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Army Army - Be The Best. Regular & Territorial

Role Finder

The Army want you to be yourself, to achieve your goals in life and still be a part of the Army team.
Tell us a bit about yourself and we’ll find you a wide range of rewarding careers to choose from.

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Carpenter And Joiner Royal Engineers

Engineering

Construction is a big part of the Army’s work at home and abroad. Your role involves all aspects of building work, whether it’s improving existing facilities or helping to build new ones. You learn how to build and repair timber structures and fittings, and you master planning and setting out. You can also earn professional trade qualifications.

Are you right for this role?

You should be:

  • Sex: Male or Female
  • Regular Army Age: 16 - 32.11 years
  • Territorial Army Age: 17.6 - 42.11 years

You should have:

  • Qualifications: Regulars need three GCSEs at grade D or above in Maths, English Language and one other. Territorials require professional qualifications.

You should like:

  • Being hands on and fixing stuff
  • Outdoor activities
  • Working outside

You should be interested or have experience in:

  • Carpentry / Joinery
  • Ammunition & Explosives Handling

Lance Corporal Rojan Rai has learned a bunch of new trade skills

RE Carpenter video

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Carpenter

The training has been second to none. I now have a great trade behind me. I’ve learned to use all kinds of machinery and build all sorts of things – doors, floors, stairs, windows for buildings in the field… you name it, we build it.

 

Regular Army

Training

Basic training teaches you soldiering skills like how to survive outdoors and how to fire weapons. After you learn the basics, the Military Engineer (Combat) course prepares you for the Royal Engineers. You learn to lay and clear mines, place demolition charges and build water crossings. You also learn about construction. Finally, you train to become a Carpenter and Joiner.

Skills you can learn

You learn about construction engineering and building techniques. You develop core skills like the use of hand and power tools. You also learn how to produce formwork for concrete projects, strengthen damaged buildings and repair timber structures. You fit roofs and floors, and master skills like project management and working with technical drawings.

Qualifications you can achieve

  • Military Engineer (Combat) Class 3
  • Level 2 Intermediate Construction Award in Wood Occupations
  • Military Engineer (Carpenter and Joiner) Class 2
  • CAA Health and Safety Theory Test

Territorial Army

Training

Basic training teaches you soldiering skills like how to survive outdoors and fire weapons. After you learn the basics, the Military Engineer (Combat) course prepares you for the Royal Engineers. You learn to lay and clear mines, place demolition charges and build bridges. Finally, you get the chance to do carpentry and joinery work.

Skills you can learn

To work as a Carpenter and Joiner, you will already have relevant professional skills and expertise. You understand construction engineering and building techniques, and will be skilled in the use of hand and power tools. You are able to produce formwork for concrete projects, strengthen damaged buildings and repair timber structures.

Qualifications you can achieve

  • Military Engineer (Combat) Class 3

Move up the ranks

  • Sapper

    Most Royal Engineers start out at this rank. You still get all the benefits of Army life, like a good rate of basic pay, free healthcare, and subsidised food and accommodation. But you’re not in charge of anyone, so you can focus on using your skills. Every promotion after this gets you extra pay.

  • Lance Corporal

    Now you’ve got some experience, you take on some responsibilities by leading a small team of soldiers. It’s your job to check that their work is done to the right standard, and that they’ve got the skills and support they need. If they’ve got a problem, they talk to you first.

  • Corporal

    You’ve got day-to-day leadership experience. The next step is to go on a special course to develop your leadership and management skills, which prepares you to lead an even larger team. You still use your own trade skills, but you also set tasks and help develop the skills of other soldiers.

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