Apprenticeship Photographer jobs

Currently recruiting

Being creative Travelling the world Gaming & computers

INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£27,200+
+ Benefits

As an RAF Photographer, you will play a varied range of roles, capturing everything from aerial reconnaissance images to public relations portraits.

Add to favourites

Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.

You can view and manage favourites here .

This role is highly competitive. Please consider other roles here

On this page:
Salary and Apply

What will you do?

Requirements & eligibility

Apprenticeship information

Career, training & education

Benefits

Application process

Apply for this role

Similar roles

What will you do?

Get the chance to learn photography skills from a highly respected training provider, which works closely with the internationally recognised British Institute of Professional Photography

Become the eyes of the RAF, creating high-quality stills and video imagery during times of peace and also in conflict
Gather photographic evidence for engineering, security and accident investigations
Print target identification images for aircrew
Shoot video training films
Use cutting edge digital technology to produce stills and video imagery

Requirements at a glance

Minimum of GCSE grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics

Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below

Commit to minimum 3 years post specialist training

Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment

Pass a Fitness test

View all entry requirements below

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:
GCSE pre-2017
GCSE 2017 Onwards
Scottish National 5

Mathematics/Application of Mathematics
C
4
C

English Language
C
4
C

If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

RESIDENCY

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.

This will be established during the selection process.

The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.

There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Security Check (SC).

Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.

Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations

RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review, which may impact the eligibility of individuals with dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries to obtain the minimum required level of security vetting. Security vetting is a mandatory requirement for all RAF personnel.

Applicants are welcome to proceed with their application to join the RAF; however, it is important to understand that permanent employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining the appropriate level of security vetting for the chosen role.

If it is determined that an applicant’s nationality or connections may prevent the granting of the required clearance, this could result in the rejection of the application. Additionally, restrictions may apply to the roles available to individuals based on nationality or dual nationality concerns, as outlined by UK government policy.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)

How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MEN

AGE
2.4 Km Run

(Mins)

15-16
13.52

17-29
13.20

30-34
13.49

35-39
14.14

40-44
14.46

45-49
15.17

50-54
15.53

WOMEN

AGE
2.4 Km Run

(Mins)

15-16
16.22

17-29
15.48

30-34
16.14

35-39
16.44

40-44
17.22

45-49
17.57

50-54
18.34

See here for more information about a training plan

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.

Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Information

Why is BMI important?

One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.

What is BMI?

BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.

How to measure your waist circumference

Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.

Calculating your BMI

Calculate your BMI here

BMI Limitations for RAF Selection

Age
BMI minimum
BMI maximum
Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment)

18 or over
18
30
32 (waist circumference less than 94cm)
32 (waist circumference less than 80cm)

16 to 17
17
27
27
27

Eyesight

Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.

Health Criteria

If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.

During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:
Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions

Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary

Achieve the minimum security clearance of Security Check (SC) for this role

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence

Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles

Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits

Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.

Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted).

Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up

Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy

Serving personnel can wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

Usually, candidates are to be clean shaven when being fitted for their respirators in Phase One training, however other methods of creating a clean seal can be advised if this is not possible due to religious reasons.

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:

Level 4 Photographer Apprenticeship
Doing an RAF apprenticeship means you can gain a professional qualification that’s recognised in the civilian world, and you’ll also have a guaranteed job in your chosen role once you’ve completed it.
View full details

CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION

At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.

01
Phase one training

Basic Recruit Training

10 weeks

RAF Halton

You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

Read more

10 weeks

RAF Halton

Phase one training

This will help you to adjust to military life. Along with fitness and military training, you’ll learn about the RAF lifestyle.

02
Phase two training

Specialist training

20 weeks

RAF Cosford

The next step is a specialist training course at the Defence School of Photography (DSOP) RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton.

Read more

20 weeks

RAF Cosford

Phase two training

Your training will happen in two parts - a 15 week Defence Visual Communicator Specialist (DVCS) (Foundation) course, followed by your first assignment to consolidate your basic skills, followed by a further 5 week DVCS (Practitioner) course.

You will be taught all aspects of still and moving imagery, where the training received will give you all the skills required to perform as a Visual Communicator within the RAF/MOD environment.

03
First tour

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

On your first tour, you will be assigned to a Photographic Section in the UK, where you will put into practice, and develop, the skills you learnt during foundation training.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

First tour

Over this time, you will also complete your Workbook which is a prerequisite for undertaking your DVCS (Practitioner) course.

04
Ongoing training

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

Throughout your career we will continue to train you and provide you with through-service career development.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Ongoing training

There are opportunities to undertake the management and leadership training required for promotion and to join relevant civilian professional associations and bodies. As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills.

The Defence Professional Video Techniques course will teach you how to capture and edit moving imagery. The Defence Media Operations Photographer course will give you the skills and knowledge required to provide targeted audiences with stills and video imagery relating to RAF and defence key messages.

There may also be an opportunity for you to learn how to fly Remotely Piloted Air Systems (Drones), to capture imagery from an aerial platform. You could also have opportunities to complete management and leadership training as your career progresses beyond Air Specialist Class 1.

05
Career progression

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

The start of your DVCS Foundation and the end of DVCS Practitioner courses are programmed to be completed in approximately 12 months.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Career progression

After successful completion, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist Class 1. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is on merit by competitive selection.

06
Transferable skills

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Transferable skills

The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Rent from £75p/m

Free gym

Subsidised food

Health care

World travel

Training

View all benefits

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING

Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.

1

Aptitude test

2

Selection Interviews

3

Health Assessment

4

Fitness Test

5

Acceptance

6
Basic training

1

Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 6

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information

Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae

Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks

Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work

Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts

Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts

Click here to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.

2

Selection Interviews
Stage 2 of 6

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

Family life

Education

Work experience

Special interests and hobbies

Interest in the RAF

Training

The role you’ve applied for

The RAF

You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

3

Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 6

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

4

Fitness Test
Stage 4 of 6

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here .

5

Acceptance
Stage 5 of 6

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.

This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

6

Basic training
Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number

General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct

Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment

Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions

Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities

Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?

Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

APPLY NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.

SIMILAR ROLES
This role is highly competitive - please consider these roles:

People Operations
HR People Specialist

Helping people Travelling the world

Air & Space Operations
Aviation Data Analyst

Analysis & maths Being creative Gaming & computers

People Operations
Media Operations Specialist

Being creative Travelling the world Gaming & computers

View all roles