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The Royal Navy - Air Engineer Apprenticeship

Royal Navy · Portsmouth · posted 9 July 2026

Wage
£20,400 a year
Hours
40 hours a week
Duration
1 Year 6 Months
Level
Intermediate (Level 2)
Standard
Aviation maintenance mechanic (level 2)
Starts
2 August 2030
Closing date
1 August 2030
Positions
261

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

  • Be a central part of the Royal Navy’s aviation capabilities, getting to work with our planes and helicopters, and making sure that they can take off whenever they’re needed
  • Develop your engineering skills and specialise in mechanical technology and avionics
  • You’ll need to use all of the knowledge you gain in training, to find innovative solutions to complex problems, often under pressure
  • You will have the opportunity to serve on the world's most advanced Frigates, Destroyers and Aircraft Carriers with new and exciting aircraft Forces. This includes the F35B Lightning Stealth fighter at RAF Marham, the Merlin Mk2 Submarine Hunter, at RNAS Culdrose, the Merlin Mk4 Commando Helicopter and the Wildcat Maritime Attack Helicopter at RNAS Yeovilton
  • Maintain, service and inspect the Fleet Air Arm’s aircraft, working with your team at the highest levels of the engineering industry

Your training

Once qualified you will be a qualified Air Engineer- Aviation Maintenance Mechanic (Military).

You’ll start your naval career as an Able Rate. With experience and further training, you could be promoted to Leading Hand and beyond.

Training takes place in two distinct environments: at onshore training facilities and on-board operational ships.

When you join you complete 10 weeks of basic naval training, followed by six months of training at the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering, focussing on:

  • Understanding basic engineering principles
  • Engineering procedures
  • Aviation safety principles
  • Aircraft systems and equipment
  • Weapons, ordnance, munitions and explosive safety
  • Learning essential skills and techniques
  • Developing the attributes and ethos required of a rating in the Fleet Air Arm

Where it leads

  • Training and development continue throughout your career with the Royal Navy
  • If you show the right commitment, skills and academic ability, you could become a Commissioned Officer
  • Members of the Royal Navy are promoted on merit. Work hard and you can rise through the ranks

About Royal Navy

The Royal Navy (RN) is responsible for the protection of British interests at home and around the World. 95% of all world trade passes through the high seas and every year Britain imports £524 billion worth of goods. The RN takes an active part in the protection of British Shipping. Around the United Kingdom the RN protects vital fishing stocks by monitoring fishing activities in our waters. We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore Key Dates

Things to consider

  • No qualifications required– just that you pass a Recruit Test and are in a good state of health and fitness

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsPresentation skillsAdministrative skillsNumber skillsAnalytical skillsLogicalTeam workingCreativeInitiativeNon judgementalPatience

Entry requirements

  • GCSE Math and English (grade GCSE Level C/4) — desired

Where you'll work

  • Navy Command HQ, The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8BY

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