ICT Technician
Job description: Enable, maintain and operate a wide range of complex communication, radar and information/ICT systems worldwide
Please note this trade is receiving a high volume of applications and is currently over-subscribed.
Pay after one year: £17,140
Joining age: 16 – 29
Category: Airmen/airwomen
Usual service: 9 years
Open to: men or women
Similar civilian jobs:
- Telecommunications technician
Qualifications you need: 3 GCSEs/SCEs at Grade C/3 minimum or equivalent in English language, maths and an approved science/technology-based subject
Qualifications you can gain: Advanced Apprenticeship in Communications Technologies Telecomms
Nationality: UK citizen or holder of dual UK/other nationality
The job
ICT Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing a wide range of complex systems, from long-range search radar to aircraft mission and ground support systems, airfield navigation aids to local area networks. Each of these plays a vital part in processing and communicating the information needed to support effective air operations on a global scale.
As an ICT Technician, you could find yourself working on an airfield, in an underground bunker, office or workshop. Latest generation aircraft are as reliant on information flow as they are on fuel – and it could be your job to set up, operate and maintain the mission and ground support systems that enable the Typhoon aircraft to complete its mission.
There is also potential for extensive overseas travel, helping to set up deployable communications and control systems, sensors and navigation aids for operations and exercises.
Training
After up to 11 weeks of recruit training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, you will undertake an 11-month specialist training course at No 1 Radio School, RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton. This course will prepare you for your first tour, giving you relevant skills and experiences ranging from radar and radio principles to network administration and security. You'll also be trained in health and safety, and in the skills needed to deploy and maintain the RAF’s communications systems and information networks.
Qualifications
No 1 Radio School is a Microsoft- and Cisco-accredited academy, and the training you will receive is recognised by a wide range of civilian employers and backed by transferable qualifications. As an ICT Technician, you will be enrolled on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Communications Technologies during your specialist training. You'll go on to the BTEC National Award in Communications Electronic Engineering/Technology at Level 3 and you’ll also be able to start the Communications Technology Professional Level 3 NVQ, which can be completed in the workplace during your first tour.
