Parent Q&A: Army Apprenticeships, Bursaries and Scholarships

On the 16th of January 2024, we hosted a webinar for parents with the British Army. They discussed all things apprenticeships, bursaries and scholarships. During the live webinar, parents were invited to ask questions and the British Army provided all of the answers! Keep reading below! 

In case you missed the webinar and want to find out more, check out the webinar recording on our YouTube here. 

What is the minimum sign-up time for a young person if they join up before 18, or after 18?

Discharge As Of Right (DAOR).  All recruits enlisting into the Regular Army for the first time have the right to claim their termination according to the terms of their engagement.  A recruit shall have the right to determine his/her service by giving not less than 14 days notice in writing to his/her Commanding Officer.

• If aged under 18 years at attestation. A Recruit can apply to leave the service at any time after the end of 28 days and before the end of six months from the date on which you first reported for full time paid duty – when you attest.  You do not have to pay anything to exercise this right, but 14 days notice is required which MUST be given within this six months period.
• If aged 18 years or over at attestation. A Recruit can apply to leave the service at any time after the end of 28 days and before the end of three months from the date on which you first reported for full time paid duty – when you attest. You do not have to pay anything to exercise this right, but 14 days notice is required which MUST be given within the three months period.

Is there any residency issues that would prevent them from signing up. e.g. if they are currently based overseas with parents in the armed forces?

All the nationality and residency requirements to join the British Army can be found here.

How old do you need to be to join?

All the age requirements to join the British Army can be found here.

Are there opportunities for further education as well as straight into work? Do they need a clear idea of what they want to do or will they be filtered off into rolls they are good at or enjoy?

For anyone who is aged 16 years to 17.5 years old will be enlisted into the Army Foundation College will do 25% education as part of their course. More information can be found here. If you are joining as a Soldier, you’ll not only learn how to be one a world-class soldier or officer, but you’ll continue to develop skills and earn qualifications while you work. More information on the apprenticeship offer can be found here.

What would training be like and how long is the training period?

If you joined the Army Foundation College Harrogate, training will either be 20 or 40 weeks depending on the job role. If you are over 18 and join as a regular Soldier, Basic training is 14 weeks and then your trade training will vary depending on the job role.

If you join as a regular Officer, the training is 44 weeks at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

With reference to the sixth form scholarship.  If you aren't completely sure about your career path is there any obligation to join the army?

Should you be selected at AOSB and paid the £3000 6^th  form scholarship and then chose not to join the Army the MOD will seek repayment of the money. Should you be unable to join due to a medical condition that develops after you have been selected then repayment will not be sought.

Can I join before I do my GCSE's straight from school?

The earliest you can apply to join the Army is 15 years and 7 months.

Can you join at level 4 after finishing T Levels at college? (Building Services - Electrical Technical Engineering)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for some apprentices to ensure that they can progress their learning.  However, the closest apprenticeship standard to Building Services is the level 3 Military Engineering Construction Technician (Bricklayer & Concreter, Carpenter & Joinery, Building & Structural Finisher, Heating & Plumbing, Plant Op Mechanic).

You can use UCAS points from T levels to join as an officer as long as you hold the 35 Plus ALIS points as well and you gain 72 or more UCAS points from the T level.

Can a non-citizen, in year 11 apply too?

All the nationality and residency requirements to join the British Army can be found here.

What subjects are recommended to take for A levels in order to maximise potential opportunities entering the army as an undergraduate officer to train at Sandhurst?

The subjects do not really matter as long as you gain 72 or more UCAS points from no less than 2 and no more than 3 A Levels. However, the subject is more important in relation to the degree you may wish to take and later apply for a bursary. So, if you intend to apply for DSUS and a tech/maths/science-based degree you’re A-Levels will be dictated by the University course requirement.

If a young person hasn’t found their ideal job, has now decided to join the Army, can they join at age 20?

Yes you can.

If you join as an apprentice, what is the likelihood of working abroad?

Once you turn 18, you will be deployed on operations across the world.

What skills/qualifications are needed to become a helicopter pilot?

Entry requirements are as for anybody going to Sandhurst.

Is it possible to become a doctor/medic in the army, what roles would be available?

Yes, a wide range of officer roles include Dr, Dentist, Vet, Nurse and Physiotherapist. Doctors start as General Duty Medical Officers a form of GP role but then can specialise in most NHS based roles.

What is the selection criteria for applying for a AHEP?

AHEP is available for those who commission from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as regular commissioned officers. Army Higher Education Pathway (AHEP) | Henley Business School

Are the bursaries repayable if you choose not to join the army?

Yes. Bursaries can be repaid should someone change their mind about joining the Army or if their medical or personal circumstances prevent them from attending the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

Do we get deployed when training is done?

Once you turn 18, you will be deployed on operations across the world.

Does the Army still offer a bursary for the Army Legal Service?  Is it possible to undertake legal training (solicitor or barrister) in the Army or does the ALS only take fully-qualified lawyers?

The Army only takes on qualified lawyers at present, this may change in the coming years and is currently under review.

What are the Physical requirements and Training for an Officer?

MSFT Level 8.7, Mid Thigh Pull of 75 KG and 4 KG Medicine ball throw from seated position over 3.9 metres distance.

Are there any bursaries available in the army for A level students who want to pursue a career in sports science and/or music?

You could apply for a bursary if studying for those degrees but there is no officer role that directly requires them. All musicians join as Soldiers.

Is there a pathway from apprentice to soldier to officer?

Any soldier can apply for Sandhurst officer training before they are 30 Years old and have the right number of GCSE’s or equivalent and be recommended by their Commanding Officer.

Is there any advantage if your child is an ACF first?

Yes, Army cadets learn important life skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, and communications skills through fun, friends, action, and adventure.  However, it’s never too late to learn these skills and cadet experience, although useful, isn’t essential.

Are there any media/marketing opportunities?

Not immediately for those joining the Army.  There are Army Media and Communications roles, but these are normally filled by soldiers who have been in the Army for several years.

Do you do trips to Sandhurst before people fully commit to the bursaries so they can see what it's like there?

Yes Sandhurst run regular open days, the next one is being held on 16^th March 2024, more details can be found here. 

Do you get holiday?

There are a wide range of leave options open to personnel. The annual leave allowance is 38 days a year, including Bank Holidays.

Are there any open days that are run?

Yes Sandhurst run regular open days, the next one is being held on 16^th March 2024, more details can be found here.

The Army Foundation College run open days 2 – 3 times a year but they also have a virtual open day on demand here.

Can you provide me with further information on where applicants who are in location with serving personnel overseas can check whether they meet the living in the UK requirements (e.g, is overseas location classed as ordinarily resident) or where I can discuss this in further detail?

All the nationality and residency requirements to join the British Army can be found here.

How hot is the Army on supporting people with mental health?

There is always someone to talk to, more information about how the Army supports people with mental health can be found here.