The Royal Air Force is also more commonly known as the RAF. This is the United Kingdom’s aerial warfare force which has operated since the end of the First World War. Being one of the largest air forces in the UK, it commemorated its 100-year anniversary on July the 10th by having 100 of its planes flying across London. A range of their planes had been brought into central London and since my science teacher had arranged a trip to see these, I had the opportunity to learn a lot about the air force and their duties. As well as the many planes they had displayed, a tent in which their new STEM inventions were showcased, was also set up. This was a very inspiring and interesting experience.

In London, there are high demands for jobs as, not only students from this country look for jobs but, many foreign students also come here in the hopes of getting jobs. This may seem like a positive factor that London would benefit from. However, this causes a job crisis for people in the country leaving many graduates unemployed. In most work places, specific certificates and degrees are required in order to get a job. Recently, I talked to a few of my relatives and friends to find out what they thought about job opportunities in London. My brother ,16, said, "As much as it is difficult to study and complete a degree, I believe finding a work placement is the much harder aspect of it. The likelihood of a person finding a job once they’ve completed their studies is unlikely." On the contrary, a friend of mine, Lisa Stevenson 24, responded, " Jobs associated with nursing in the NHS are available and easy to get.” Hence, it can be seen that some fields of work may be easier to get jobs in but, others are difficult.

The Royal Air force’s main role is to aid with the rescue process in places where natural or human disasters have affected people and resulted in desperate need. They fly to the scene and do as much as they can to help bring people to safety. Although it may seem like being a pilot is the only job that RAF offers, this is a misconception that they are trying to change. Even though the pilots are the key people in the rescue job, a whole range of other people do have roles which are as, or more, important than the jobs as a pilot. Doctors, engineers (and computer engineers), cooks, dental nurses and Air operations control officers are just a few of the many other jobs that RAF offer.

Now you may be wondering, what is the relationship between low job opportunities in London and the RAF? The answer to this is that the RAF is a large aerial force which has many workers, but are still ready to recruit many more people. When the RAF visited Burntwood school (Southwest London) recently, I personally spoke to one of the employers and they said,” We have many workers but, we still have places for workers as minor or major roles.”  He then added, “Whether you have completed a medicine degree or stopped studying after taking your GCSEs we will be able to find the right job that suits your ability.”

Therefore, if you are someone, or you know someone, who is looking for a job, the RAF is a suitable place to start your work placement requests at. In order to get in touch with them you could firstly visit their museum; Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL or read more online on their website RAF.com.