A Class 1 Driver is more experienced and is higher qualified than a Class 2 driver. A Class 2 Driver may be able to supervise a small team of Class 3 Drivers as they do individual/low level work, where a Class 1 Driver would have more in-depth trade knowledge and be qualified to plan a section deployment.

Trade class courses are for those who are in the associated trade, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. So, for this example, a Class 3 Driver can take a Class 2 upgrade, and a Class 2 Driver can enrol on the Class 1 course. A soldier that isn't a Driver would not be eligible to complete the Driver trade courses, but they would have their own courses, for example, Logistic Specialist (Supply) has its own Class 2 course.

The trade class progression within the Army progresses junior soldiers through their trade at a rate comparable to their role and experience. For example, at Class 3, you'll be new to the role and still learning your trade, so the course will cover the basics and allow you to complete your job at an individual level. Once you progress and have more experience,your Class 2 will enable you to take on more responsibility, perhaps leading a small team of Class 3 qualified soldiers under the supervision of a Class 1 qualified soldier. At Class 1, you will have gained lots of experience and in-depth knowledge of your trade, and you'll be qualified to conduct higher-level work and to supervise a section of junior soldiers.

I hope that helps to explain the trade classes, but if you have any follow up questions, please feel welcome to ask in the comments.

12 December, 2024 14:43

In the further qualifications section it says things like Level 2 Large Goods Vehicle. Don't you get that upon training?

12 December, 2024 17:04

When you do your Initial Trade Training you'll be enrolled onto an accredited apprenticeship so that you gain civilian qualifications alongside your military training. You'll normally do most of the work toward this apprenticeship alongside your trade training and then finish the qualification once you've been posted to a Unit.

The "qualifications you could get after training" bit on the Army Jobs website is a guide and definitely not an exhaustive list. It's worth nothing that you'll also get "learning credits" to help fund qualifications you'd like to earn that are not offered by the Army.

12 December, 2024 18:45