The "what trade should I go for" thread - all job selection related chat in here

[Young Pug]

I recently applied and have taken interest in the OPMI and Comms Systems Engineer roles. Both quite different in a lot of ways by the looks of it, but similar in the sense that they involve the use of information technology.

Anyone able to tell me which has more beneficial and transferable skills/qualifications for civ life?

 

[Young Pug]

Just to add, staying IT based is the route I'm trying to go down. Are there any other roles that would be good to consider looking at that could lead into that industry in the civilian world later down the road? (in theory)

 

[The_Duke]

Mod Comment:

We get several of these types of threads every week, so please use this one for all trade/role comparison posts in future. Please be aware that:

1. Many Arrse posters left the army before these roles were even created, so anything they post may well be pure guesswork.
2. There is no such thing as an unbiased soldier when it comes to discussing their regiment or role.

 

[Glad_its_all_over]

Mod Comment:

We get several of these types of threads every week, so please use this one for all trade/role comparison posts in future. Please be aware that:

1. Many Arrse posters left the army before these roles were even created, so anything they post may well be pure guesswork.
2. There is no such thing as an unbiased soldier when it comes to discussing their regiment or role.

How dare you, Sir. An entirely unworthy aspersion to cast. I had the honour to wear both these cap badges and, despite having been a civilian now for a good seventeen years, note that my experience and knowledge remain relevant:

To the OP.

If you're keen on IT and the like but particularly fancy standing around the Trailer of Knowledge, being harassed by wannabe Guardsmen who write on rulers and being good at polishing things, with occasional diversions into comms and computery, the Royal Corps of Signals is your man. Decent qualifications to be had and generally good post-Service prospects.

If you're interested in doing something interesting but willing to take the chance of being knocked back if not found suitable, the Int Corps would be keen to hear from you. Bear in mind that it's a small Corps and is not necessarily the most comfortable or welcoming environment for some personality types. Considerably more esoteric qualifications to be had and generally excellent post-Service prospects.

 

[AlienFTM]

There is no such thing as an unbiased soldier when it comes to discussing their regiment or role.

The best regiment is the one you served* in. FACT.
_____
* Note use of past tense. 20-20 sepia tinted hindsight is a marvellous thing.

 

[Bris]

The best regiment is the one you served* in. .

Nah, it was my mates'. They had shitloads of AT, and the chicks were fitter.

 

[Tomasz Krachanaker]

You could always join the RN and not have to bother with all this silly regiment nonsense.

 

[Young Pug]

If you're interested in doing something interesting but willing to take the chance of being knocked back if not found suitable, the Int Corps would be keen to hear from you. Bear in mind that it's a small Corps and is not necessarily the most comfortable or welcoming environment for some personality types. Considerably more esoteric qualifications to be had and generally excellent post-Service prospects.

Yeah, I heard they're quite particular with who they choose to recruit, which is understandable. Can you elaborate a bit on what you mean, though? What sort of personality types would have a harder time with the Int Corps?

 

[Glad_its_all_over]

Yeah, I heard they're quite particular with who they choose to recruit, which is understandable. Can you elaborate a bit on what you mean, though? What sort of personality types would have a harder time with the Int Corps?

At the risk of sounding mysterious, there's a separate selection process for the Int Corps at which they take a long look at the candidate and decide whether they're suitable or not. It's not pass/fail, some aren't suitable, is all.

 

[verticalgyro]

At the risk of sounding mysterious, there's a separate selection process for the Int Corps at which they take a long look at the candidate and decide whether they're suitable or not. It's not pass/fail, some aren't suitable, is all.

Just be honest, it's a pass/fail Aspergers test.

If you have it, you're in. End of dit.

 

[The_Snail]

I recently applied and have taken interest in the OPMI and Comms Systems Engineer roles. Both quite different in a lot of ways by the looks of it, but similar in the sense that they involve the use of information technology.

Anyone able to tell me which has more beneficial and transferable skills/qualifications for civ life?

I, personally, think you should join the AGC.

That's just my opinion.

 

[Young Pug]

I, personally, think you should join the AGC.

That's just my opinion.

What makes you say that? I did look at the AGC roles briefly but... yeah.

@Glad_its_all_over okay, so if say you were to give it an attempt and they didn't see you as the right fit, would you just get booted and have to re-apply or have the chance to change your regiment/corps choice?

I did actually read a little on their selection, but couldn't really make out much from the article. For a reason perhaps.

I'm quite inclined towards the CSE role as it appears from the description you get your fair share of IT and Network Engineering experience. Something that I'm interested in doing as a life long career in general. Any more insight on that? I know there's threads up already mentioning it, but I'd appreciate if I someone could provide me with an answer here.

 

[Glad_its_all_over]

What makes you say that? I did look at the AGC roles briefly but... yeah.

@Glad_its_all_over okay, so if say you were to give it an attempt and they didn't see you as the right fit, would you just get booted and have to re-apply or have the chance to change your regiment/corps choice?

You'd be offered something else. It'd be a good offer, to get to Int Corps selection in the first place, you'd already be qualified for some stonking good roles elsewhere in the Army.

 

[MWRight93]

Hi guys, Im thinking about a career change (degree in IT), I'm pretty bored of sitting in front of a computer all day and I'd prefer to have a more varied day and something hands on.

At the moment I've narrowed it down to; electronics, avionics, & aircraft technician. What's the promotion prospects like in these roles or is it standard across the regiments? The guy at the AFCO mentioned artificer and late-entry commissioning in passing, is this something you can choose to do or are you singled out for them?

Finally, what's the post-service employment like for those in these positions, is there directly applicable roles or would there need to be more training?

 

[walrusboy]

The Int Corps is not unique in having its own selection process; some other cap badges require a bit extra to recruit the right candidates. The purpose of Int Corps technical selection is to load the most suitable candidates on the the limited number of Op MI 3 places the Corps has each year, in order to maximise successful output, i.e. the highest possible pass rate. The assessment process tests essential and desirable skills that candidates need in order to pass Op MI 3.

If you are unsuccessful on Int Corps selection you will be encouraged to consider other roles in the Army. Just because you don't get your first choice doesn't mean you won't have a rewarding time elsewhere.

 

[verticalgyro]

Hi guys, Im thinking about a career change (degree in IT), I'm pretty bored of sitting in front of a computer all day and I'd prefer to have a more varied day and something hands on.

At the moment I've narrowed it down to; electronics, avionics, & aircraft technician. What's the promotion prospects like in these roles or is it standard across the regiments? The guy at the AFCO mentioned artificer and late-entry commissioning in passing, is this something you can choose to do or are you singled out for them?

Finally, what's the post-service employment like for those in these positions, is there directly applicable roles or would there need to be more training?

REME / Avionics & Electronics Life

Have a read of that thread mate, when you've done, ask any more questions in that thread. Leave this thread to the Int Corp Sperglord wannabee nosetapper 007 D:Reamers.

PM me if you have anything specific.

 

[walrusboy]

REME / Avionics & Electronics Life

Have a read of that thread mate, when you've done, ask any more questions in that thread. Leave this thread to the Int Corp Sperglord wannabee nosetapper 007 D:Reamers.

PM me if you have anything specific.

This is a fair point if flippantly put. If high quality post-service employment prospects are important then there are better options than the Int Corps. It can be interesting work but much of it is routine and it doesn't necessarily prepare you for specific employment outside. I know a number of full career Int Corps soldiers who haven't found their rightful place in civvy street, although some might say that they have. REME, Royal Signals and even RLC probably offer greater employability.

 

[verticalgyro]

This is a fair point if flippantly put. If high quality post-service employment prospects are important then there are better options than the Int Corps. It can be interesting work but much of it is routine and it doesn't necessarily prepare you for specific employment outside. I know a number of full career Int Corps soldiers who haven't found their rightful place in civvy street, although some might say that they have. REME, Royal Signals and even RLC probably offer greater employability.

I didn't mean to be flippant, the lad was clearly on the wrong thread if he is going Tech Elec/Av/Ac and was merely pointing him in the right direction.

As for post Int Corps employment, not my domain but I should imagine that its like the rest of the world, those that can turn their brain or muscle to something that others require will do well.

Though there is an ex Int Corps WO2 who is a LCpl MPGS at Waddington now who seems to not be bothered by standing in the rain checking car passes. I was his Gd Comd once and was genuinely interested, he seems genuinely happy with his lot in life.

Good for him.

 

[walrusboy]

I didn't mean to be flippant, the lad was clearly on the wrong thread if he is going Tech Elec/Av/Ac and was merely pointing him in the right direction.

As for post Int Corps employment, not my domain but I should imagine that its like the rest of the world, those that can turn their brain or muscle to something that others require will do well.

Though there is an ex Int Corps WO2 who is a LCpl MPGS at Waddington now who seems to not be bothered by standing in the rain checking car passes. I was his Gd Comd once and was genuinely interested, he seems genuinely happy with his lot in life.

Good for him.

Fair play. There are too many ex-seniors struggling to find their way. I know a former RM WO1 manning a gate as a civvy and an Int Corps WO2 doing the same thing.

 

[lgr1991]

So i passed selection at Glencourse last week with a high A pass. My first job choices were Electronics tech in REME, CSE in Sigs and Fitter in the RE. I scored 73 on the BARB and 90% in the TST so I would make the grade based on those results. I was led to believe after my first interview at the careers office that I had the qualifications required for each of these jobs ,however, during my career discussion at the end of selection I was informed I did not as Scottish qualifications do not equate exactly with English qualifications and I am just below the requirements (I have Standard Grade 3's which turns out are GSCE grade D).

I'm pretty gutted as electronics tech, or pretty much any of the three tech jobs in REME, is my dream job. Plus, the qualifications are second to none when it comes to civvie street. So I was told to go home and look over the jobs I can do then contact my CSM to make a decision. I've been talking to my CSM this week, who is trying to push me towards Engineer Logistics Specialist in the RE but it's not a role that exactly fills me with enthusiasm. It looks too admin based, and I really want to do something more technical and hands on.

I am looking for a job role I would enjoy first and foremost, but also I want to get the best qualifications I can get. I really want to work in engineering so finding a job that gives me qualifications in engineering would be perfect. The only job I am eligible for that is catching my eye is Armoured Engineer. I have searched this forum for information but much of it seems outdated. It looks like the job used to be a specialist role (such as diver, EOD, etc. is now) but is now an actual trade/role in its own right with the RE.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions I'm hoping I can get answers to here.

First of all, are my hopes of becoming a tech in REME officially over? I'm 26 so can't exactly resit my exams, but I understand it is possible, but difficult to retrade in the Army. Is it possible to retrade without the required GSCE's or does that requirement still exist? Could I do armoured engineer for a few years then retrade as a tech?

Secondly, I was hoping for some information on the RE. I checkout there sub on this site to get more details, which was insightful. However, one thing I couldn't fully grasp was "combat engineering". I know all Sappers do a 9 week course, and I know what it entails but what I don't get is Sappers say they are combat engineers first and do that more than there respective trades. So what does this mean for day to day life as a Sapper? Surely they cant be building bridges and clearing minefields each and every day, there's only so many bridges that need built and so many minefields that need cleared!

Finally, what kind of prospects an Armoured Engineer has? Like I said, I searched the forum but most of the results seemed outdated. I understand all Sappers have a trade, so is Armoured Engineer now a recognized trade in the Engineers or would I do another trade and be an AE as well? Also, what are the qualification and promotion prospects like? I checked the "Army Accreditation Progression by Careers" document on the army website that suggest you do an apprenticeship in engineering maintenance, but is there any scope to go any further than this?

Thanks for taking the time to read my wall of text and hopefully provide me with some guidance going forward. I really do want to join the army despite missing out on my dream role, however, I just really don't know where to go next. Also, any job suggestions that I may have missed on my search that you think might be suitable for me, I'm all ears!