Support our next generation

The University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) is here to give students a broader knowledge of the Royal Navy, while supporting their development through training. 

Becoming part of the URNU Training Cadre is your opportunity to help cadets gain valuable transferable skills, from public speaking to leadership, and have experiences they will never forget.

Our URNU Training Cadre is made up of Officers, Senior Rates, Support Staff and Chaplains. You can apply to become an URNU Training Officer or Senior Rate on this page.

Why become part of the URNU Training Cadre?

  • As soon as you start, you’ll be part of the Royal Navy family, enjoying its unique sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
  • You’ll get to make a real difference to the lives of young people, setting them up for world-class military or civilian careers.
  • Gain qualifications in Command, Leadership and Management and Adventurous Training & Sport.
  • No call-up commitment means you can achieve the right work-life balance, excellent rates of pay and an annual tax-free bounty.
  • You only need to commit a minimum of 24 Reserve Service Days each year. 

Training Officer profile

SLt Charles, Wales URNU Training Officer

Civilian Career: Navigating Officer, Merchant Navy

The URNU appealed to me and my skillset as I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to train, develop and mentor Officer Cadets in their URNU experience. I had always wished to progress in the area of maritime education and the URNU has supported this by funding civilian recognised teaching qualifications whilst part of the URNU. The real benefit of being a Training Officer is the opportunity to make a difference. With my knowledge and expertise, I provide Officer Cadets with a platform to build upon during their chosen careers after the URNU.

There are plenty of opportunities for professional development through the Royal Navy as well as having the opportunity to be part of the wider military environment. Opportunities to take part and teach Adventurous Training are a real highlight. In terms of work-life balance, I have been able to balance the requirements of the URNU, my civilian career and my personal life, whilst making a real difference and thoroughly enjoying it. Living in Wales, it was hugely beneficial to be able to be a TO in a unit local to me.

URNU WO1 Profile

WO1 Worsfold, URNU Glasgow, Senior Training Officer

Joining the University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) was a step into the dark after a 42-year career in the Regular and Reserves. However, with just over 10 months as Senior Training Officer (STO) at URNU Glasgow, it has proven an exciting, challenging, and interesting organisation to be a part of. I love the interaction I have with Officer Cadets (OC) as their energy and enthusiasm are infectious. Every student that I have had contact with – whether at a local, regional, or national level - has been keen and motivated with a desire to learn all about life in the RN, even if they have no aspiration of making it their full-time career. Of all the experiences to date, time spent at URNU Summer camp has been the best. To have over 150 students in one place made me realise that it was not just my unit’s students that were this keen, but the URNU organisation as a whole. The insight I have gained into university life has also been an eye opener. Leaving school and going straight into the RN, university was never an option for me, but I always wondered what the student experience was like. The URNU has helped develop my teaching skills and learn more about academia. The opportunity for Senior Ratings to join the URNU became available in 2021. So, if you are about to leave the RN or RNR and wonder what the next step could be, I would highly recommend you think about the role in the URNU Training Cadre. All personnel will transfer at their existing rate and have opportunity for Royal Yachting Association (RYA), (Defence Training Supervisor) DTS and (Chartered Management Institute (CMI) advancement.”

Are you eligible?

URNU Officer

If you want to commit to a new challenge, and you are over 21 but under 50, and a British citizen, then you can apply!

Any of the below experience is desired:

  • Previous teaching experience
  • Experience in Adventurous Training & Sports
  • Skills and experience in marinisation
  • Previous experience with the URNU, Sea Cadet Corps or other military youth organisations

Service leavers and veterans of all ranks are welcome to apply.

URNU Senior Rating 

If you want to commit to a new challenge, and you are over 21, and a British citizen, then you can apply!

  • Must have left the Royal Navy/Maritime Reserves within the last three years and have held the rate of OR6 or above at the time of discharge.
  • The rank on entry for Senior Rates will be their ranks of discharge from the Service with their seniority & IBD adjusted to take account of any gaps in service.
     

Status

All members of the URNU Training Cadre are classed as List 7A Reservists and as such:

  • Have no call up liability
  • Are granted an honorary RNR rank for the period of their service
  • URNU Officers do not currently hold a commission.