Changing trade

Have any serving members changed their chosen trade? How long had you been serving in your previous trade? How did you go about the procedure?

Reply 1

-!- Drew

2

Hey mate!

I have just signed a form at DCAE Cosford which says it is possible to change trades after 4 weeks of trade training but before 10 weeks of training. Whether you will do the same when you start your training I do not know. Also I don't know if you can still change trades after the 10 weeks.

Anyway, hows things going with you these days?

Andy

Reply 2

Blasted

I have known people change trade in the RAF. Not many did it, but it is possible.

Reply 3

TonyL

6

It is exceptionally rare for people to change trade in the RAF and it would be reckless of anyone to join under the impression that this can be easily achieved.

Generally speaking, there must be a specific reason for you to change jobs (and not just because you don't like your job anymore), the trade you want to transfer needs to be undermanned and the trade you currently are will overmanned or at least fully manned. Of course there will always be exceptional circumstances but to repeat; don't join the RAF with the idea that it is easy to change trades once you are in.

Reply 4

BeardoLFC

I heard that you can change trade but you can't go sidewards, like WSOp crewman to a WSOp warfare. Im not sure if you can go backwards (less pay).

Reply 5

wd40

TonyL

It is exceptionally rare for people to change trade in the RAF and it would be reckless of anyone to join under the impression that this can be easily achieved.

Generally speaking, there must be a specific reason for you to change jobs (and not just because you don't like your job anymore), the trade you want to transfer needs to be undermanned and the trade you currently are will overmanned or at least fully manned. Of course there will always be exceptional circumstances but to repeat; don't join the RAF with the idea that it is easy to change trades once you are in.

Very good advice. It can be done but is rare. I've seen people transfer once their return of service has been completed and they're moving from an overmanned trade to an undermanned trade.

To repeat the above, as its worth it, don't join a trade you're not that interested in thinking you can change when you're in. Its possible, but by no means guaranteed

Reply 6

TonyL

6

I would like to clarify that, whilst it is unlikely for people to change trades in the RAF, there are always opportunities for serving ground airmen/women to apply for aimen aircrew or commissioned officer opportunities.

I hope this is not confusing.... If so I will expand...

Reply 7

Captain planet

OP

TonyL

I would like to clarify that, whilst it is unlikely for people to change trades in the RAF, there are always opportunities for serving ground airmen/women to apply for aimen aircrew or commissioned officer opportunities.

I hope this is not confusing.... If so I will expand...

That's exactly what I am considering. It's a long term goal though :smile:

Reply 8

Here to help

The replys given here particularly by Tony L are spot on! The advice that most AFCOs will give, for the sake of clarity, is changing trades is not possible. This is a general statement just to ensure no ambiguity is given to a prospective candidate. That way an individual will/should be absolutely certain as to what trade they are applying for and have motivation and commitment to succeed within the trade and the RAF as a whole. However, it has been pointed out, and correctly so, that this general stance doesn't paint the whole picture. The manning issue regarding trades has been covered and this is a consideration for re-mustering. The most common situation for re-mustering is the disbandment of a particular trade, i.e. Data Analyst and Catering accountant historically and Painter & Finisher more recently. Individuals within these trades would be offered the opportunity to remuster (subject to eligibility for trade, AST/GTTB scores, education, etc) or possibly voluntray redundancy, PVR, etc. Another situation maybe where certain trade standards haven't been met, i.e ATCA. In this situation if the required assessments have not been met and the potential/suitability for further training/selection is questionable, JATCC, then an individual would be offered a remuster (usually to FOA) or PVR, etc. These examples are not exhaustive but to reiterate what Tony mentioned, you should not enter the RAF with a view of remuster. The RAF has a duty of care particularly towards personal development and this is where pursuiting aspirations can be realised. You have a right, like your civilian counterpart, to apply for NCA (Airman Aircrew) or Commissioned service (officer). Subject to educational requirements you can get access to commissioning clubs, etc designed to assist and aid research into the selection process for OASC and IOT, etc. This is NOT classed as remustering and provides an avenue for considering commission particularly after gaining experience of military life, teamworking and leadership potential. This is pertenant if a previous P2 candidate has been found NSI(R) after FI and still has an aspiration for commission/NCA...found suitable for P3 entry. I hope this answers th questions asked. Good luck with the application process and remember, I'm 'Here to help'

Reply 9

Icemanuk

i knew a fella who changed over from supply (SAC) to WSO. it is possible to go backwards if you are young enough also take the advice of drew (changing at AC level). Hopefully you will pick the right trade/ branch in the beginning though.

Reply 10

Here to help

The individual you knew who was accepted for a commission in the branch of Weapons System Officer from the trade of Supplier is testiment to the opportunity afforded to all serving airmen and airwomen to further develop and reach their full potential. This is not a backwards move, but a postive career decision which will afford the individual a wealth of new experiences and challenges. Remustering is more common during the early stages of phase II however is not a right of passage and is dependant on many factors which have been outlined previously. I hope this is useful and remember I'm 'Here to help'

Changing trade

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