r/TheRFA

Hello

A couple of questions:

I recently applied to the engineer apprenticeship role on the 27th of July. I've filled out the application but not heard anything at all since. I'm aware that MOD recruitment moves slowly but is it normal to not hear anything at all?

My other issue is that I keep getting messages and emails asking me to log in and finish my application. I've logged in multiple times but can't see anything that needs doing and my application is definitely marked as complete and that it is "awaiting assignment".

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi all,
I’m currently going through the application process for the RFA and one of the main things I’m trying to get a realistic understanding of is the lifestyle when it comes to relationships, family and being away from home.
I understand that being away for long periods is obviously part of the job, and I’m prepared for that, but I’d be interested to hear from people actually doing it.
How do you find being away from partners/family for months at a time? Does it become easier once you get used to the routine?
Also, when it comes to the longer periods of leave between trips, how predictable are they? For example, do you normally know well in advance roughly when your leave will start and finish, so you can plan holidays, trips away, time with your partner/family etc.? Or can dates move around quite a lot depending on the ship and operational requirements?
I’m particularly interested in how people manage relationships alongside the RFA lifestyle and whether the long blocks of leave make up for some of the time spent away.
Would really appreciate hearing what it’s actually like from people who are currently serving or have done it in the past. Cheers.

Been interested in applying but on the website I can’t find apprentice seaman are they no longer recruiting for that role?

Hi all, I'm looking to make my second application to RFA this December (I joined recruitment late this June/July and the intake filled before I could arrange my DAA). This subreddit and Rum Ration have been incredibly useful to build up a picture of life in the RFA, I just have a few anxieties left.

• The big one, I've been applying for jobs for a while before RFA, and it's been suggested to me that I'm overqualified thanks to university degrees (MRes + PhD in spatial ecology). I have no issues with the career shift and think RFA work-life balance would suit me better frankly, but I'm worried this would make the interview a non-starter when I have to talk past experience. Can you get rejected for being 'overqualified'?
• I've done well living and working with the same team in the past, especially with friends among them. I do need a few hours of space per week though. I understand that workload varies a lot, but can you generally find a few hours downtime outside of meals and sleep hours?

Context for the above: I'm 31, have ~3 years experience in public sector (analytical), my fitness is ok but could use some work. I've done a fair bit of travelling and fieldwork, though not as much as I'd like. I'm interested in an ETO role to learn practical skills with instruments and the electrical systems that keep them running. I want to go with the RFA to be travelling more, on work and leave.

Advice appreciated 👍