Junior Soldier Training
By the time your mates are sitting exams, you'll already have a career and be earning over £1,500 every month.
At a glance
Junior Soldier Training in the British Army is open to 16 and 17 year olds who want to get a head start on their career in the Army. It's a brilliant option if you're a school leaver with serious determination to challenge yourself and build skills that will stick with you for life.
Training takes place at Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate where you'll train, live and learn alongside others your age as part of a close-knit team.
Your training comes with monthly pay of over £1,500, qualifications, and a full Army career ahead of you - at a college with a 'Good' Ofsted rating.
WHAT YOU'LL GET
Earn Over
£1,500 a month
Learn
military skills
sport & fitness
in work time
Earn Over
£1,500 a month
Learn
military skills
sport & fitness
in work time
What to expect at AFC Harrogate
Apply from as early as 15 years and 7 months old.
There are 2 yearly intakes - March and September.
You can attend the assessment centre once you're 15 years and 9 months old. Once your assessment is successfully completed, you can begin training soon after.
The earliest you can start your Junior Soldier training at AFC Harrogate is at the age of 16.
The latest age you can start your training is 17 years, 5 months old.
The qualifications that you need will depend on the job that you’re going to do once you’re trained and serving in the Army. Some roles don’t need you to have any formal qualifications, but others (often more technical roles) look for a minimum level of GCSEs (or equivalent).
Live and learn with people your age.
A typical day in Junior Soldier Training will have a mix of activities, both classroom and military lessons.
You’ll be part of a small team and live in a 'section' with 11 other people
Male and female recruits have separate sleeping and washing areas
Evenings and weekends are yours to unwind
Unwind with sports, gaming, and activities in the entertainment lounge
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Inside junior soldier training at AFC Harrogate
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HOW JUNIOR SOLDIER TRAINING WORKS
Based at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, there are two intakes each year in March and September. Depending on your chosen role, the course lasts 6 or 12 months.
After completing your course, you will move on to Phase 2 training at a specialist training establishment linked to your chosen role.
Short Course
20 weeks training + 3 weeks holiday
Who trains on the short course?
Army Air Corps | Adjutant General's Corps (SPS) | Royal Signals | Royal Army Medical Services | Royal Engineers | Royal Logistic Corps | Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers | Corps of Army Music
Long Course
40 weeks training + 8 weeks holiday
Who trains on the long course?
Infantry | Royal Armoured Corps | Royal Artillery | Household Cavalry | Royal Logistic Corps
What soldiers say
Is your child looking to join the Army?
Joining the Army is a big decision for anyone, but especially for a Junior Soldier. Hear from other parents, explore resources, and watch our latest webinars to get as much insight as you need to get as much insight as you need to help support your child's future.
What's next?
Want to know how to apply?
Get all the info you need about the steps you'll have to take to start your Army career and become a Junior Soldier.
Looking ahead?
Find out more about the application process for regular soldiers, aged 18 and over.
AFC Virtual Open Day
Want to get into the detail? Catch up on the last virtual open day event and hear from the team and some of the soldiers currently training in Harrogate.