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Careers / Services / RFA
RFA Cadetships
Careers / Services / RFA

RFA Cadetships

An RFA cadetship is your first step to becoming an officer with the fleet.

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Become a leader

At the end of your training, you may be able to take leadership of our operations, setting you up to show the way to your junior crewmates on operations all over the world. You’ll be prepared to take on a life at sea with real responsibility - and the rewards to match.
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World-class officer training

When you join the RFA, you’ll start a three year course at a Maritime Coastguard Agency College, preparing you to potentially become a qualified officer. Whether you have GCSEs or further qualifications, you’ll be working towards gaining your MCA Certificate of Competency.
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Working as a Cadet Deck Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Ready for a unique career at sea? Find out what it means to become a Cadet Deck Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) – from professional development to new experiences – and decide if you want to learn to be a leader. You can be a key part of a team that makes a real difference all over the world, all while enjoying many of the same benefits as Royal Navy personnel.
“My cadetship has given me the opportunity to work in the Caribbean, assisting in a humanitarian aid exercise following a hurricane in Dominica. I’ve also met HRH Prince Edward twice while representing the company at ceremonial events... Yes, I’ve spent a lot of time is spent in the library, but college is also a good place to meet cadets working for other merchant companies and share experiences to gain a wider appreciation of the industry.”

 

Rebecca - Cadet Deck Officer

Joining on an RFA Cadetship puts you on the path to become a qualified officer with the fleet. As well as an eagerness to learn, specialise and succeed, you should be the kind of person that is happy to take on responsibility and thrive as part of a close-knit team working in challenging and rewarding environments.

Stepping into a world where providing the essential support the Royal Navy and Royal Marines rely on throughout the world, you’ll be on your way to a career that’s the ultimate in the merchant navy.

If you want to step-up and gain the skills you need to lead a dedicated and highly-trained team, making the right calls at the right time and never having one the day the same as the last, you could be the perfect fit for joining the RFA on a cadetship.

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If you are ready for an exciting career in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, use the below link to request your application.

Not ready to apply?

If you are unsure at this stage if you want to apply, you can still register your interest with us using the below link.