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Direct Entry Fast Track Engineering Technician

Direct Entry Fast Track Engineering Technician

Fast-track your career and work with the team that keeps our advanced aircraft, warships, and equipment ready for action.

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As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.

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At a glance

You'll super-charge your training and development within one of our most elite teams. With real responsibility from day one, you’ll maintain, service, and inspect the most advanced kit on the planet. 

When we’re at sea, if equipment fails, it’s down to us. If it’s an unusual fault it becomes a real team effort. It’s a great feeling when we get technology up and running again against all the odds.

Matt

Engineering Rating Professional

What you can do

Profession details

f you’re passionate about all things engineering—whether it’s aviation, avionics, mechanical and electrical systems weapons technology—this is the role for you! From maintaining state-of-the-art radar and sonar equipment to working on propulsion systems, aircraft, or advanced weaponry, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence in the Royal Navy. Join a team where your skills and expertise will be challenged and elevated every day.

  • Find a solution to whatever problem comes your way, working with your team in challenging environments and high-pressure situations.
  • Be a key part of the immense engineering effort that goes into powering our ships, keeping every operation on track, and making some essential missions possible.
  • Find innovative and resourceful solutions to complex problems, applying the engineering skills and knowledge you gain, in a world where there is no such thing as standard.
  • Get your hands on of some of the most sophisticated equipment on the planet, working with your team, and under the guidance of the Engineer Officer.
  • Complete daily rounds, checking equipment to ensure the ship remains operational. You’ll need to be precise and pay attention to detail, because even the smallest oversight can have a big impact on the rest of the ship.

  • Fast Track Technician invites a higher starting rate of pay to a technician to reward your increased responsibility and compressed training expectations
  • A starting of £32,200 on commencement of trade-specific training
  • Up to over £64,000 as your career progresses
  • An excellent non-contributory pension scheme – we pay into it for you, so you don’t have to sacrifice any salary
  • Six weeks of paid holiday every year – plus public holidays
  • Free medical and dental care
  • Forces Help to Buy scheme – a 0% loan to get you on, or further up, the housing ladder
  • Amazing opportunities, including world travel and adventurous training for two weeks every year
  • Free gym and sports, from football to kayaking to kite-surfing
  • Subsidised travel, accommodation and food

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Professional qualifications

Opportunities open to you

  • The potential to gain a Foundation Degree in Engineering through the University of Portsmouth as you qualify for professional promotion
  • Streamlined route to registration as EngTech and IEng with a professional body
     

Skills you'll develop

  • Use your natural aptitude for fixing things, on a massive scale. 
  • Gain a firm grounding in electrical and mechanical engineering principles, and an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of nuclear reactor theory.
  • You’ll learn to maintain and operate some of the most cutting-edge kit on the planet.
  • Learn to maintain and operate some of the most cutting-edge kit on the planet.
  • Develop your natural aptitude for fixing things by working on advanced electronic and mechanical systems.
     
  • You must be aged between 16 to 39 (You can start your application from 15 years and 9 months old however you must be at least 16 years old on day of entry to basic training)  
  • 2 GCSE at Grade A-C (9-4). English Language and Maths

    Plus 1 GCSE at Grade A-C (9-4) in a STEM subject: Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, Electronics, Engineering, Computer Science or Studies

    Or Level 2 Diploma in Engineering at a Pass or higher in: Mechanical, Electrical or Electronic, Manufacturing, Aeronautical, Computing.
  • You must be a United Kingdom national, or Commonwealth citizen, or Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
  • Minimum height of 145cm for General Service, 157cm for Submarine Service
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
  • A quick thinker, with a passion for working with the latest equipment and technology
  • A problem-solver who can work well as part of a team
  • An affinity for aircraft and avionics
  • Enthusiasm for fixing and maintaining electronic and mechanical systems

Joining process

From picking your profession to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.

  • Register your interest
  • Complete your application
  • Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
  • Interview
  • Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)
  • Start training

Register your interest

Find the right profession and entry level for you, make sure you meet some basic eligibility criteria and register your interest online.

Next, check your inbox for an email containing more details about your chosen profession and a link to your full application form. You’ll also have an opportunity to speak wth our friendly recruitment team and any questions or concerns you might have.

Start your application

Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.

Got a question?

Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day