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Job Role
Trainee Supply Chain Operative
Job Role

Trainee Supply Chain Operative

You’ll directly contribute to the operational effectiveness of the Royal Navy, providing essential supplies, all over the world.

CiviliansLogisticsOrganisationalApprenticeships
  • Royal Fleet Auxiliary
  • Logistics
  • Rating level

At a glance

You’ll directly contribute to the operational effectiveness of the Royal Navy by making sure our people have what they need, when and where they need it. From food to ammunition. Our people, all over the world will rely on you for essential supplies, every day.
RFA
I get involved with all aspects of supply chain delivery on board, I have the opportunity to learn – and use my skills to support the crew of the ship to get the spare parts they need, when they need them. Before coming to the RFA I had never managed such a varied inventory as I do here!

Luke

Trainee Supply Chain Operative

Role details

What you’ll do

As a Trainee Supply Chain Operative in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), you’ll play a vital role in keeping your ship at sea, making sure it has the stocks, stores and equipment to complete every operation. When you’re deployed as part of a task group, you’ll use your expertise to ensure every vessel can be sustained thousands of miles from the UK.

Every day will bring a new challenge as you oversee the distribution of multimillion pound inventories, in diverse environments all over the world. That could mean anything from replenishing Royal Navy and NATO nation ships at sea, to liaising with local suppliers in foreign countries. 

Your role

  • Take responsibility for storing and distributing large quantities of equipment and supplies, including munitions.
  • Show the personal qualities needed to be custodian of valuable stores, including responsibility and trustworthiness.
  • Demonstrate strong organisational skills and enthusiasm for supply chain operations.
  • Work effectively as part of a team, often in challenging conditions.
     

Pay & benefits

  • Starting salary of at least £29,500
  • Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 21 days for every month on board ship
  • A typical rotation of four months at sea, three months on leave
  • Membership of the Civil Service Pension scheme
  • World-class training
  • Global travel
     

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • You’ll have the opportunity to study for vocational qualifications from day one, including NVQs and Maritime & Coastguard Agency certificates.

Skills you'll develop

  • The ability to carry out a range of supply chain management operations, both on individual RFA deployments and in support of larger task groups.
  • Training will be a constant feature of your RFA career, with world-class development packages to help you progress.

 

Eligibility

  • Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
  • ICT qualifications or experience using the Microsoft Office package
  • Previous stock control and inventory experience is essential, while a knowledge of warehouse functions would be desirable
  • A current unrestricted 2 year ENG 1 Worldwide Sea Service
  • Need to be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen, but nationality restrictions can apply to some career paths. Dual Nationality will be considered, providing the first nationality is British. Residency restrictions may apply
  • Need to have confidence with jumping into water and the ability to wade whilst wearing a life jacket

Skills & Interests

  • Well organised 
  • Good numeracy  
  • High standards of conduct and presentation  
  • Good working knowledge of IT systems  
  • Trustworthy  

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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