Qualified Catering & Support (RFA)

As a Qualified Catering & Support assistant 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.

• 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.

• Earn over £34,300 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

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 

• 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 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
• 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