Work Experience - July 2006 Comments
WORK EXPERIENCE AT RAF MARHAM
Students Work Experience comments for July 2006
If you have completed work experience at RAF Marham and would like to add your story or comments to these pages, we would be pleased to hear from you.
You can e-mail your story (Word document + separate jpeg files - not embedded into the word doc) to : webmaster@rafmarham.co.uk
School : Coopers Company & Coborn School
Dates : 10-14 July 2006
Section of placement : Mechanical Components Flight (MCF)
Mon 10 July 2006:
I was less nervous than anticipated upon arrival at RAF Marham. Having met Denise Foggett, myself and the other work experience students were given a Health & Safety talk and our coveralls for our placements. We were then taken to our placements by minibus where I was introduced to Andy Rowles, my supervisor for the next week. He was very friendly and gave me a tour of the MCF. I was very excited and couldn't wait to get started as I was shown around each Bay in the MCF. Lunch followed soon after and I had a very nice lunch and conversation with colleagues from my flight. After lunch, I watched some retractor jacks being tested for leaks under high pressure in a machine worth £250,000! My first day was enjoyable, although I had a lot to remember and learn, but I can't wait until tomorrow.
Tue 11 July 2006:
Today I arrived at the Guardroom expecting to be collected by Denise Foggett until I was told that I was meant to make my own way to my placement in the mornings. Luckily for me, Denise drove me to my placement and I wasn't too late! I was in the Hydraulics Bay all day testing and cleaning air brake jacks in the 'rig room'. It was pretty boring because it was more watching than doing, although it was amusing when a component sprung a leak during the tests and sprayed hydraulic fluid everywhere. Finished early due to a lack of things to do and managed to navigate myself back to the main gate! I hope tomorrow will be more eventful than today has been.
Wed 12 July 2006:
Today I had no problems getting to MCF and arrived early and soon got into taking an air brake jack to bits. I spent the morning working on the jack, trying to discover the reason for the leaking that it had been sent in for. After this, I helped (but mostly watched) the process of packaging a piston that had been scored and was no longer of any use. I enjoyed this as I understood what was happening and why, and also experienced something other than testing jacks! During lunch I asked one of my colleagues if it would be possible for me to visit 39 Sqn, home to the Canberra. Luckily for me, it was arranged and I was given a tour of the plane and the privilege of sitting in the navigator's seat (in the nose!) and pilot's seat; both of which are very small and smelly, but I loved the experience and didn't want to get out! Afterwards, I was shown around the Jet Engine Bay and the Structures Bay. My final event of the day was the task of melting rubber grips onto wires for the rigs in Hydraulics Bay; this was fun, although I nearly burnt my hand when touching the hot wires! Tomorrow I hope to visit a squadron and some other bays so I can't wait!
Thu 13 July 2006:
I began the day doing the usual work on jacks in the Hydraulics Bay. That morning it had been arranged for me to visit Lox Bay; the bay that works on pilot oxygen supply tanks. It didn't sound very interesting at first, but I was told that they 'blow stuff up' over there! Me and the other work experience boy from my bay were driven to the bay by Landrover. I really enjoyed the journey as it enabled me to see the aircraft out on the runways and being raced around in the Landrover was pretty cool! Upon arrival at Lox Bay, we were shown around and witnessed the demonstration of filling a bottle up with liquid oxygen and making it explode. After this, it was back to the Hydraulics Bay to test pipes on the rigs. Finished early because all the guys from my Bay were having an end-of-week 'Beercall'.
Fri 14 July 2006:
Today I came in early to see a 'send-off' at No II (AC) Sqn. Although I didn't get to see the jet take off due to faults on both the first and reserve jets, it was really good as I was able to get real close to a jet and experience the sound and smell of the huge creations of mechanical genius! Following lunch, I had a very enjoyable afternoon in the Engine Testing Bay. I saw one of the Rolls Royce engines being tested until unfortunately it developed a problem and had to be stopped.
Name : Henry Spurgeon
School : Coopers Company & Coborn School
Dates : 17-20 July 2006
Section of placement : XIII Squadron
Mon 17 July 2006:
Today was my first day at XIII Sqn where I was introduced to Lee. He gave me my Health & Safety brief and showed me an RAF video that made me want to join up straight away!I was then shown around a Tornado, having all the parts jobs explained to me. We then walked to another Tornado where I was given the chance to sit in the Pilot and Navigator seats and had all the buttons and screens explained to me. After this, I joined a crew who were doing a 'send off'. I loved this. I was able to walk around the aircraft and experience the sounds, sights and smells as the groundcrew went through the various procedures up to and including take-off. Following lunch, I relaxed in the crew room for a couple of hours until the planes began to return. I then took part in the process of servicing a landed aircraft and then allowing to refuel and take-off again. I helped change the oil in both engines and loved every moment, apart from when I got sprayed with oil all on me!
Tue 18 July 2006:
Today I was out with a couple of crews doing 'send-offs'. I really enjoyed this as I love working with the planes and seeing the various processes. I think I took part in three or four 'send-offs', only one of which had problems and couldn't be launched. Throughout the day I was given headphones so that I could hear the pilot speaking during preparation. I also had fun climbing on the aircraft whilst checking 'upstairs' for any faults and I also took part in towing a Tornado back into its hangar, which involved a lot of manoeuvring to fit it in!
Wed 19 July 2006:
I began the day with a team of armourers; their job was to load, operate on and arm any weapons on the Tornados. This was very interesting because I was told about the jobs of many different missiles and bombs, whilst also being able to do some hands-on with them. After lunch I was with a 'Lekkie', or Electrician, working on a Tornado; although I couldn't really help him as it was a complex job, I still enjoyed being with the aircraft, as I always do! To end the day, I went out for a 'send-off' which unfortunately had to 'crew-out' due to a technical failure.
Thu 20 July 2006:
This morning I went to Squadron Operations to see how the aircrew went about their jobs. I was introduced to Nikki Thomas, a navigator (WSO) at XIII Sqn. It was great to be able to talk with her and ask her questions about her job. Nikki was very friendly and told me about her career and how it started, etc, and drove me to the Tornado Simulator. It was here that I watched Nikki and her pilot, Michael, flying a sortie on the Simulator. It was great to watch the two pro's working in the cockpit and experiencing the capabilities of a Tornado when in flight. Following lunch, I went to the Pilot Clothing Bay. This was very boring because there was no work being done, but the guys in there were very friendly and up for a laugh. I also went to a Safety Equipment Bay and saw how emergency rafts and parachutes were serviced and packed. It was fairly interesting, but the flight simulator was by far the best of the day!
Name : Helen Mingaye
School : Hethersett High School
Dates : 10-21 July 2006
Section of placement : Photographic Section
I found work experience really enjoyable in the Photographic Section. I visited mostly everywhere on RAF Marham. I used the cameras and computers, which was interesting. I also went on the airfield a few times. I found everyone in the Photographic Section friendly and easy to talk to.
Name : Joseph Hodson
School : Mildenhall College of Technology
Dates : 17-21 July 2006
Section of placement : IX (B) Squadron TES
17 July 2006:
Arrived and was met by Denise Foggett. We were walked to HQ and were briefed. Taken to collect clothing and then dropped off at the squadron. Watched a pre-flight check on a Tornado jet, went and had lunch, and then spoke to engineers for the rest of the day.
18 July 2006:
Arrived and got picked up by IX (B) squadron. Saw 2 pre-flight checks, then watched a refuelling and weaponry check, then we spoke to the engineers again.
19 July 2006:
Again we were picked up and today we were told that the previous night when taking panels off one of the Tornados, a bolt had fallen out of the gearbox area. We went first to the Parts Cell and then to the Maintenance School to find out where it came from. After finding out where the bolt came from, we went to the aircraft to locate the hole. I got to use the probe to look into the engine of the jet. After lunch we were taken to see an ejection seat being installed. The corporal kindly explained how it all worked and what happens, also showing us the different parts. He then allowed me to sit in the pilot's seat in the Tornado. He next showed us the jet armament and talked us through how the gun worked. After filling the seats with compressed gas (oxygen), they checked the seats before re-installing them.
20 July 2006:
Picked up by the sergeant again and arrived at IX (B) Squadron. We went from there to one of the hangars to do a Series 07 flight test on a Tornado. It passed all of them and then we went in for lunch. We then did a see off on a Tornado before the end of the day.
Name : Kenneth Ayres
School : Smithdon High School
Dates : 11-21 July 2006
Section of placement : Tornado Maintenance School (TMS)
Week 1:
On Week 1, I was introduced to programs like Photoshop and Illustrator by Si Palmer. The next day me and Si went round the base taking photos. When we got back, we put them in a montage. While doing these montages Si explained and showed me the more advanced tools on Photoshop. On Thursday Si tested me on everything I knew about Photoshop and on Friday he showed me more on Illustrator. Summary: I learned much this week and I now feel more confident with the Photoshop and Illustrator programs. I would say I have made some friends with the TMS staff and I look forward to next week.
Week 2:
This week I learned about photography from Barry Scourfield who works in the same office as me and Si taught me more about cameras and then on Tuesday me and Si went up to the squadrons and we saw a 'see off'. We took pictures of three Tornado jets and then on Wednesday we decided to put them into a montage of my experience down there with Si. On Thursday I started writing a presentation for when I go back to school. I helped with the preparation for the inspection by the OCA. Also I accidentally fell out of a chair and by the way I fell, Baz said I could be a goalie. On my final day I did some work on Photoshop before I went home to SHQ at 1 o'clock.
Name : James Savage
School : Dereham Neathard High School
Dates : 11-21 July 2006
Section of placement : Survival Equiment Store (SES)
Day 1:I was a bit nervous as I did not know what to expect, however, when I arrived at my section, they all welcomed me and I felt like one of the section. After the introductions I was taken to the Wet Drill Bay to start working. It was really good fun.
Day 2:I started the day off by working on ALIVs, and then I did some gas recharging for the life rafts. In the afternoon, I was in the Parachute Bay and I worked on some QRFs. This was a really good day. Again, the crews made me feel welcome.
Day 3:I was taken to No XIII Sqn and I was working on the life preserver jackets, and then I went on the lines with the Tornados. This was a good day and the XIII Sqn crew were really funny.
Day 4:I was taken to No II (AC) Sqn and I worked on helmets and servicing them. This was a really good experience and I met many pilots.
Day 5:I unpacked the life raft box and I recharged some gas. Then there was the debriefing.In conclusion, I have enjoyed the week and I gained the experience I needed. It would have been boring without the crew at SES.
Name : Daniel Bailey
School : Dereham Neathard High School
Dates : 11-21 July 2006
Section of placement : Survival Equipment Store (SES)
On my first day of work experience at RAF Marham, I felt a bit nervous because I didn't know whether I would like doing this section. I did a lot of practical work, which improved my engineering knowledge. The work I did was great fun and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and made loads of mates. The parts of the placement I really enjoyed doing were getting stuck in to all the tanks. Overall, I think that this was a brilliant section to do. I found it both interesting and fun.
Name : Joey Barte
School : Hobart High School
Dates : 11-21 July 2006
Section of placement : Air Traffic Control (ATC)
On Monday when I arrived we met in the guardroom where I bought my meal ticket. Once all of the students were there, we went to the minibus where we were taken to our areas of placement. Once I arrived at Air Traffic Control, Cpl Smith gave me a health and safety briefing, as well as a familiarisation of fire exits. Once we had finished the briefing, I went to the switchboard where I learnt what all of the computers do and what positions there were on the radars. Tuesday I spent the morning in the runway caravan which was my personal favourite job in Air Traffic because I could get up close to Tornados on take-off. After lunch in the Junior Ranks Mess, I went back on the switchboard where I got involved with the weather update because I used the OATIs, where you put the weather on a frequency that the pilots can access in flight. Whilst on switchboard it can get boring, but if you get involved then it's not so bad. On Wednesday morning, I started off on switchboard, then I was taken to the Fire Section by the duty driver for an hour where I was shown around the lorries and I got to try on a B A set. We then went to lunch and after that I got to go up to local, which is where you talk to all of the vehicles moving over the runway thresholds and give them clearance. SAC Stenton got me involved and talking on the radio, which was good fun. Thursday I started off the day up at local, then I was taken to Station Operations for a visit, which was an interesting insight into the base's workings, which was then followed by lunch. After lunch I went to the caravan to see the Typhoon, but unfortunately it was cancelled, so I went back to the tower and went back to local. At roughly two o'clock I went to the Met Office to learn about how they determine the weather starter and how the weather occurs. Throughout the week I was on quick tasks like the mail run with the duty driver and dropping people off, etc.
School : Broadland High School
Dates : 26 June - 7 July 2006
Section of placement : Ground Engineering Flight (GEF)
I was a bit nervous about my work experience in RAF Marham, but also very excited. My first day was in GEF was getting shown round the different bays and was given a health and safety brief while going round. Every day of the week was staying at a different bay, (Major Bay, Minor Bay, AGSE and MTMS). My favourite day was when I worked at AGSE. I enjoyed it the most because there was loads for me to help out and do. I was really surprised how much I got to help out over the week, since I thought there would be a lot of standing around.
In my second week with the Catering Squadron, I was given a safety brief, and was moved to the Sergeants' Mess, where I was to be working all week. Once again I found it very hands on and the chefs always kept me involved doing things, even if it was just to nip to the fridge for someone. I had done a wide range of things form serving at the servery, to skinning fish, to preparing the sandwich and salad bar.
I really enjoyed my two weeks at RAF Marham and would like to thank everyone that has helped me.
Name : Dan Catley
School : Beauchamps High School
Dates : 5-16 June 2006
Section of placement : Tornado Propulsion Flight (TPF)
First Day:
The first day was unpredictable. I expected to be incredibly nervous but I was overwhelmed that I was fine. I was welcomed warmly.
Fifth Day:
My week had gone very well making me feel comfortable. I had not been to the Sqn yet but I was working on it.
School : Beauchamps High School
Dates : 5-16 June 2006
Section of placement : Tornado Engineering Flight (TEF)
Building up to the work experience I was quite nervous to make a good impression to everyone on base. I then got there and was quite excited to crack on. The work there was excellent, a lot of fun and very interesting. I enjoyed just really getting involved in anything and helping them getting the job done. The best bit that I found was when I got to marshal out a Tornado. But one of the worst bits was just sometimes you can only sit as there is not enough to do as the health and safety. But overall a fantastic week. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.
School : Taverham High School
Dates : 12-16 June 2006
Section of placement : Tornado Aircraft Servicing Flight (TASF)
Mon:
Arrived and was taken through Health & Safety brief and after lunch was introduced to the team in TASF that I will be working with for the week. For that afternoon we fixed panels and pipes on the belly of a jet. Was a bit nervous to start but since calmed down as the people were really friendly.
Tue:
The morning was enjoyable as we nearly finished the pipe work. At lunch I went and played football and that was really fun. The afternoon was dull but funny as we spent the whole time looking for a pipe but didn't find it.
Wed:
Started putting panels and wirelocking. That was quite fun as people were saying random jobs and done that for most of the day.
Thu:
In the morning went down to the tank bay and worked with tanks all morning. Afternoon went out to see if a fly off was going to happen but it didn't.
Fri:
Went out to see if the fly off would happen and then spent the rest of the morning at II(AC) Sqn. Whole week was fine and great fun.
School : The John Bramston School
Dates : 5-16 June 2006
Section of placement : Catering Squadron (Cat Sqn)
When I arrived at Marham the only thing I really felt was a bit of excitement. When I started working I thought it was much better than it was going to be, everyone was really helpful and they all looked after me. The bit I enjoyed the most was working in the Sweet Room because of the taste testing. The worst bit was not knowing where all the equipment was, but I soon found out.
School : Duchess Community High School
Dates : 5-16 June 2006
Section of placement : IX (B) Squadron Engineering
Over all, my work experience at RAF Marham was excellent. There were times where I really just wanted to go home but they were few and far between. When I was approaching my work experience I was extremely nervous about leaving Northumberland and travelling approximately 250 miles to spend 2 weeks with people I didn't know. Also I didn't know what work I would expect to be doing as I thought most of it would be very complex. So really overall I was expecting hell.However, I was proven wrong on only my first day as I found that everybody was really nice and tried to involve me in most of the things that they did. Over the next few days I got to meet even more people and to get an even better look at the planes. I even got to operate some of the software in the cockpit. Then when I got to the weekend and my relief at being able to have a lie in was mixed with anxiety as the people that I had got to know were going on night shift and the night shift were coming onto days. However I was proven wrong once again as although there wasn't much work on there at least there was the World Cup to watch. In this week I got more rare experiences and also more sitting around.In conclusion I think that if you have a passion for planes or you want to join the RAF and you don't mind daytime TV then you should love a placement here.
School : Thorston Community College
Dates : 5-16 June 2006
Section of placement : Tornado Propulsion Flight (TPF)
On the first day I was nervous but excited. Everyone was nice and polite and very explanatory and it helped a lot. I understand what they showed me, including all the health and safety. I was very nervous before work experience and scared I would not like it. The work was really good and I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed exploring the camp and finding out all about the Station does and how it works an I enjoyed watching the engine testing. All the people and each got more exciting and they all invited me to sports and gym.
If you have completed work experience at RAF Marham and would like to add your story or comments to these pages, we would be pleased to hear from you.
You can e-mail your story (Word document + separate jpeg files - not embedded into the word doc) to :