RAF ICT Specialist - All Questions Answered!

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ProStacker

In the Armed Forces you get an education allowance and Enhanced Learning Credits - you use them to subsidise qualifications - some people get about 80% of their fees back.
There is an Officer Branch within the RAF, divides into AS and CE - with CE being in charge of all comms/IT aspects. You need a relevant degree or other suitable qualification (HND etc) for that. It is possible to apply for a commission (officer) from the ranks, but it isn't easy and should not be seen as an 'alternative' route to being an officer. It is better to get your degree before joining if that is what you want from the start.

Pro, are you sure this is correct? I asked my AFCO about this and they said that would not be sufficient.

Reply 61

ProStacker

Do you mean the degree bit or the HND bit?

Qualifications you need: Degree – but professional qualifications are also considered. You also need a GCSE/SCE at Grade C/3 in English language

If the AFCO say an HND isn't sufficient, then fair enough - their call. I'm just some random bloke on the internet. I thought you were going for airman entry anyway.

Reply 62

hootandroar

ProStacker

Do you mean the degree bit or the HND bit?

If the AFCO say an HND isn't sufficient, then fair enough - their call. I'm just some random bloke on the internet. I thought you were going for airman entry anyway.

The HND is no longer accepted for engineering officer as you must have a degree. That’s why I am now a stacker instead of an engineer. The web details are not correct. This is also why the old engineering course at Cosford has been changed from an HND to degree level now. I only know from my own experience and I am not aware of which other professional qualifications are relevant because they refused my accredited CAA license

Reply 63

ProStacker

hootandroar

That’s why I am now a stacker instead of an engineer.

Yes - but you are now on the way to being a better person because of it! :biggrin:

Reply 64

Naigan

As you said Pro, I'm going for an Airman role, but it was something I considered because I'm doing a Foundation Degree and at the moment Engineering Officer is open.

Reply 65

hootandroar

ProStacker

Yes - but you are now on the way to being a better person because of it! :biggrin:

Yes it did work out for the best and being a DAMO is fun too.

(beware spell check, it turned cosford into comfort and I have only just noticed)

Reply 66

mike4leeds

Original post by Jesmond

Hi all,

If anyone is interested is becoming an ICT Specialist in RAF, then please do not hesitate in getting in contact with me with any questions that you may have. I have six years service in the RAF and have currently served in England, The Falkland Islands and Saudi Arabia.

I have been a ICT Specialist for 5 years, and have worked on things ranging from the valve electronics at RAF Spadeadam all the way upto the ultra modern computer systems at my current unit.

If anyone on these forums would like any questions answered about the trade then feel free to reply and i will do my best to answer.

Oliver Gerrard

Hi Jesmond,

My son has the entrance exam for the ICT this coming Tuesday - do you haver any tips or do u know where we can get some example tests so he can prepare a bit?? Thanks

Reply 67

anneatkins

Hi there, my husband has his interview soon and he understands what he needs to know for the RTC part, to show he understands it - but aside from the info available on the Radio School site (RAF Cosford) what else would he need to be able to show that he understands re his training at Trade School?

Some people talk about a paper they give you after your AST (which he ROCKED by the way! :biggrin:

) but he doesn't seem to have a paper about his trade in his packet.

Thanking you in advance,
Anne Atkins

Original post by Jesmond

Reply 68

Stobo91

Original post by anneatkins

) but he doesn't seem to have a paper about his trade in his packet.

Thanking you in advance,
Anne Atkins

I'm due to start RTS next month and I was definitely given a sheet by my AFCO about ICT techs, the majority of the content was just pulled from the ICT tech page on the careers site.

They didn't ask much about it at the interview, just basically where is it, how long for and a basic run over what you will be doing.

If there are any ICT Techs still active on here I have a couple of questions :smile:

Firstly, life at Cosford. You say 90% of weekends are your own. I only live approx 1 hour away from Cosford so is leaving base in the evenings allowed?

Thanks

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 69

username421348

Original post by Stobo91

Firstly, life at Cosford. You say 90% of weekends are your own. I only live approx 1 hour away from Cosford so is leaving base in the evenings allowed?

Thanks

Posted from TSR Mobile

I'd say that a working weekend at Cosford will be a rare occurrence.

Weekends you may work:

Guard (Not sure if trainees still do this)
RIAT
Parade or two
Cosford Air Show
During your week of adventurous training.

As for going home, I doubt you will get the time to go home most evenings. You will have evening work to do as part of your course, some mornings will start earlier for things like kit inspections, there may be drill practise the odd evening, the list goes on. One day a week would be achievable but you would need to stay on top of everything work wise.

Permission wise, you can leave the base when you please, but if you come back after midnight you may have to sign in; this list will be passed to your instructors who may take action if it is affecting your work.

Been an ICT Tech over 8 years so any Qs fire away :smile:

Reply 70

dumpkin

Hi there,

Just wondered if anybody in this chat could help me, I've recently been going through the application process to sign up as an Intelligence Analyst but after a recent Capita hearing test my AFCO have informed me that they have put my application on hold as my hearing level is currently H2 and not the required H1 for the Intel trade role, I was and am, obviously, devastated by this diagnosis but it does seem that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel and my recruitment advisor has recommended that I consider switching to another trade, which leads me to an ICT specialist ... Does anybody know what the hearing requirement is for this role?

I am still so keen and focused in my pursuit to join the RAF but I am trying to make an educated choice rather than just dive in and pick any job.

Thanks!!

Emily

Reply 71

Taps12

Hi all, I have my selection interview on Wednesday. Is there anything specific I will be asked. I know I have the tests to do but am very nervous about questions I will be asked

Reply 72

username421348

Original post by Taps12

Hi all, I have my selection interview on Wednesday. Is there anything specific I will be asked. I know I have the tests to do but am very nervous about questions I will be asked

Above all be honest. Have an idea of what your training involves, where you might be posted, where the RAF is in the world etc.

You might be asked about what you put on the application form do try and recall that.

Reply 73

Spyrono

How much do you need to already know in terms of IT experience before you apply to this role? I consider myself to have a good general knowledge but have never done anything academic or professional that's of much significance in IT. What sort of level do they expect you to be at in terms of trade skills. I don't want to apply and then find out I'm out of my depth at the start of the course but at the same time it's an area I really want to develop myself in and build a career out of.

Reply 74

username421348

Original post by Spyrono

You don't beed any experience if I'm completely honest. Just the enthusiasm and ability to learn.

The RAF is crying out for ICT Techs so if you do reasonably well at interview you stand a good chance of getting in.

There's also a £2k golden hello when you complete trade training (about a months gross salary).

Reply 75

matthewt23

Golden hello? Where have you heard this?

Reply 76

username421348

Original post by matthewt23

Golden hello? Where have you heard this?

It is for anybody attesting between now and a month in 2016 (think the details are on the RAF careers site). I found out about it through work.

So join the RAF, complete a year of training (which you are paid very well for in comparison to other apprenticeship schemes), get the qualifications and receive £2k (taxable). You have to complete 3 years service following training.