Virtual

RAF - Virtual Work Experience

Job sector

Government & Politics

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Students aged 13+ are welcome to apply

Certificate of completion

Over 7 hours worth of content

Overview

This experience provides a comprehensive introduction to the Royal Air Force (RAF). You will explore the organisation's purpose, history, people, and the vital role it plays in protecting the UK and supporting operations around the world. Throughout the course, you will discover how the RAF is structured, the wide range of careers and professions within the organisation, and the values that guide its people. You will also gain insight into life in the RAF, including training, career progression, pay and benefits, and the opportunities available through apprenticeships and graduate pathways. Finally, you will explore the Air Cadets and how young people can get involved, develop new skills, and gain experiences that support their future education and careers.

What's Included

This experience is complete with engaging content, insightful videos delivered by real RAF personnel, interactive activities, quizzes, and much more. Throughout the course, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the role, explore real-world responsibilities, and hear first-hand insights from those currently serving in the RAF. Interactive elements will help you test your knowledge, apply what you’ve learned, and reflect on whether a career with the RAF could be the right fit for you.

Complete & get rewarded
Finish this Royal Air Force programme to earn Rockets and enter prize draws — including RAF goody bags and free family tickets to the Cosford Air Show (14 June 2026

This module introduces the Royal Air Force (RAF), including its purpose, history, and the important role it plays in protecting the UK and supporting operations around the world. You will explore key moments in the RAF’s history, discover the core values that guide its people, and gain insight into what life and careers in the RAF can be like. Through videos, interactive activities, and real stories from RAF personnel, you will also challenge common myths and develop a clearer understanding of the organisation and the opportunities it offers.

Discover the people who make up the RAF and how the organisation is structured. You will explore the wide range of roles within the RAF and understand how regular personnel, reserves, civilians, and partners work together. You will also discover how the RAF is organised, from senior commanders and groups to stations, wings, and squadrons, helping you understand how different teams and units work together to deliver the RAF’s mission.

You will learn about the wide range of careers available in the RAF and the different pathways into these roles. You will explore the various professions within the RAF, discover opportunities through apprenticeships and graduate programmes, and learn about the training and qualifications available. You will also gain insight into the pay, benefits, and lifestyle the RAF offers, as well as how individuals can progress and develop their careers over time.

You will learn about the Air Cadets and the opportunities they offer young people to develop new skills, build confidence, and try exciting activities. You will explore the history of the Air Cadets, discover the training and education programmes available, and learn how cadets can earn qualifications and achievement badges. You will also find out how to join the Air Cadets and how the experience can support future education, careers, and personal development.

Available dates

On Demand

Programme dates

13th April 2026 - 11th December 2027

Hear from our student community

“

Aqsa Saleemi, Year 12 Student

Thank you for all your time and effort. The program was by far the best experience I’ve had virtually compared to other virtual experiences I’ve done. I liked the layout and the interactive activities, and I learnt a lot I didn’t know. I would definitely recommend this program to others; it was a great experience I would love to do it all again.

“

Sophia Nathwani, Year 11 Student, from Hampton

I enjoyed understanding the many professions and areas within journalism that I had not been able to clearly separate prior to this programme; I particularly enjoyed the photojournalism and broadcast journalism sections, as they allowed me to explore a less conventional writing style than what I would normally use. The interactive tasks were a great way for me to demonstrate and put into practice my new knowledge, and all of the videos were extremely concise and helpful.

“

Stephanie Oseha, Year 12 Student

A huge thank you to everyone who made this programme possible. It was a fantastic experience, and I feel more confident in myself now when applying for a job position in the future and in my personal life. I valued this experience because I realised it was okay to make mistakes and how they make you stronger for future events. I loved how efficient the Barclays team was when students and the professionals who ran the live webinars asked questions. The skills I've learnt through this virtual work experience will be used for future endeavours. So once again, thank you so much.

Frequently asked questions

When will I hear back if I have been successful with my application?

Once you have applied for your programme, you will receive a confirmation email. You will be notified about the outcome of your application via email at least 3 days before the programme start date. Good luck!

Can I apply to multiple programmes?

Yes, you can sign up to multiple programmes with us. The live talks will be available as recordings, so you can catch up on any potential clashes.

Who can take part in the programme? (Age limits, some programmes have location constraints but most don’t etc.)

Most of our programmes require students to be in school/college. Some programmes require students to be based in specific regions of the UK, this is stipulated by the organisations themselves, and is not defined by Springpod.

However, the ages mentioned on our programmes are more of a guideline than a strict limit. As such, we more than welcome older students to apply as well!

How long does it take for assignments to be reviewed?

Assignments can take up to a week or longer to review and be marked complete. Rest assured, it will be reviewed soon and your certificate will be generated once your programme has been marked as complete.

What do I do if I upload the wrong file?

If you make a mistake when uploading a file, please email hello@springpod.com. We will be able to make a note on our system. Don’t worry, the outcome of your programme will not be affected by this.

How long will I have to complete this programme?

There is no specific cut-off deadline for completing your programme (although, if possible, we would encourage you to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions).

When does the programme start?

Our programmes have various start dates, you can find the exact date on the programme website page. These are available here: https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/search

You will be notified if your application has been successful, 3 days before the programme start date.

What happens if I can't finish the work experience in time?

All programme material will remain accessible after the end date of the programme. Students can continue to work through their programme after the official end date. Although, if possible, we would strongly encourage students to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions.

How much work is required for these programmes? (Will I be able/should I complete more than one programme at a time)?

There is around 10 hours worth of work in total, spread across a two week period. The live talks will be available as recordings, so you can catch up on any work whenever possible.

When do the programmes run? (programme structure etc.)

Once you have access, you can view and complete the material as and when you can, within the time frame of the course in question (for example, within a two week period). In total, there is around 10 hours worth of work. The live talks will take place during weekday working hours. However, all live talks will be available as recordings and the courses can be completed at your own convenience. . There is no specific cut-off deadline for completing your programme (although, if possible, we would encourage you to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions).

What happens if I can't make a live talk/webinar?

All live talks will be available as recordings. You can access these at the same link used to access the live event. So don’t worry if you can’t attend a live webinar, a recording will be available for you to access through your programme within 24 hours of the live event finishing.

What software is required for the live talks?

We use a piece of software called BigMarker. It is a cloud based video hosting software. It requires no installations or downloads on your end, and will provide everything you need to join the live webinars through one simple link.

Will I be able to ask questions/do I have to have my microphone on?

You will have a chance to ask questions at the end of each webinar. These questions are typed out and then read to the presenter by the host of the live talk. There is no need to speak, and all student microphones will be muted for the duration of the live webinar.

Do you offer in-person work experience?
We don't directly manage in person work experience but many of our virtual programmes can lead to in person opportunities, look for the programmes marked as 'Virtual to Reality'. You will need to complete the virtual programme and declare your interest via the embedded form.
When will I hear if there is an in-person opportunity?
Our employer partner will contact you directly about any opportunities, timescales can vary Springpod won't be able to provide any updates on progress.

Ready to find out if this career is right for you?

Start now

RAF - Virtual Work Experience

Kickstart your future

Students aged 13+ are welcome to apply

Certificate of completion

Over 7 hours worth of content

Introduction to the RAF

How is the RAF Structured?

Overview of RAF Professions

Air Cadets

Available dates

Hear from our student community

Aqsa Saleemi, Year 12 Student

Wilfred Williams, Year 12 Student from London

Sophia Nathwani, Year 11 Student, from Hampton

Ellinor Comard, Year 12 Student from Teddington

Stephanie Oseha, Year 12 Student

Jack Zhou, Year 12 Student from Kingston upon Thames

Frequently asked questions

I have a question about my application or programme eligibility

I have a question about my assignment

I have a question about the programme dates, deadline or workload

I have a question about the live talks

I have a question about the certificate

I have a question about in-person work experience

I want to delete my account

Ready to find out if this career is right for you?