Communications Infrastructure Technician - Royal Air Force - Merseyside

Aerial, radar and communications systems are essential to RAF operations. Communications Infrastructure Technicians are responsible for setting up and maintaining these systems.

Typical Responsibilities:
Repair and recover communication equipment

Investigate and fix faults with antenna systems, fibre optic links and radomes

Assemble and install communications infrastructure like masts and fibre optics

Similar civilian roles include: Telecommunications Technician.

‘I operate from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus which is strategically important for the RAF’s communications, there are a number of aerial erectors based here. We set up new systems, for example installing, tracing and laying the fibre-optic cable, and we carry out repairs.

‘You really feel like you’ve achieved something when someone’s got no communications, they’ve lost everything, and you go in there and repair it.

I just love it at RAF Akrotiri so I’ve applied for a double tour. I’ve done hang gliding, sailing and horse riding here. And I’ve been able to travel to Egypt, Israel and Jordan. I’ve learned Greek while I’ve been here as well. I think you should do that when you’re living in somebody else’s country. It’s like you’re an ambassador for HM Forces.

We do a scaffolding supervisor’s course, basic engineering and fibre optics – they’re both City and Guilds – and we’ve got the climbing-at-height certificate, which is hard to get in civvy street. Our training is highly respected in the industry and that puts you in good stead for the future.’

My Day

‘As an Aerial Erector you’ve got to be prepared to move to any part of the world at a moment’s notice. You may be in Kinloss in Scotland for two weeks, then down at Northolt in Middlesex, then maybe you’ll go to Cyprus for three weeks and you’ll come back and get sent to Ascension Island.’

Wayne, Communication Infrastructure Technician

Training

Full Time

Regular

Initial Training

Your career will start with 10 weeks of recruit training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you will also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

Specialist Training

On graduation from Phase 1 training, you will move to RAF Digby and attend specialist Communication Infrastructure Technician foundation training. This 18 week course is designed to prepare you for your first assignment by giving you necessary skill sets and knowledge across all aspects of the Communication Infrastructure Technician Trade. You will study a wide range of subjects such as Antenna Theory, Antenna Maintenance Practices and Procedures, Working at Height, Rescue Procedures, Health & Safety and Basic Engineering. Your trade training also incorporates a number of non-technical elements such as sport and adventurous training activities which are designed to develop self confidence, team work, communication skills and leadership.

Additional Qualification Opportunities

As a Communication Infrastructure Tech you will be enrolled in a trade based Advanced Apprenticeship in Communications Technologies which includes an industry standard level 3 Managing and Supervising Working at Height qualification. You will also be offered the opportunity to undertake Advanced Fibre Optic and structured cabling courses as well as High Risk Confined Spaces course which will give you civilian based qualifications on successful completion.

Ongoing Training/Development Opportunities

As a Communication Infrastructure Tech there are various opportunities at developing your skill sets. As you undertake new roles, you will have the chance to take courses that will help you meet the challenges in your new posts, such as; CISCO networking, CIDA, Project Management and Defence Instruction Techniques (DIT). Your First Tour For your first assignment, you will be posted to an RAF base in the UK with experienced TG4 CIT’s, where you will be part of small teams responsible for maintaining various RAF stations communications within the UK or Overseas. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills which include maintenance of aircraft ground support and navigation aids communications, Fibre optics and structured cabling, radome maintenance and installations and mast and tower construction.

Your Future Career Prospects/Progression

You will initially join the RAF for a period of twelve years with effect from 1 Apr 15. After a year, you will be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman/woman (SAC) when you pass the Trade Ability Test. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection and will require the completion of further periods of Command and Management Training to prepare you for the demands of your new rank. If you reach Flight Sergeant, you will then move out of the Communications Infrastructure Technician trade and become ICT Manager.

Transferable Skills

The skills and experience you gain throughout your career as a Communication Infrastructure Tech in the RAF will equip you for a number of civilian jobs in the public and private sector. These include: Wind turbine Technicians, Network & Data Communications Engineers, Mast & Towers Telecoms Technicians & Power Engineers.

Spare Time

Reserve

Initial Training

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15 day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This training course will prepare you for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world; it is also designed to help you tune into the military environment and way of life. As well as military training, you will learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.

Specialist Training

After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

Requirements

Full Time

Regular

Job requirements

Qualifications:
GCSE at Grade C or SCE Standard at Grade 2 /Scottish National 5 in English and Mathematics. All RAF ground trade recruits (except Air Traffic Controller – Senior Non-Commissioned Officer) must have or gain Functional Skills (FS) qualifications in English and Maths to graduate from Recruit Training. Information and Communications Technology TG4 CIT, you will need to pass the Level 2 Functional Skills tests in Maths and English.

Age:
17-29 (Must Attest before 30th Birthday)

RAF Requirements

To join the RAF you will also need to meet fitness, health, nationality, residency, and other criteria detailed below.