19 Feb
Royal Navy
Portsmouth
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- What We Do
What We Do
Protecting our nation’s interests: guardian, diplomat and humanitarian force for good. Learn more about the Royal Navy’s priorities and what we do day-to-day.
Preventing Conflict
The stability of our nation depends on the freedom of the seas. Our presence is key to achieving this.
Providing Security At Sea
Ensuring the security of home and international waters is central to the stability and prosperity of Britain and the world economy.
International Partnerships
We work with our allies and partners to help cement the relationships that our nation depends on.
Ready To Fight
Maintaining a state of readiness to protect the interests of Britain and our allies.
Protecting Our Economy
Safeguarding the essential trade routes that Britain depends on for 95% of its economic activity.
Providing Humanitarian Assistance
Our ability to overcome adverse conditions means we’re often the first to respond when disaster strikes.
- Our Organisation
Our Organisation
The fighting arms of the Royal Navy work together to protect our nation’s interests at sea, on land and in the air. Find out more about them here.
Surface Fleet
Submarine Service
Fleet Air Arm
Royal Marines
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Bases & Stations Cadets & Youth Maritime ReservesMaritime Reserves Royal Naval Reserve Royal Marines Reserve Future Reserves 2020
Queen's Harbour Master
Queen's Harbour Master
QHM Clyde QHM Plymouth QHM Portsmouth
- Equipment
Equipment
From the Vanguard-class ballistic submarine to the formidable HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, our equipment is among the best in the world. Learn more here.
Ships
At the heart of our naval prowess is an impressive fleet that includes destroyers, frigates and aircraft carriers.
Aircraft
Powerful air support is provided by some of the world’s most advanced aircraft in the most testing of environments.
Submarines
Silently patrolling the world’s seas is our formidable fleet of submarines.
Commando
Royal Marines are able to operate across all terrains and environments using an arsenal of highly specialised equipment and weapons.
- Our People
Our People
Royal Navy personnel may come from all walks of life, but they are united by one thing: a commitment to protecting our nation’s interests, no matter what.
Skills & Disciplines
The Royal Navy is a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team and together we protect the nation's interest.
Success Stories
Every day, our dedicated people are working hard across the globe protecting our nation’s interests. This is where we recognise the difference they make.
Diversity & Inclusion
We empower all our people, by respecting and valuing what makes them different.
Senior Naval Staff
The senior Naval staff use their wealth of experience to oversee all aspects of the Royal Navy’s activities, from operations and administration to personnel and logistics.
Expertise in Extreme Environments
Whether it be in the heat of the desert or ice of the Antarctic, we are ready for action in the most extreme environments on earth.
- News & Activity News
News
19 February 2021
Praise from NHS for sailors and marines helping in Somerset’s hospitals
19 February 2021
RFA officer’s prestigious award for disaster-relief work
18 February 2021
HMS Protector ‘breaks the ice’ with Sir David Attenborough in ships’ first encounter
18 February 2021
Navy help remove iconic aircraft at home of F-35B strike fighters
Features
Features
Regain Marines: When strength alone just isn't enough
Technology and Innovation
Royal Marines
The Nation's flagships
Events
Events
Royal Navy Medical Virtual Experience
02/03/2021 Operations
Operations
Exercise Joint Warrior
Exercise Joint Warrior is the largest military exercise in Europe, bringing together the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the British Army, as well as forces from other nations.
Operation Kipion
We have been on patrol in the Gulf since 1980, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to peace and stability.
Overseas Patrol Squadron
Protecting the British fishing industry and safeguarding the nation's fishing stocks.
NavyX
Navy X gets new technology off the drawing board and into the hands of our people on operations at a pace that has not been possible before.
Public Relations
Public Relations
Media and Public Enquiries Display Teams Royal Navy Presentation Team 60 Second Update Royal Navy Imagery Navy News Magazine
Navy News Magazine
Contact Us Navy News Archive
- Community & Support
Community & Support
Whether it’s dealing with the demands of deployment or the rigours of relocation, we make sure that the family and friends of Naval Service personnel have all the help, guidance and support they need, every day.
Community
Connect with like-minded people and develop a peer-to-peer support network both online and at community centres.
Personnel
Discover the key services available to serving personnel and access the Defence Gateway, where you can contact a range of external organisations.
Advice & Support
See how Naval Service Family and People Support (NS FPS) can help you with anything from coping with deployment to relocating.
Deployment
Find out how you can cope with the challenges of deployment using an array of support services, tools and initiatives.
Accommodation
Learn about the different types of accommodation available through the Royal Navy and find an option that meets your needs.
Veterans
Access dedicated veterans charities and get all the support you need, from help with any mental health issues to financial advice.
- Careers Careers Homepage
Careers homepage
Royal Navy Engineering Made in the Royal Navy Become an Officer Life in the Reserves
Royal Navy
Role Finder
Role Finder
Start your Royal Navy journey by finding your perfect role
Why Navy?
Why Navy?
Find out about the opportunities you get in the Royal Navy, that you wouldn’t get in other careers
Humanitarian aidServing your countrySupporting societyPayBenefitsReaching your potentialTravel and adventureSocial lifeSport and fitnessRoyal Navy traditionsSupport your family What’s right for me?
What’s right for me?
Want to know about how the Navy is structured, and where you might fit? This is the place for you
Levels of entry: an introductionBranches: an introductionServices: an introduction Life in the Royal Navy
Life in the Royal Navy
Everyone’s experience is unique, but find out what life’s been like for others here
A day in the lifeYour first yearShaping your careerFamiliesEquality and diversity Joining
Joining
Everything you need to know about joining the Royal Navy, in one place
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Levels of entry
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Royal Navy roles and specialisms
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Royal Marines
What it takesWhat can I do?What's it like?Get fit to joinWhat do I get?What's next?Royal Marines ReserveFamily Reserves
Reserves
About the ReservesWhy Reserves?Fitting it in What could you do?What will it be like?How you'll developJoiningFind your unitProject Firefly Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
About the RFAWhat could you do?Why RFA?Life in the RFATraining, progression and developmentHow to join Favourites
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- Engineer Apprentice (RFA)
- Get in contact 0345 604 0520
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Chef Apprentice (RFA)
Service:Royal Fleet Auxiliary Branch:Logistics Level:Rating,Apprenticeship Hospitality Food and drink Catering Civilians Logistics
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What you’ll do
It’s not just our engines that need fuel, our people do too. As a Chef Apprentice, you’re the person who provides it, with three square meals every day. The nutritious food you provide will keep your crewmates going, so they can keep our ships moving. Alongside the Head Chef you’ll learn all about high-pressure, high-volume cooking, as well as gaining skills in fine dining. From day one you’ll be travelling the world, using new ingredients and experiencing things you’d never encounter in a civilian apprenticeship.
Sophie
Chef Apprentice RFA
I wanted to learn my trade as a chef, and travelling the world has always appealed to me. Now I get to combine the two. I’d never even heard of some of the ingredients I get to use.
If you have questions, talk to us
call us 0345 604 0520
The role
- Start your professional cookery career by learning how to use a variety of ingredients and styles. You’ll work under the guidance of an experienced Head Chef, creating varied menus for the entire crew.
- Outside of the galley, you’ll have crucial duties to perform as part of the ship’s company, including firefighting, first aid, and being a member of the damage control team.
- Unlike most civilian apprenticeships, you’ll have real responsibility from the day you start, working in challenging environments all over the world. The ship’s galley is hot and hectic, so you’ll need to have a calm temperament at all times.
- It’s your job to make the ship feel like a home from home for your crewmates. Many of them will be at sea for months at a time and will look forward to the food you cook, whether it’s Friday Fish, or dinner for a social event.
What you’ll get
Skills for life
Qualifications you'll gain
- Gain an NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery
- MCA certification that is financially supported by the RFA
Skills you'll develop
- An in-depth knowledge of high-volume, high-pressure cooking
- The ability to manage stores and ingredients, while creating interesting menus for a ship’s company
Pay and benefits
- A starting salary of more than £15,000
- Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 7 days for every month spent on board ship
- Membership of a Civil Service Pension scheme
- World-class training
- Potential to travel the world
View all benefits
On completion of your Apprenticeship, you may be offered a full Company Service Contract as an Assistant Cook
What you'll need
Eligibility
- You’ll need to be aged 16, there's no upper age limit
- No qualifications are required for this role
- Applicants must be British, Irish or Commonwealth citizens. However, a number of career paths have nationality restrictions. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
Skills and interests
- A passion for food and hospitality
- Great at working as part of a team
- First-class communication
- A sense of adventure
Check Eligibility