Recruit & Non-Commissioned Control Initial Training
As a direct entrant joining the Royal Air Force at the rank of Sergeant ( rank attained upon completion of Controller training ), your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course ( BRTC ) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire . The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment . As well as fitness and military training , you will also learn about service life . Following BRTC , you will progress to the Direct Entrant Senior Non-Commissioned Officer ( DE SNCO ) Course at RAF Halton Aviator Command Squadron ( ACS ). This 8-week course is designed to develop your leadership and management skills within a military context . This will include theoretical study of Air and Space Power , as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges .
Specialist Training
Specialist training is delivered at the Defence College of Air and Space Operations at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and subsequently for Weapons Controllers at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland .
This training starts with a Foundation Module and is completed alongside Operations Officers , Control Officers and other Air Traffic & Weapons Controllers .
Following successful completion , you will be assigned to a specialist module in one of the core specialisations : Terminal ( Airfield ) ATC or Weapons Control . Prospective Weapons Controllers will carry out the last part of their training at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland .
You could return at a later date to complete a short conversion course to allow you to undertake roles in the other core areas including Area Radar control .
Additional Qualifications
Prior to Phase 2 trade training , you will be offered the opportunity to enrol on a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Air Traffic Control . Within this apprenticeship your training will focus on the professional elements of Controlling . Following successful completion you will be awarded the civilian accredited qualification .
SIP - EA - Air Traffic & Weapons Controller