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The Royal Navy - Naval Airman - Aircraft Handler Apprenticeship

Royal Navy · Portsmouth · posted 9 July 2026

Wage
£20,400 a year
Hours
40 hours a week
Duration
1 Year
Level
Intermediate (Level 2)
Standard
Aviation ground operative (level 2)
Starts
2 August 2030
Closing date
1 August 2030
Positions
51

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

  • Your core responsibility is to ensure our aircraft are in the right place and ready for action when we need them
  • On a ship, you’ll operate the lift that brings the aircraft out of the hangar before securing them to the flight deck
  • Sometimes you’ll be up against challenging weather conditions, so it’s an element of your role that requires real skill, judgement, and perseverance
  • During training you’ll develop the skills you need to fight fuel, hangar, and aircraft fires. That means in the event of an emergency, everyone will look to you for guidance
  • You’ll need to use all of your powers of concentration, every day. As you manoeuvre aircraft into place, lives may be at stake. Any driving experience you have will be put to use as you form part of the team that keeps our aircraft flight ready
  • It’s a physical job where you’ll work outside in all conditions, but by making sure that our jets and helicopters are in the right place at the right time, you’ll be playing a key role in providing Royal Navy’s airborne capability

Your training

  • Aviation ground operative Level 2

  • Functional Skills, if required
  • Training delivery to be confirmed 
  • Once you have completed your training you will be a qualified Naval Airman Aircraft Handler (Aviation Ground Operative)

Where it leads

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

When you join you complete 10 weeks of basic naval training, followed by six months at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall, working in an aircraft hangar or a flight deck team. You’ll learn to use the lifts, mechanical handlers and chocks and lashings used on board ship. When you’ve finished, you’ll be posted to your first unit.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsAdministrative skillsAnalytical skillsLogicalTeam workingCreativeInitiativeNon judgementalPatiencePhysical fitness

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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