Cyberspace Communication Specialist - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

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 and procedures 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.

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 Assessment (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.

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.