The British Army

The British Army is the land force of the UK, made up of people who protect communities at home and support peacekeeping and humanitarian work around the world. When you join, you’ll build your skills, gain confidence, and train as a soldier while also learning a trade.

There are over seventy different roles to choose from across seven career areas: Combat, Logistics and Support, Engineering, Medical, Intelligence and Communications, Music, and HR and Finance.

Adventurous Training gives you the chance to push past your comfort zone and discover what you’re capable of. It helps you build confidence, leadership, resilience, and teamwork, while boosting your decision‑making skills, fitness, and courage.

There are so many adventures to get involved in. You could be wreck diving off the coast of New Zealand, white‑water kayaking on Norway’s Sjoa River, or skiing across the wild landscapes of Greenland. Wherever you go, you’ll learn new skills, see incredible places, and come back stronger.

You’ll spend part of your working day focusing on your fitness, usually in group sessions led by our Army Physical Training Instructors (PTIs). You’ll also have access to gyms and other fitness facilities to train in your own time. And if you enjoy sport, there are hundreds of teams you can get involved in, no matter your level or experience.

Ask anyone in the Army about their standout moments and they’ll usually talk about the incredible places they’ve travelled to. There are loads of chances to see the world through operations, training exercises, and Adventurous Training. Wherever you go, you’ll make memories you’ll never forget.

Students who want to explore careers in the British Army can join our free four‑day residential work experience. It’s open to young people aged 14–18 and is designed to build teamwork, leadership, confidence, and resilience.

It’s a great way for students to get a real feel for Army life and see just how many career paths are available.

If the four‑day programme is full, or if training or accommodation isn’t available on site, a one‑day work experience may be offered as an alternative.

An Army apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn, building real‑world skills and confidence from day one.

 

With over 39 different schemes across areas like engineering, logistics, medical support and intelligence, you’ll work towards nationally recognised qualifications while receiving full soldier’s pay.

 

Around 90% of soldiers start an apprenticeship, and the Army is ranked the No.1 Apprenticeship Employer in the UK - showing just how strong the training and support is.

 

If you want a career that gives you valuable skills, recognised qualifications, and the chance to grow, you can explore all apprenticeship pathways on the British Army website:

At the Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate, we help 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds begin their Army journey. You’ll build the military skills, fitness and education you need for a strong start in whichever part of the Army suits you - all while earning a good wage and making friends for life.

There are two training routes: a short course and a long course. The one you join depends on the job you’re aiming for. Short‑course Junior Soldiers get three weeks off mid‑term, while those on the long course have eight weeks of leave.

The British Army welcomes people from every background and is committed to fairness, inclusion and respect. As an Officer, you’ll lead by example and uphold these standards. Pay, promotion and parental leave are the same for everyone, and the Army fully supports Transgender, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual soldiers. People who have completed gender transition are recognised in their acquired gender.

The Army also supports soldiers in practising their faith wherever possible, including religious dress, beards, hairstyles and dietary needs. Spiritual advisors from a range of faiths are available to everyone.

The Army is an equal opportunities employer, offering careers based on talent and ability. Professional networks help people connect and feel supported. Diversity is central to building a stronger, more effective Army.

You’ll begin with leadership training at Sandhurst before spending around ten months with an Army unit, learning to lead teams across Engineering, IT, Logistics, Medical, HR and Combat roles.

 

You can also take a paid Army internship before, during or after university, gaining real experience without deploying on operations, and with no commitment afterwards unless you choose to fast‑track into a career.

 

To apply, you’ll need a confirmed university place (or have graduated within two years), meet the age and qualification requirements, and pass a basic fitness test.

 

Some people know they want to go to university, and that’s a great route into many Army roles. A few officer careers - like medical or legal positions - do need specific degrees before you can join.

 

If you’re planning to join the Army after your studies, we can help.

 

There are several bursary options available, ranging from £6,000 to £75,000, to support you while you’re at university.