- .Regular Army
- .Find a Role
- .General Fitter
- engineering
- Soldier
- Regular
General Fitter
Get the skills for a great career within the Army or the civilian world. Travel, meet new people and try new activities – sky-diving, for example.
Royal Engineers
Starting salary
£26,334
Age range
16 - 36
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 6 months old .
You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
2km run 11 min
Education
GCSE Grade A-C/9 - 4, or Scottish National 5 grade A-D, in Maths, English Language and one other subject.
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers (RE) are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradespeople, providing essential support to all areas of the British Army.
What does a Fitter do? In the Army, you service nearly all our vehicles and equipment. That means you could be sent anywhere in the world. First-class training teaches you about construction methods, health and safety, and working from engineers’ drawings. You become an expert in bench fitting, fabrication for petrol and diesel engines, mobile generators, transmissions and hydraulic systems. Plus, you can get qualifications and build skills for your future career. On top of all that, you’ll have an active Army life, full of sports, adventure and friends.
General Fitter is a Technical role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.
Key responsibilities
Service engines on a variety of vehicles
Be part of large-scale engineer construction
Work on plant mechanics
Earn qualifications in mechanical engineering
Deploy all over the world
Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do basic military training (short) course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.
Step 2
Then it’s off to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 12 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills, such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. You’ll get your driving licence too, if you don’t have this already. Finally, you go the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent, for 41 weeks. Here, you learn about petrol and diesel engines, generators and pumps.
You'll earn £26,334 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship
Cat B, C+E driving licence
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
You can expect to travel all over the world as a Royal Engineer. In my nearly 15 years in the military as a serving Royal Engineer I have deployed on operations and exercises all over the the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Belgium.
As a Royal Engineer, you can expect opportunities to work and train in the UK and overseas. Sappers support operations globally, using their skills to solve real-world engineering challenges in different environments and alongside a wide range of Army units.
Rob Needham
Royal Engineers
Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.
You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.
Greg H
Royal Military Police
It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.
Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.
Holly J
Royal Adjutant's Corps
There are varied periods where you’ll be extremely busy and also periods where you could be having downtime at home with family and friends.
Not at all. Some parts are intense, especially during training or when learning something new, but it’s not like that all the time. You’ll have structured periods where you’re focused and pushed to do your best, but there’s also downtime to reset, socialise and look after yourself. That balance helps you grow without feeling overwhelmed.
Jen C
Adjutant General's Corps
The Army has worked hard to improve its food options, with several choices available each day including hot meals and healthier options.
You’ll eat in the cookhouse, where meals are prepared for you each day. There’s a good choice, and it’s designed to keep you fuelled for training.
Rob H
Royal Armoured Corps
Your future starts here
Every General Fitter started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
Not ready to apply? Get in touch
Contact us
Find a careers centre
More roles like this
Plant Operator Mechanic
Fabricator
