Is it possible to get A Level equivalent qualifications while serving as a regular airman to eventually enlist as an officer?
This may be of help
May I also suggest not calling going for a regular commission “enlist as an officer”. It will really upset the officer doing your P2 presentation 
Aircraft Techs get a level 3 after completion of their apprenticeship after further training.
After a certain amount of time served, you can commission from the ranks without the requirement of a level three, however I’m not sure of the ins and outs of that.
There is also the BES scheme that will give you a foundation degree in engineering for commissioning as an EngO.
I will point out that an officers career is wildly different from that of an OR. If you enjoy actually doing some “spannering”, that is getting your hands dirty, you’ll find you won’t be doing that as an officer.
Yeap. Can be done through most trade apprenticeships. But can also be done via civilian colleges, evening classes or distance learning - they will cost, but you should be able to offset against learning credits.
Ive seen people do both - some successfully made it into the Officer school. Some didnt. Despite having the qualifications, they lacked the qualities required.
After serving as an airman, some of the educational requirements are waived - I know a few people who’ve joined as airmen in order to commission later on.
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That was my plan. Unfortunately one RTC, several years of rehab and surgery later, no commission for me. Can still be picked up and continue as an OR but as commissioning is technically a new contract. You are subject to new joiner medical markers etc.
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That’s some bad luck right there. Sorry to hear.
There’s a huge plethora of facilities and educational opportunities to take.
Once your passed your Recruit Training, and at your unit, you will be given a joining routine, this essentially shows you where everything is, including the educational centre.
Get yourself in there as soon as you can. They should explain everything and be able to help. You can go for a Commission later in your career when you meet requirements to rank etc.
I was in a separate branch so unsure of the requirements for the RAF, but it will be possible.
One of my biggest regrets was not utilising the education centre more, wangling courses and getting amongst the Adventure Training gateway, that No one tells you about.
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Yes it was bad luck, it was initially very galling but as the years have gone by I’ve realised that I’d prefer to stay as an OR. I can actually get my hands dirty and work.
And I fully agree with the education centre. I’ve never used it until last year. But now I’m starting a degree in January. So essentially I’ve wasted 5 years usage of it.
Won’t be making that mistake again.
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Ive also seen a few folk use L3 as a platform for uni courses with a view to taking a Commission long term. One then decided instead to utilise his degree to further their exit pathway. The other just got out and went to do an MSc full time and is now an FCO consultant.
Basically exploit everything you can when you’re in - there are lots of opportunities - be open to them when they present as you never know which weird and wacky path they’ll take you down!
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I have a friend who was in a similar situation, and he did eventually (after an awful lot of complaining) get to apply for commission. So it may still be possible if you wanted to (although of course if you’re happy as an OR then that’s great too)
I appreciate the optimism but it’s impossible for me.
Following the incident I had a rough time with my mental health. I ended up suffering from depression and PTSD, considering police and Ambo crews categorised my injuries as anywhere between severe/life changing/catastrophic. The injuries and after effects on my mental health have made me incompatible with service life if I were to join again.
That’s why I’m starting a degree next week, a bit of a contingency plan. Lest we have a new SDSR under a slightly more socialist government…
I was going to like your post. But it didn’t feel quite right, so recognising it? but that’s heavy stuff mate. Don’t let it beat you though. Trauma affects everyone in different ways, your tough enough to survive it, so don’t let it get the better of you.
Fair enough, but for balance I should mention that my friend broke his spine.
It’s not the physical injuries, it’s the problems I’ve had with my mental health.
Thanks, I’ve tried not to. I’ve had my ups and downs with it.
This wasn’t meant to be a sympathy thread :L I was only pointing out that things can sometimes slip from what you have planned. Because at 18 years old, I wish I fully understood that.
Fair enough. Hope you find your way through it