont mean to do anything extravagent with them (flying for example), i was just wondering if there is anything on the base you can do. Thanks

Reply 1

BlackHawk

Sure, go for a base visit. You can arrange one through your local armed forces careers office.

Reply 2

Peter North

how long do these last for?

Reply 3

GritChimpMk1

Depends really, whats the closest base to you?

I've done 3 sets of work experience with the RAF, 1 week at RAF Northolt, 1 week at RAF Uxbridge (about to get details for a second week that is more officer orientated with QCS) and a day at RAF Northolt doing the officer experience. Also got some lined up with 28(AC) Squadron.

Best thing you can do is write to the CCO (Corporate Communications Officer) on the base you are looking to visit they will be able to arrange things for you and get in contact with the right people on base.(Best to find out his or her name and rank rather then just write a letter "Dear Sir or Madam" etc)

If you just want time on a squadron then its best to write to the OC of that squadron, who normally passes it on to a junior officer to arrange. Likewise if you are looking at joining or have an interest in a certain branch target your request at the correct person (ie if you want to be an Engineering Officer write you letter to OC Eng Flight on the station, likewise if you want to be an RAF Copper Oc Police Flight etc)

As for the flying...unfortunately these days its unlikely as civilians are discouraged from flying in RAF Aircraft, JHC has banned civi's from flying in RAF Heli's as of this year. Anyways you wouldnt get a shot in the backseat of an F3 or such as you need a whole days training and need to visit RAF Henlow for the thumbs up from from the Centre for Aviation Medicine there.

During my week at Northolt mainly visited different sections, 32(TR) Squadron, Met/Ops,VAS,Police Flight, AIDU, Gym,Air Traffic,. It was really a general overview.

hope this was of some help.

Will

Reply 4

melly742

Do they do anything like this for the navy do you know?

Reply 5

Peter North

My nearest RAF base is ST Athens, cardiff. How would i be able to find out about the Corporate Communications Officer at ST Athens?

Reply 6

BlackHawk

Look in the phonebook for the main number of the base, phone and ask for the details or ask to be transferred to the CCO. Or phone/visit your local AFCO.

Reply 7

GritChimpMk1

Majority of RAF stations dont have a main switch board anymore, you will more then likely have your call booted up to Glasgow where someone wont understand who you are looking for or they will give you a mil number... :confused:

Reply 8

BlackHawk

Really? Well if he can't get through that way then it still leaves the option of phoning/visiting his local AFCO to get the number.

Reply 9

Wzz

You can always ask for "the CCO at RAF St Athan." Although CCOs are frequently known by other bizarre names. If in doubt, there's always an OC GD Flight who will probably be happy to field a polite phonecall.

Gritchimp, man up... if they give you a "95673" number, it's not too hard to say "no, I need the BT/civvy/PSTN number please" :wink:

Reply 10

djmm

Mosy station do indeed have a main switch board. Some may be shared with others, if the bases are close to each other. It should not be difficult to get a hold of someone on the base you require.

Reply 11

BlackHawk

To be honest if you don't even have the initative to get a phone number then why bother applying?

Reply 12

GritChimpMk1

Wzz

Gritchimp, man up... if they give you a "95673" number, it's not too hard to say "no, I need the BT/civvy/PSTN number please" :wink:

Agreed..but they say it at mach 4 so I never catch what number they are giving me so its always "please can you put me through I didnt catch that"

GC

Reply 13

GR4pilot

to be fair when 'm on the the monkeys at MOD operator and say, 'soryy mate could I please have the civvie number' they always turn round and say - 'sorry there isn't one attached to that number'. How to get round that problem though is for you to figure out.

Reply 14

GritChimpMk1

GR4, best of luck of OASC btw

See my last about getting MOD ops to put you through

Reply 15

djmm

GR4pilot

What? An internal phone doesnt have a number.. thats not true. Every phone has a number, that is how they trace you when you call the switch to call outside of the base. So when they put you through, ask the person if they can give you the direct number.

Mark.