What is it?

Established at the end of the First World War in 1918, the Royal Air Force operates more than 1,000 aircraft and employs more than 40,000 personnel to defend the UK and its interests overseas.

What graduate jobs are there?

The RAF recruits around 600 officers each year, many of whom are new or recent graduates. A quarter of vacancies are for pilot officers or aircrew, up to two thirds are ground staff such as engineers, air traffic controllers, battle managers or the RAF Regiment. There are up to 80 specialist roles, including medics, dentists and chaplains.

Where are the jobs?

The RAF has bases throughout the UK, as well as in Cyprus, Gibraltar and Canada, plus operational deployments in the Middle East, Afghanistan, the Balkans and Sierra Leone.

What’s the pay?

Officers typically are paid up to £31,000 upon completion of their initial training, living costs such as rent and meals are heavily subsidised and there is free healthcare, six weeks annual leave and a generous pension scheme. Different pay scales apply for graduates joining as specialist officers or those with professional qualifications.

How is it rated?

The RAF’s highest ranking in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers to date was 32nd place in 2003 and 2005. In the latest league table, the Army is ranked at No 11 whereas the Royal Navy is at No 50.

How do I apply?

The RAF recruits year-round, but it is worth remembering that the selection process takes an average of five to six months, from initial application to completing the officer and aircrew selection centre and receiving a definite job offer — therefore, it is well worth applying early. Last year the RAF received more than 5,000 applications for its officer positions.

For full details, see www.raf.mod.uk/careers MARTIN BIRCHALL The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers book is based on research with more than 16,000 final-year university students. The 2009 edition is available from www.Top100GraduateEmployers.com

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