Career in the Forces? (IT Related)

I'm hoping to get into the RAF as an aircraft technician(mechanical), I was thinking about an ICT specialist and they said I would be fast tracked in if I chose it. I've done my aptitude test and I scored really well but I need to phone my local AFCO back with my career choice on the 5th of January, excited :D

ICT is classed as one of the 'pinch-point' trades, in that both retention and recruiting are a recognised problem for the RAF.

There has been a massive reshuffle and the trade is in flux, however the future looks promising. Go for it.

DCAE Cosford (where you will train) has academy status (with accreditation from both Microsoft and CISCO, I believe) and the ICT bods passing out now are more qualified than some of the people they will be working for/with.
 
ICT is classed as one of the 'pinch-point' trades, in that both retention and recruiting are a recognised problem for the RAF.

There has been a massive reshuffle and the trade is in flux, however the future looks promising. Go for it.

DCAE Cosford (where you will train) has academy status (with accreditation from both Microsoft and CISCO, I believe) and the ICT bods passing out now are more qualified than some of the people they will be working for/with.

The guy who gave me my aptitude results said something similar, but I'm doing an HND in computing right now and I'm not really enjoying it so thats why I'm thinking an aircraft technician would be better. He also said ICT specalist was in the lower pay band and the aircraft technician was a higher pay band(he was an aircraft technician). I have until the 5th of January to decide.
 
If you are going to have a degree when you join for the love of god go for officer

Oh and that used to be true about the lower payband...HOWEVER...as of the 1st april 2009 we will be high payband (when you have completed your NVQ) and be known as ICT Technicians.
 
If you are going to have a degree when you join for the love of god go for officer

Oh and that used to be true about the lower payband...HOWEVER...as of the 1st april 2009 we will be high payband (when you have completed your NVQ) and be known as ICT Technicians.

I won't have a degree, I would need another 2 years for that, is an officer really that much better?
 
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I won't have a degree, I would need another 2 years for that, is an officer really that much better?

Yes. If you are qualified, and accepted the opportunities are almost endless. The financial benefits after you leave are far better than the enlisted bods. A commision is not everyones cup of tea, but its worth a look at if you have decent qualifications.
 
I did briefly look at it before I went for my initial interview but I don't really think it's for me, but they do get paid a lot more :eek:

I've read before that it's not easy but can't you go for an officer once you're already in?
 
Yes thats an option. If you are suitably qualified, have you considered NCA (Non Commissioned Aircrew)? Weapons Systems Operator, there are 4 seperate variants, Crewman, Acoustic, Electronic Warfare & Linguist. The RAF Careers web site has details; http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/weaponsystemsoperatorcrewman.cfm

I read they put recruiting on hold for all but the crewman due to so many applicants for the others. Not sure if its compleatly true, and if so for how long its on hold for, but im not supprised realy considering it gives more pay by far then regular soldiers, and has less educational requirements then officer, and you get to fly, so i bet its quite a popular set of trades the NCA.
 
I read they put recruiting on hold for all but the crewman due to so many applicants for the others. Not sure if its compleatly true, and if so for how long its on hold for, but im not supprised realy considering it gives more pay by far then regular soldiers, and has less educational requirements then officer, and you get to fly, so i bet its quite a popular set of trades the NCA.

Oh, didn't know that. I know they try to 'stream' applicants into whichever of the 4 disciplines they show the greater aptitude for, but I think in most cases (if vacancies allow) they let the individuals make their own choice.
 
Passed my Aptitude test today.

Passed all sections so essentially I can ask for any trade , cept pilot and officer (i aint got A - levels/ degrees)

This is great because it means I can now aim for Avionics Tech as planned. My interview is on Monday, with medical and fitness not long after. With a bit of luck Ill be in by summer.

Woop Woop !:)
 
Passed my Aptitude test today.

Passed all sections so essentially I can ask for any trade , cept pilot and officer (i aint got A - levels/ degrees)

This is great because it means I can now aim for Avionics Tech as planned. My interview is on Monday, with medical and fitness not long after. With a bit of luck Ill be in by summer.

Woop Woop !:)

Well done, keep us posted how you get on. It might prove useful for anyone else considering to be a fairy :)
 
Thanks mate. Just gotta pull my finger out and make more effort preparing for my run etc. I didnt actually go over mock aptitude test until last night.

Guess its part of the reason im joining the forces. To kick me in to touch :)

Good luck mate, got my final interview tomorrow. Well under prepared though! :(

Hopefully pass it though. Keep at the running, the fitness test aint hard but the easier you find it am sure the easier rtc will be too.
 
Good luck mate, got my final interview tomorrow. Well under prepared though! :(

Hopefully pass it though. Keep at the running, the fitness test aint hard but the easier you find it am sure the easier rtc will be too.

Yeah im gonna go for a jog tomorrow. then in the run up to the fitness test. If i pass that, and further interview, then Ill step up the game for my basic training further down the line.

Thanks for the good luck wish tho dude. Same to you for tomorrow :D
 
Final interview, if it be the actual final interview before you begin your training, is pretty much a last review. It's more of a "are YOU sure this is what YOU want?", because they have pretty much decided you are what they want. So don't worry too much ;)
 
My final interview was more informal than my initial one, the Flt Lt was really laid back.

Will be good if you guys get in soon, we'll have to get a mini-ocuk meet going in a few months as you both go to Cosford :D
 
My final interview was more informal than my initial one, the Flt Lt was really laid back.

Will be good if you guys get in soon, we'll have to get a mini-ocuk meet going in a few months as you both go to Cosford :D

Should be in Cosford in about 12 weeks, depending on when the course is starting.

Did you get a few weeks off between RTC and going to Cosford? Not too bothered if I don't, just don't fancy sticking round Halton those guys seem to get really crap jobs.

So yeah go for a couple of pints, if we ever get a day off :p
 
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