The Royal Engineers are committed to ensuring that all ranks have the opportunity to continue their personal development throughout their Army careers. Personal development is recognised as a lifelong process and does not stop when serving personnel are posted abroad. There are a wide range of courses available to serving personnel at different education and skills levels.

The qualifications gained by a Royal Engineer will initially depend upon the trade allocated and their aptitude and experience as their career progresses. Qualifications range from Army certificates awarded on successful completion of courses, to Craft and Advanced Craft Awards, National and Higher National Certificates, Diplomas and even degrees, as well as, if appropriate, preparation for membership of the relevant professional institution. In particular, Junior Non-Commissioned Officers are supported in their applications for registration with the Engineering Council as Engineer Technicians (Eng Tech).

Through the Learning & Skills Council, the Royal Engineers also run Apprenticeship schemes. Such Apprentices are usually under 25 and will need to complete the components of the apprenticeship concerned.

Personnel development is at no cost to the individual but is funded primarily by 2 major sources; the Royal Engineers through the RSME, and the Royal Engineer Vocational Educational Trust (REVETT) who fund many awards – such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ). Subsidies are also gained from the Learning & Skills Council for eligible Royal Engineers who undertake the more challenging Apprenticeship schemes.