I don't often post on the form but thought I would add my comments on this, especially as I work in an AFCO.
To get started and to stop rumours, the bar has not been lowered for any trade in the RAF. There is of course the occasion where we have waived certain aspects of the process, the majority of these tend to be AST (aptitude test) scores but please allow me to put it into perspective.
For example, imagine you have a candidate who wants to become an aircraft technician. He needs an overall score of 63 and needs to score level 2 in verbal, 5 in numerical, 5 in mechanical comprehension and 5 in electrical comprehension.
Just say he scores 61 and meets all the levels required in the individual elements. If he is a run of the mill candidate then he will be told to go away, study up and come back for another go.
However, imagine as well as having all his GCSE's and A-Levels he also has an HNC and HND in Aeronautical Engineering. It makes no sense at all to turn him away for the sake of 2 marks in the test where he has probably had his overall score dragged down by not doing well in the memory section of the test etc.
This is where we would apply for a waiver. If we didn't and let the candidate go, we would loose an ideal candidate who has already shown he has the ability to learn engineering.
We would never waive fitness standards or medical standards, in fact these are the two areas where we are most strict. I would never pass a candidate at interview that I wouldn't be happy to have working for me.
Some trades have had name changes to make them more appealing to candidates. Steward has been changed to Catering and Hospitality Specialist (With Cabin Crew Opportunities) and admin has been changed to HR specialist.
For certain trades that are classed as pinchpoint, we will expedite the process but all that means is we will process them faster. For example we may choose to send someone from Leeds to Manchester for a medical if there are slots available.
Whoever it was from Leeds that said we were lowering standards was wrong and obviously knows it.
Happy to answer any questions on here or via the PM
