Cyberspace Communication Specialist - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship Royal Air Force

Cyberspace Communication Specialists ensure the RAF remains at the cutting edge of technological advances, essential for the RAF to be able to communicate effectively and move information around safely and securely. You will work as part of a highly trained and technologically skilled workforce that will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: today

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £19,100.00

    The minimum pay in your first year is £19,100 (6 mth at £16,840 and 6 mth at £21,420). On completion of training, at least 1 years’ service and a workplace assessment, your pay will rise to £24,990, rising incrementally year on year.

  • Working week

    Once training is completed, dependent on role and location you could be working various routines. Shifts to be confirmed.

    Total hours per week: 40

  • Expected duration

    36 Months

  • Possible start date

    02 Jun 2023

  • Date posted

    12 Oct 2022

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000095272

  • Positions

    210 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

You will work as part of a highly trained and technologically skilled workforce that will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks including:

  • Safeguarding our UK-based IT networks from intrusions
  • Coordinating the RAF’s vast array of information
  • Establishing overseas networks and equipment for Deployed Commanders and Air Traffic Services

The technical knowledge is challenging, but the benefits, the achievements, and the impacts are highly rewarding.

One of the many advantages of being a Cyberspace Communications Specialist is the incredible breadth and diversity of the roles that you could be employed in.

Upon completion of your training, you will graduate as an RAF ICT Tech and be sent on your first tour. Opportunities exist across the country for your first tour, but wherever you are sent you will be using your skills to immediately support the RAF’s outputs. You will join a team responsible for managing your unit’s cyberspace systems. A first tour could be as part of 90 Signals Unit, which includes the RAF’s deployable expeditionary communications team. This team deploys around the globe and a job here would have you supporting global operations by providing the cyberspace systems that enable communications back to the UK effectively.  Alternatively, you could be employed on an aircraft squadron, maintaining and supporting the aircraft’s mission support system that enables the aircraft to carry out its sorties. Another current role for your first tour is to work within an information Hub, where you will be the first port of call for providing advice on software applications, information management and system administration, or repairing IT systems and installing software and hardware.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

On successful completion of the application and selection process, your apprenticeship will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course 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.

The next step is a specialist training course at No 1 Radio School, Cosford, near Wolverhampton; a first-class training establishment. This foundation course is approx. 35 Weeks long and is designed to prepare you for your first tours by giving you a breadth of skills and knowledge across the full range of duties you may be employed in. You will study a range of subjects, including: electronic and radio principles; mathematics; Cisco Academy IT Essentials; Cisco Introduction to Networks; Microsoft Server 2K12, Relational Databases, Programming Techniques, satellite and data communications; information systems and network administration and Cyber security. In addition, you will also be instructed in health and safety, maintenance practices andprocedures giving you the skills required to deploy and maintain our range of communications information networks and sensors.

The training you will receive at No 1 Radio School is recognised by a wide range of civilian employers and backed by transferable qualifications. During your specialist training as a Cyberspace Communication Specialist, where eligible, you will be enrolled on a Information Communication Technician Apprenticeship Standard which is a Level 3 qualification; all knowledge requirements will be completed during your technical training, skills & behaviours will be captured within the work place during your first tour. You can also gain a Foundation Degree in Computing Science from Staffordshire University.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship is also a gateway to a full-time career in the Royal Air Force. One of the many advantages of being a Cyberspace Communications Specialist is the incredible breadth and diversity of the roles that you could be employed in. Further specialist training is available to you to ensure that you are properly trained for your roles. Some personnel may undertake specialist training to work on the new solid state radar or deployable navigation aids. If required, specialist training will be given in application support, web-skills, database and network management, software and application development, coding and cyberspace security to assure the integrity and efficient operation and management of the RAF’s and other military networks.

After completing one year’s total service, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist Class 1, providing you pass Basic Specialisation Training and Professional Workplace Assessemnt (PWA). Following completion of PWA, 18 months in rank and your apprenticeship you may advance to Air Specialist Class 1 Technician. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is on merit 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.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Physical fitness

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English Language (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent an approved Science/Technology-based subject. (Grade C/4 or above) Desired

About the employer

The Royal Air Force work with our UK and international partners to watch the skies, respond to threats, prevent conflict, and provide assistance in an uncertain world. We provide all personnel with a varied range of training and activities to make sure you're ready for anything. A career in the Royal Air Force will provide you with a whole host of possibilities. You will receive world class training, allowing you to learn and develop throughout your career. We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore the closing and start dates.

Employer

Royal Air Force

Address

RAF Cosford

Albrighton

Wolverhampton

WV7 3EX

Contact

0345 6055555

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Training

Training provider

ROYAL AIR FORCE

Apprenticeship standard

Information communications technician

Level 3 (A level)

Employer's Application Instructions

You'll be directed through to the RAF Recruitment Website where more detail on the role is available. We have positions available for this role throughout the year and the process can take a few months. Once you have completed an application you will be invited to complete an aptitude assessment, selection interview, health assessment and fitness test. More details of the requirement can be found at the application link.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: today