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 I have searched this forum for information but much of it seems outdated.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!