Hello Lucy,

Every soldier gets 30 days leave every year, plus bank holidays (and more if you get deployed on an operation). So yes, you'll definitely get breaks while doing your apprenticeship.

You start your apprenticeship during Initial Trade Training where leave availability can be limited if you're on a course, but once you're in unit there will be a lot more flexibility.

I hope that helps, if you have any follow up questions please feel welcome to use the comments.

16 March, 2025 18:46

Is there an amount of time before you are allowed to take breaks? I have 2 weeks in April 2026 that i have something planned, and the apprenticeship i want starts on January 1st 2026. Do you think i would be able to take that time off or do you think it would be wise to wait until after my event?

16 March, 2025 18:57

Lucy,

It doesn't sound like you're talking about doing an apprenticeship in the Army? If this is the case you're probably not in the best forum to get accurate advice...

To clarify, the British Army allows you to complete an industry apprenticeship alongside your role by accrediting your trade training. This is done to develop you professionally and enhance your career prospects when leaving the service. You wouldn't be starting your apprenticeship on a Thursday during New Year's Day bank holiday with the Army, if you've been told otherwise I'd be grateful if you could pass on the source.

Getting leave authorised early in your career will largely depend on what stage you're at:

• Basic Training - remote chance: normally only permitted during holiday periods or for compassionate reasons (i.e. death of immediate family).
• Initial Trade Training - realistic possibility: when not on a course you can request leave, but courses take priority.
• Unit - likely: subject to essential duties (e.g. deployment).

It's up to you how you choose to time your application, I would say it depends on how important the event is to you compared to anything else. You should consider that by signing up you agree to put the needs of the Army first, your chain of command will always try to give you the leave you want, but the nature of the job means that sometimes you'll have to sacrifice the things you want to do.

17 March, 2025 08:09