Welsh RAF Applicant Forced To Take English Test

A Welsh RAF applicant was asked to prove his English speaking ability in a test, despite the fact that he held a GCSE in the subject.

Defence Minister Tobais Elwood stated that, at the time, welsh qualifications were not seen as acceptable under English apprenticeship guidelines.

Mr Elwood also stated that the practice has since been changed.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Mr Crabb wrote to Mr Elwood after a constituent complained that his son had to undertake an English assessment during a pre-recruit training course at RAF Halton.

This was despite the fact that the candidate held a Wales-only GCSE in English.

Mr Crabbe said:

"There should be no discrimination between GCSEs from England and the devolved nations - especially in our Armed Forces which recruit heavily from Wales and Scotland."

Mr Elwood has now said that guidelines at the time “stated that qualifications exclusive to Scotland, Ireland or Wales were excluded".

However, he added that the guidelines have since been updated with acceptable qualifications now including some Welsh-only certificates.

An RAF spokesman said:

 "Individuals entering the RAF to complete an apprenticeship are required to meet the standards set by SASE.

"Following a recent Ministerial enquiry, the RAF is seeking guidance to confirm if the WJEC GCSE English Language (Wales) qualification is acceptable for apprenticeships."