Thomas,

You don't need any formal qualifications to join as a Driver in the RLC.

There are Driver roles at 11 EOD&S RLC, but you should note that there is no guarantee that you'll get your first choice of posting and you'll likely move to different units as you progress through your career.

09 April, 2025 19:03

Could I get English language and maths qualifications in the army to progress into the eod and search

09 April, 2025 19:06

You will get qualifications and they may add to you being suitably qualified and experienced for a posting into 11 EOD&S RLC as a Driver in the RLC, but they won't always be essential, especially at lower ranks.

As an example, most RLC Private postings require a class 3 trained soldier (class 3 is the course you do at your Initial Trade Training (ITT)), whereas some postings as a Corporal will require a class 1 trained soldier with specialised training (e.g. an instructor qualification).

English and Maths are an essential skill and are required for promotion, but the Army will help you develop to the required level.

You will also start an industry related apprenticeship at ITT which is largely accredited from your trade training. Other career courses you complete will also have accredited civilian qualifications. You can also progress using standard and enhanced learning credits to help towards personal development courses.

As I mentioned earlier, there is no guarantee that you'll get your first choice of posting and you'll likely move to different units as you progress through your career. This is a fact of life as a Driver in the RLC and wasn't a comment on qualifications. Most postings are for 3-4 years, sometimes you can extend but once the posting ends it's more common to get a new posting where you'll be doing a different job to broaden your trade knowledge. Each posting has an affiliated rank meaning only certain ranks can fill them, so, if you're in a Private role and get promoted to Lance Corporal you'll be posted into a Lance Corporal role.

This isn't to say that you absolutely won't be able to get a posting at 11 EOD&S RLC and that you won't be able to stay there, but this isn't normal and you should have realistic expectations.

When you finish ITT you'll submit your posting preferences, if 11 EOD&S RLC is your first choice then the Army will try to put you there. However, if there are no available postings, or if you're needed more somewhere else, then you may not go there.

Hopefully that helps your understanding, but feel welcome to follow up in the comments if you have any more questions.

10 April, 2025 07:07