The British Army logoA stylised Union Jack stands above large text reading, 'ARMY', which stands above smaller text reading, 'BE THE BEST'.
My Account
Find a recruiting centreApply now
Royal Engineers

The Royal Engineers

Find out who the British Army's Royal Engineers (RE) are, and what they do.

Sappers are unique, motivated and intelligent. Multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradesmen, providing essential support to all areas of the British Army.

The Royal Engineers are combat soldiers with a technical edge and have a role in every area of the battlefield. At the front they support the rest of the Army, bridging rivers, using explosives to destroy bridges or clearing routes through minefields.

Behind the frontline they improve transport routes, construct camps, build runways and carry out bomb disposal. They also use their specialist skills to help rebuild after the conflict.

Sappers can be found in Scotland, Yorkshire, The Midlands, London, Devon, Surrey, Suffolk, Kent and Monmouth.

Start your application

In The Falklands i was able to build on my trade knowledge and learn some of the history about the island and i got to see the penguins in their natural habitat.

Carlington R
Army bricklayers

Types of engineering roles

There are a wide range of different roles available in the Royal Engineers, ranging from plumbers to draughtsmen. When you apply to join the Royal Engineers, you'll be put into one of the following job groups. Our team will then spend some time talking to you, to help you find the right role for you.

Trade roles

Plant Operator Mechanic
Royal Engineers

Plant Operator Mechanic

Whatever we’re building, you’ll do the groundwork in a bulldozer or digger. You’ll make all kinds of projects possible and gain skills for life.

Bricklayer
Royal Engineers

Bricklayer

Fixing bomb-damaged buildings, building runways in the Army, Bricklaying is an important job. With worldwide travel and fantastic training, you'll be set for life.

Fabricator
Royal Engineers

Fabricator

Whether it's a 100ft bridge or a brand new base, your welding skills will be crucial. Get qualified and prepare for an exciting Army life.

Carpenter and Joiner
Royal Engineers

Carpenter and Joiner

Become a highly skilled Carpenter and Joiner. Build skills and qualifications that can set you up for life, while enjoying travel, sports and challenges.

Plasterer and Painter
Royal Engineers

Plasterer and Painter

Train in painting and plastering. Then work on the Army’s biggest building projects, all round the world. Get a trade, qualifications and an exciting lifestyle.

EOD and Search
Royal Engineers

EOD and Search

Learn how to find and make safe unexploded devices at home and abroad as part of a highly trained EOD & Search Team.

Specialist roles

Construction Materials Technician
Royal Engineers

Construction Materials Technician

Take on one of the Army's most varied jobs. Build up experience, take qualifications and choose from a range of career paths.

Design Draughtsman
Royal Engineers

Design Draughtsman

Be the key to successful building projects. Learn to create blueprints and gain skills and qualifications you can use in the civilian world.

Draughtsman Electrical and Mechanical
Royal Engineers

Draughtsman Electrical and Mechanical

Be part of our biggest building projects. Provide the plans for electrical and mechanical systems at Army sites all over the world.

Surveyor
Royal Engineers

Surveyor

You’re at the heart of Army building projects. Once trained, you work on sites all over the world and get to build your qualifications too.

Technical roles

General Fitter
Royal Engineers

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.

Air Conditioning Fitter
Royal Engineers

Air Conditioning Fitter

We need experts in air conditioning and refrigeration at Army sites all over the world. With our training, you'll have skills for a life-long career.

Electrician-Royal Engineers
Royal Engineers

Electrician-Royal Engineers

Army Electricians are fully qualified and work all over the world. Join us and you'll be trained to tackle any project anywhere.

Plumber
Royal Engineers

Plumber

Could you look after all the Army’s heating and plumbing, all over the world? It’s a big job - but you’ll get great training and support.

Combat Specialist roles

Armoured Engineer
Royal Engineers

Armoured Engineer

Could you lead the way on operations - laying bridges and clearing blockades? If so, you could be an Armoured Engineer, driving powerful fighting machines.

Logistic Specialist-Royal Engineers
Royal Engineers

Logistic Specialist-Royal Engineers

Get supplies where they’re needed, when they’re needed. Be a warehouse expert and build a CV you can use outside the Army too.

Driver - Royal Engineers
Royal Engineers

Driver - Royal Engineers

Cranes, bridge transporters, Land Rovers; as a specialist Driver, you can drive almost anything. Get trained, qualified and become a key member of our team.

Digital Communication Technician
Royal Engineers

Digital Communication Technician

Trained to use digital radio systems, you'll help us keep in contact. It's a crucial job which comes with qualifications and an exciting Army life.

Geographic Specialist roles

Geographic Technician
Royal Engineers

Geographic Technician

Become an expert in terrain analysis, using GIS, survey and web services to deliver mapping products and giving vital geospatial intelligence to inform commanders on the ground.