Exploring RAF technical careers in D&T

Published 13th February 2026

This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re highlighting how D&T teachers can bring engineering careers to life in their classrooms. While students enjoy hands-on practical work, their understanding of engineering roles can often remain narrow. Introducing them to the variety of technical careers within the RAF—from mechanical and electrical to digital systems—helps students see how the skills and knowledge developed in D&T are applied in real operational settings.

Many students mistakenly view engineering as a single career path, rather than a diverse field requiring different skills, knowledge and approaches. By showing the range of RAF roles, teachers can expand students’ perspectives and demonstrate how classroom learning connects to applied problem-solving, safety, reliability and teamwork in professional environments.

Linking classroom knowledge to RAF roles

Mechanical technicians maintain vehicles and aircraft support equipment critical to RAF operations, reflecting the reliability and performance principles taught in D&T.

Avionics technicians apply electronics and digital systems knowledge to radar, communications and navigation systems, offering a real-world context for teaching systems thinking and electronics.

Communications and digital technicians, along with cyberspace communication specialists, show how ICT, networking and cyber awareness are applied operationally, providing clear classroom links to control systems, data management and cybersecurity.

Electrical engineering technicians maintain power and distribution systems across RAF bases, reinforcing fault diagnosis, safety and regulatory knowledge taught in D&T.

Bringing RAF apprenticeships into the classroom

By linking projects such as the ‘Inspired by Industry’ Short Term Shelters to real RAF engineering roles, teachers can help students understand how engineering responds to real needs, constraints and users. This approach deepens subject knowledge and opens students’ eyes to apprenticeships and career pathways within the RAF, showing the relevance of their learning and the opportunities it can create.

For D&T teachers, showcasing the full spectrum of RAF engineering roles during National Apprenticeship Week provides a practical, engaging and inspiring way to prepare students for the next step in their educational and career journeys.

This article appears in the next issue of Practice, giving teachers an exclusive first look at how RAF apprenticeships can bring engineering to life in the classroom. Teachers can download the PDF article below to keep in their classroom for inspiration.