Recovery Mechanic - Reserve

Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

• Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.

• Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
Then you learn to drive (if you can’t already) and begin your trade training so that you can recover, load and move the Army’s stricken vehicles. Training is modular and most of it is done at your Army Reserve unit at evenings and weekends, with key parts of the course done on practical field exercises or at the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire.

You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increasing as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.

More about Reserve benefits

• Category B and C+E driving licences and military vehicle familiarisation/conversion training.

• Eligibility for professional accreditation as an IMechE Engineering Technician once you have completed military Class 1 trade training.

• Qualifications/accreditation in Leadership and Management.