This is a world-changing opportunity
Foundation Operational Meteorology Programme
This is a world-changing opportunity
Foundation Operational Meteorology Programme
Transforming meteorology training
The Met Office has a proud history of training weather forecasters, going back more than 80 years.
Now we are transforming our industry-leading learning pathway for aspiring Operational Meteorologists. We are building a Foundation Operational Meteorology Programme to be suitable for a profession being impacted by climate change, extreme weather and artificial intelligence. It is also being tailored to make meteorology more accessible to people from a wider range of backgrounds and creating clearer career progression pathways.
The collaboration with the University of Plymouth combines our operational expertise in weather and climate intelligence, with their academic capabilities to train and inspire future generations of meteorologists.
Your day-to-day activities
Working within our Weather Climate and Intelligence sector, you’ll deliver services to a range of customers while gaining experience across our operational network.
Weather observations and analysis
Real-time data analysis including interpreting weather observations and model data, conveying technical data to your team, contributing to the creation of products for customers.
Flight-safety observations
Carrying out flight-safety critical, routine and special weather observations or launching radiosondes at defence locations.
Customer engagement
Supporting and building relationships with a range of customers that may include defence, aviation or media. Responding to queries through the provision of meteorological advice to aid their decision making.
Teamwork and personal development
Contributing to office operations, collaborating with colleagues and sharing knowledge, learning and personal development opportunities.
Mobile Met Unit
If you join our Mobile Meteorological Unit (MMU) pathway, you’ll become part of an RAF Sponsored Reserve unit run by the Met Office. The MMU provides meteorological and environmental advice to the UK’s armed forces.
The role offers a route to qualification as an Operational Meteorologist combining meaningful ‘hands-on’ experience with training and development. Your time will be split between working on deployed operations and exercises as a member of the UK’s armed forces and civilian work for the Met Office within the Operational Meteorology profession.
Once qualified, you will begin your military training, starting with officer and aircrew selection, then completing basic recruit and reserve officer training before passing out as a fully qualified reserve officer.
Find out more about the Mobile Met Unit by visiting the MMU page on the Royal Air Force (RAF) recruitment site or the MMU page on the Met Office website.
Read more about Rosie's experience in the MMU
Where you’ll be based
As a Foundation Operational Meteorologist, you’ll be able to build your knowledge of the Met Office and our services and customers by working at a primary location (such as our headquarters in Exeter) as well as other sites across the UK. You may also be able to do overseas secondments at one or more of our defence locations. Initially, you will be posted to one of our learning centres for your training. Thereafter you’ll need to be flexible to work across the UK as the business requires. You may be deployed in different locations up to three times during your training. Although we will take your preferences into consideration, we cannot guarantee locations.
Find out more about our frontline stationsMeet some of our Foundation Operational Meteorologists
Bethany Addo-Smith
Foundation Operational Meteorologist (FOM)
When I first arrived, the Early Careers Team were very supportive and answered all my questions. They’ve continued to offer guidance throughout my training period, prioritising my development as a new starter. I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming and encouraging transition into the workforce. Read my story
Angel Dunderdale
Foundation Operational Meteorologist
Every day at RAF Northolt is fast-paced and exciting, with no two days the same. I'm fortunate to be doing something I’m truly passionate about - monitoring the weather and how it impacts aviation. Working closely alongside air traffic control and operations, I help provide pilots with frequent updates to ensure their operations remain safe and efficient.
Harry Coates
Foundation Operational Meteorologist
Through my role at RAF Waddington, I’ve learned the importance of accurate forecasts and observations for flight safety and planning. I can watch the Red Arrows doing practice displays outside and know how the weather can impact what they do.
Bronwyn Smith
Foundation Operational Meteorologist
My primary role is to observe local weather conditions and communicate any changes to air traffic control. Through my training I’ve developed a clearer understanding of the aspects of meteorology and the Met Office that intrigue me most. This will help me to identify where I want to focus my future career in forecasting.
Benjamin Dawkins
Foundation Operational Meteorologist
I wasn't sure how I would fit into the company. But everyone has made me feel welcome and a valued and respected team member. While much of my time has been spent doing observations, I’ve become more involved in the forecasting process. I've learned so much from more experienced colleagues, and absorbing their knowledge will greatly benefit me during my forecaster training.
Alice Reynolds
Foundation Operational Meteorologist
Being a Foundation Operational Meteorologist involves being independent and adaptable, and doing different tasks each day. My responsibilities include weather observations (thunderstorms make me very busy!), office admin tasks, climate summaries and my own personal development. I enjoy coming to work, because of this variety and the people who I work with.
Martin Baumber
Foundation Operational Meteorologist
In my opinion, the Met Office is the best place to advance a career in meteorology. I’ve really valued all the support, learning and development opportunities which have brought out the best in me, and helped me to reach my full potential. Read my story
What you'll need
Qualifications
A 2:2 degree (or higher) in meteorology, a physical science, mathematics or engineering, or experience in Operational Meteorology. Ideally A-level mathematics or physics or the direct equivalent qualification.
Behaviours
Team-oriented, a can-do attitude, a positive approach to change, as well as being agile in the way you work and a willingness to work shifts.
Skills
Excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English. You'll need to communicate in a technical and public-facing capacity, and be able to engage with users and understand their needs.
Interests
A genuine interest for what we do, including the weather, our customers or service delivery. You will be expected to understand and be willing to uphold and role model Met Office values.