Recruitment to the three services: Royal Navy (including Royal Marines), Army and Royal Air Force, is a systematic, methodical and highly structured process. Each year large numbers of new recruits enter the Armed Forces undertaking programmes of training and skills development necessary to work in highly demanding and potentially dangerous situations and environments. While many of these young people move into specialist areas (e.g. administration, catering, engineering, logistics) where qualifications are readily available, many remain in the category identified as ‘general duties’ relatively commonly identified with being a Sailor/Marine, Soldier or Airman.

This Apprenticeship replaces the Apprenticeship in HM Forces (Issue 2) and provides the skills and knowledge to enable Apprentices to carry out their role in the Armed Forces. The Apprenticeship also provides a good basis for progression through their military careers.