Catering Support Trainee (RFA)

As a Trainee Steward, in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), you’ll learn how to take on the crucial role of supporting our people at sea and alongside around the world. You will soon understand how to look after catering, accommodation, and dining rooms as well as – more importantly – our people who call those places “home” for months at a time.
You will also learn how to support RFA ships’ core capabilities such as Replenishment at Sea and Flight Deck Operations. Your role in emergency response will range from learning firefighting and first aid techniques to getting to know how you would respond to a fuel spill or a flood.

Your daily routine will consist of supporting the PO/CPO Steward ln areas of the ship by providing housekeeping for cabins and communal areas on board and supporting the ship’s laundry service. You will assist with meal service and maintaining food safety.
You will take a front-facing role in delivering food services and maintaining accommodation standards. You will be a key enabler for the ship, giving the Commanding Officer choice in the ship’s output: by offering a broad range of additional skills, from flight deck operations to defence engagement activities, you will provide the highest level of service to the ship and broaden overall capabilities.

Take this opportunity to use your drive to provide the best level of service in a place where you can make a difference, both for your crewmates and for a greater cause. Help the other people of the RFA to support our nation’s interests around the UK and around the world.

• Experience every aspect of hospitality, gaining the skills needed to organise and host any event, as well as maintaining exemplary levels of food safety
• Use your first-class organisational skills to maintain the highest possible standards
• 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 especially important to your crewmates
• You’ll also have key duties to perform as part of the ship’s company, including firefighting, first aid, and damage control. You could be taking part in a crash on deck exercise one day and supporting a first aid team the next
• The RFA is a civilian organisation that works side-by-side with the Royal Navy and is often called the “fifth fighting arm” of the RN, so you will be trained to the same high standards as they are

• Earn over £20,461 from the day you start, rising to over £34,000 once you have finished your training
• 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

Qualifications you'll gain

• MCA certification that is financially supported by the RFA
• Level 2 in Food Safety
• Qualifications in both Health and Safety and Nutrition

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
• An understanding of working safely around active flight decks
• World-class training in responding to emergencies such as fires or floods

• Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
• Must be British or have indefinite leave to remain with 5 years residency in UK. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
• You need to have confidence with jumping into water and the ability to wade whilst wearing a life jacket
• The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for any employment within the MOD if you have been dismissed from a role for unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out

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