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Qualified Steward (RFA)
Job Role

Qualified Steward (RFA)

Use your first-class organisational skills to maintain the highest possible standards at all times.

CiviliansHospitalityHands onFood and drinkLogistics
  • A-Levels / college qualifications
  • Royal Fleet Auxiliary
  • Logistics
  • Rating level

At a glance

This is your chance to use your passion for hospitality to maintain the morale of our people. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved with other duties such as firefighting, damage control and assisting with first aid.
RFA
As a Steward you get be involved in most areas of the ship, from the laundry to the Officers Mess. Whether assisting in feeding the crew on flight operations or looking after dignitaries during a lunch, no appointment is ever the same.

Jess

Steward RFA

Role details

What you’ll do

As a Qualified Steward in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), you’ll be on track for a rewarding career that will really take you places. As well as looking after catering, accommodation, mess rooms and the saloon, you’ll also have the opportunity to get involved with other duties such as firefighting, damage control and assisting with first aid.

Day to day, you’ll assist in the service of meals on board, and the housekeeping of cabins and communal areas. As part of a busy team with a big responsibility, you’ll assist the PO/CPO Steward in all areas of the Logistic Department. This is your chance to use your passion for hospitality towards a greater cause. Helping to protect our nation’s interests – with the potential to travel the world.

Your role

  • Experience every aspect of the hospitality, gaining the skills needed to organise and host any event. You could be facilitating a diplomatic reception one day, and serving dignitaries at high-level functions the next.
  • Use your first-class organisational skills to maintain the highest possible standards at all times. The RFA may be a civilian organisation, but it still has a part to play in representing our nation all over the world. It’s your job to ensure every visitor leaves with the best possible impression.
  • As you look after the catering, accommodation and social areas of the ship, you’ll be key to maintaining the morale of our people. Many will be at sea for months at a time, so the home comforts you provide will be really important.
  • You’ll also 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.

Pay & benefits

  • Earn over £29,500 from the day you start 
  • Excellent Career Average Occupational Pension Scheme
  • 21 Days paid leave for every month served on board ship
  • World-class comprehensive training programme
  • Potential to travel the world
  • Subsidised travel and accommodation

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • MCA certification that is financially supported by the RFA

Skills you'll develop

  • A comprehensive understanding of hospitality principles that will stay with you throughout your career
  • A first-class grounding in organising and hosting events 

Eligibility

  • Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
  • NVQ Level 2 in Hospitality Services or Level 2 Certification in Hospitality or Catering Principles (Hospitality Services) or equivalent qualifications
  • Foundation Food Certificate or Level 2 Food Safety Certificate, and a level of experience gained within the hospitality and catering industry
  • Must be a British or Irish national, a Commonwealth citizen, or a Dual National who has lived in the UK continuously for 5 years prior to applying
  • Need to have confidence with jumping into water and the ability to wade whilst wearing a life jacket

Skills & Interests

  • Drive and enthusiasm
  • A passion for hospitality
  • A keen eye for detail
  • First-class organisational skills
  • A sense of adventure

Joining Process

From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.

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