Discussion
I'll quickly add my twopennyworth:
If it is your intention to eventually set up your own business, look carefully at the jobs offered and see how they might aid your progression back into civilian life. Usually, it is best to specialise in an area that is technical, eg electronics and communications. That is where the world is expanding.
If it is your intention to eventually set up your own business, look carefully at the jobs offered and see how they might aid your progression back into civilian life. Usually, it is best to specialise in an area that is technical, eg electronics and communications. That is where the world is expanding.
Oi U said:
I'll quickly add my twopennyworth:
If it is your intention to eventually set up your own business, look carefully at the jobs offered and see how they might aid your progression back into civilian life. Usually, it is best to specialise in an area that is technical, eg electronics and communications. That is where the world is expanding.
Good advice, that's why I have chosen communications in the Navy.If it is your intention to eventually set up your own business, look carefully at the jobs offered and see how they might aid your progression back into civilian life. Usually, it is best to specialise in an area that is technical, eg electronics and communications. That is where the world is expanding.
Oi U said:
I'll quickly add my twopennyworth:
If it is your intention to eventually set up your own business, look carefully at the jobs offered and see how they might aid your progression back into civilian life. Usually, it is best to specialise in an area that is technical, eg electronics and communications. That is where the world is expanding.
Good advice, that's why I have chosen communications in the Navy.If it is your intention to eventually set up your own business, look carefully at the jobs offered and see how they might aid your progression back into civilian life. Usually, it is best to specialise in an area that is technical, eg electronics and communications. That is where the world is expanding.
RWD cossie wil said:
Wow! It's like a mini reunion in here isn't it!
I knew Vidal baboon personally in the RAF, posted to the same station albeit different trades, and RB5 bird, if you are who I you think you are, I was in the Falklands with you when you were on VAHS, might remember me as Spills?
Make sure you have a good sense of humor!
Yes mate, I remember you. I had a good time there down the Falklands, best det I've done - especially being on VAHS. Doesn't say that much though, being on Chinooks I have only ever been to sI knew Vidal baboon personally in the RAF, posted to the same station albeit different trades, and RB5 bird, if you are who I you think you are, I was in the Falklands with you when you were on VAHS, might remember me as Spills?
Make sure you have a good sense of humor!
tholes like Basra and Afghan. Although I did stay in a 4* hotel once when I got sent to a field to change a window after a bird strike.
Shredders, laminaters are not your friends this week 
Hi guys, sorry to jump in on thread, I'll create a new one if need be..
A bit like the OP, I've always pondered the RAF. I've always wanted to be an aircraft technician, without much reason why, I just like the idea of fixing planes. Is that odd?
Anyway, I was chatting to an old school friend the other day, and he told me not to even bother applying, as the RAF only want experienced candidates?! He had to go in the Army, he says its just as good etc (never looked into the army if I'm honest)
I'm 20, good GCSE's, didn't do A levels but I have spent the last 3 years doing an IT Apprenticeship, which has made me realise I really do not want a career in ICT. So I do not feel this will progress any.
So, is what my friend has said true? I respect the guy, and he's not exactly an idiot, but it seems odd.
Also, aircraft technician/engineers. Is it just Maths and Physics? I was good at that at school
I've noticed the starting salary is around 17k, I presume that goes up after a few years of service? Or does it just stay at that for the length of your time in the RAF?
and finally, fitness. I've been weightlifting for around 18 months now, and starting to build a half decent physique, but have never bothered with cardio. I presume there are some fitness/medical tests to be taken when you apply, any more details into what you get asked to do?
cheers
A bit like the OP, I've always pondered the RAF. I've always wanted to be an aircraft technician, without much reason why, I just like the idea of fixing planes. Is that odd?
Anyway, I was chatting to an old school friend the other day, and he told me not to even bother applying, as the RAF only want experienced candidates?! He had to go in the Army, he says its just as good etc (never looked into the army if I'm honest)
I'm 20, good GCSE's, didn't do A levels but I have spent the last 3 years doing an IT Apprenticeship, which has made me realise I really do not want a career in ICT. So I do not feel this will progress any.
So, is what my friend has said true? I respect the guy, and he's not exactly an idiot, but it seems odd.
Also, aircraft technician/engineers. Is it just Maths and Physics? I was good at that at school
I've noticed the starting salary is around 17k, I presume that goes up after a few years of service? Or does it just stay at that for the length of your time in the RAF?
and finally, fitness. I've been weightlifting for around 18 months now, and starting to build a half decent physique, but have never bothered with cardio. I presume there are some fitness/medical tests to be taken when you apply, any more details into what you get asked to do?
cheers
Mate I will chat longer in a bit but your mate is wrong. The RAF is not interested in any experiences at all if its what you would like to do just aplly. My last day in the RAF today as a technician.
DanielJames said:
Hi guys, sorry to jump in on thread, I'll create a new one if need be..
A bit like the OP, I've always pondered the RAF. I've always wanted to be an aircraft technician, without much reason why, I just like the idea of fixing planes. Is that odd?
Anyway, I was chatting to an old school friend the other day, and he told me not to even bother applying, as the RAF only want experienced candidates?! He had to go in the Army, he says its just as good etc (never looked into the army if I'm honest)
I'm 20, good GCSE's, didn't do A levels but I have spent the last 3 years doing an IT Apprenticeship, which has made me realise I really do not want a career in ICT. So I do not feel this will progress any.
So, is what my friend has said true? I respect the guy, and he's not exactly an idiot, but it seems odd.
Also, aircraft technician/engineers. Is it just Maths and Physics? I was good at that at school
I've noticed the starting salary is around 17k, I presume that goes up after a few years of service? Or does it just stay at that for the length of your time in the RAF?
and finally, fitness. I've been weightlifting for around 18 months now, and starting to build a half decent physique, but have never bothered with cardio. I presume there are some fitness/medical tests to be taken when you apply, any more details into what you get asked to do?
cheers
A bit like the OP, I've always pondered the RAF. I've always wanted to be an aircraft technician, without much reason why, I just like the idea of fixing planes. Is that odd?
Anyway, I was chatting to an old school friend the other day, and he told me not to even bother applying, as the RAF only want experienced candidates?! He had to go in the Army, he says its just as good etc (never looked into the army if I'm honest)
I'm 20, good GCSE's, didn't do A levels but I have spent the last 3 years doing an IT Apprenticeship, which has made me realise I really do not want a career in ICT. So I do not feel this will progress any.
So, is what my friend has said true? I respect the guy, and he's not exactly an idiot, but it seems odd.
Also, aircraft technician/engineers. Is it just Maths and Physics? I was good at that at school
I've noticed the starting salary is around 17k, I presume that goes up after a few years of service? Or does it just stay at that for the length of your time in the RAF?
and finally, fitness. I've been weightlifting for around 18 months now, and starting to build a half decent physique, but have never bothered with cardio. I presume there are some fitness/medical tests to be taken when you apply, any more details into what you get asked to do?
cheers
Apply, your part completed apprenticeship will be a plus if you have a very good reason for quitting after 3 years.
Your friend is in error as there is always a need for new people in the Services, furthermore if you don't get accepted straight away, you can always apply again. You will be looked upon favourably if you keep knocking at the door.
Your friend is in error as there is always a need for new people in the Services, furthermore if you don't get accepted straight away, you can always apply again. You will be looked upon favourably if you keep knocking at the door.
Oi U said:
Apply, your part completed apprenticeship will be a plus if you have a very good reason for quitting after 3 years.
Your friend is in error as there is always a need for new people in the Services, furthermore if you don't get accepted straight away, you can always apply again. You will be looked upon favourably if you keep knocking at the door.
I am waiting for my date for the RN, I call them every month for updates. They seemed quite pleased that I do.Your friend is in error as there is always a need for new people in the Services, furthermore if you don't get accepted straight away, you can always apply again. You will be looked upon favourably if you keep knocking at the door.
Go to your local AFCO and join up!
You'll be mostly a liney but with a certain amount of fixing stuff under your belt before returning to cosford for your fitters course. But you will have a great time!!!!
Yes your pay does incrementally go up every year! Pay scales are googlable I think.
You'll be mostly a liney but with a certain amount of fixing stuff under your belt before returning to cosford for your fitters course. But you will have a great time!!!!
Yes your pay does incrementally go up every year! Pay scales are googlable I think.
RAF Pre-Joining Fitness Test:
2.4k on a treadmill in under 11 minutes 11 seconds and as many sit ups and push ups as you can do in a minute. You want to be looking at 40 of each, at least. You'll do another fitness test just before you start basic training too. Fail that and you're out. The test is:
Reach 9.10 on the bleep test (easy) and you need to be able to perform in the region of 25 press ups (stupidly easy) and 40 sit ups (easy) in a minute. It's not hard by any means, just a bit sweaty. This is the standard fitness test you'll take every six months. It's only a baseline for fitness - It's not like they're saying "as long as you're this fit you're fine." You would be encouraged to do way more than achieve the bare minimum score.
RAF Pre-Joining Medical:
Hearing test, eye sight, lung capacity check, lumps and bumps check (you get to keep yer shreddies on), and perform a few bizarre exercises infront of a total stranger in your pants. Easy.
Salary:
Goes up in annual increments. There are two pay bands - Higher and Lower. I'm on higher. I'm not sure what the techies and the like are on. I think it might be higher... Certain qualifications (usually obtained during phase 2 training) allow you apply to advance an incremental pay too. 17k is the starting salary once you've reached the rank of LAC, which you would obtain having completed phase 1 (basic) and phase 2 (trade) training.
You're looking at six months to a year of earning f*ck all money when you first join up. After that the money tends to go up pretty quickly. You'll never earn rockstar wages unless you become a Group Captain, though.
2.4k on a treadmill in under 11 minutes 11 seconds and as many sit ups and push ups as you can do in a minute. You want to be looking at 40 of each, at least. You'll do another fitness test just before you start basic training too. Fail that and you're out. The test is:
Reach 9.10 on the bleep test (easy) and you need to be able to perform in the region of 25 press ups (stupidly easy) and 40 sit ups (easy) in a minute. It's not hard by any means, just a bit sweaty. This is the standard fitness test you'll take every six months. It's only a baseline for fitness - It's not like they're saying "as long as you're this fit you're fine." You would be encouraged to do way more than achieve the bare minimum score.
RAF Pre-Joining Medical:
Hearing test, eye sight, lung capacity check, lumps and bumps check (you get to keep yer shreddies on), and perform a few bizarre exercises infront of a total stranger in your pants. Easy.
Salary:
Goes up in annual increments. There are two pay bands - Higher and Lower. I'm on higher. I'm not sure what the techies and the like are on. I think it might be higher... Certain qualifications (usually obtained during phase 2 training) allow you apply to advance an incremental pay too. 17k is the starting salary once you've reached the rank of LAC, which you would obtain having completed phase 1 (basic) and phase 2 (trade) training.
You're looking at six months to a year of earning f*ck all money when you first join up. After that the money tends to go up pretty quickly. You'll never earn rockstar wages unless you become a Group Captain, though.
Edited by CrabDan on Wednesday 9th January 20:43
AMMs are on the lower pay band, upon recommendation get to return for Further training to cosford, pass out for the 2nd time with their ring of power, then they go to level 5 of the higher pay, it a big pay jump in a short space of time. After 3yrs as a tech and NVQ complete they are eligible for promotion to cpl.
Note: eligible, not guaranteed as some think it is!
Note: eligible, not guaranteed as some think it is!
PaulG40 said:
AMMs are on the lower pay band, upon recommendation get to return for Further training to cosford, pass out for the 2nd time with their ring of power, then they go to level 5 of the higher pay, it a big pay jump in a short space of time. After 3yrs as a tech and NVQ complete they are eligible for promotion to cpl.
Note: eligible, not guaranteed as some think it is!
That's a huge jump!Note: eligible, not guaranteed as some think it is!
In TG11 your 3rd report is practically an automatic promotion from SAC to Cpl at the minute, unless you really drop a b*llock (or drop lots of smaller ones)!
Edited by CrabDan on Thursday 10th January 01:54
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