ELECTRONICS/AVIONICS TECHNICIAN

The Job

Electronics/Avionics Technicians are responsible for the maintenance, inspection, fault diagnosis, modification, and repair of all electronic systems in use on the Army’s equipment. The Electronics Technician maintains every electrical and electronic part on land-based equipment such as Challenger Main Battle Tank, Guided Weapon Systems or communication systems. An Avionics Technician maintains Army aircraft, including navigation and communication systems, control instruments, engine components and missile systems on Apache Attack and reconnaissance aircraft.

The Right Job For Me?

An Electronics/Avionics Technician should demonstrate a high level of manual dexterity, particularly with intricate components. The role also requires the concentration necessary to undertake a long period of high-level training. This trade also involves exacting engineering standards supported by complex documentation, instructions and stringent controls. The ability to sustain standards of engineering integrity and flight safety while fulfilling tactical requirements in the field is essential

What Skills Will I Learn?

You will learn how to fix the army’s most technologically advanced equipmentAs this role requires a thorough understanding of maths and science, your trade training will begin with intensive courses in these disciplinesElectronics/Avionics Technicians will both work out in the field and Base Workshops, so you will be given a thorough grounding in Engineering and Electronics Workshop Practice.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial training: All REME recruits are trained first to become soldiers and then tradesmen. Your basic training will normally take place at Army Training Regiment (ATR) Bassingbourn. During the 14-week course, you will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open and how to tackle an assault course, as well as developing your stamina and fitness. You will be stretched further than you thought possible, and toughen up both physically and mentally. Having successfully mastered these basic military skills, you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives, and friends Further training: After an induction phase at the School of Electronic and Aeronautical Engineering (SEAE) at Arborfield, Berkshire, you will commence technical training with an 11-week Foundation Modular Training – building up your knowledge base of maths, science and other disciplines to confirm suitability for training. If you start the training and find difficulty with the standards required, or just feel you’ve made the wrong choice, you may be given a choice of alternative employment either within REME or another Arm or Service that’s a better fit for you. Electronics and Avionics Technicians both undergo 22 weeks of Basic Electronics Training. Electronics Technicians then have 21 weeks of Common Electronic Repair techniques, covering Systems Control, Optronics, Guided Weapons and Workshop Practice. On posting to your first unit, you will have also completed a specific equipment course of between two and 15 weeks. Avionics Technicians undergo 21 weeks of training, covering Avionics System Repair, Engineering Practice, and Documentation. You will also complete a specific equipment course of between five and 15 weeks to enable you to support the units equipment. There may be an opportunity for driver training to Cat C+E

What Qualifications Could I Get?

During trade training, there will be various qualifications available to you, including NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance, BTEC and HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, plus four PDUs (Professional Development Units) for Incorporated Engineer. On completion of your training, you will be recognised by the appropriate trade unions as a skilled tradesman, and as a technician by the Board of Engineering Registration (BER) of the Engineering Council. If selected for Artificer training, advanced qualifications will become available for study, including a BTEC Higher National Diploma and Foundation Degree. Experienced artificers may be recognised as Incorporated Engineers by the BER of the Engineering Council and, as such, can apply for varying grades of membership of certain professional engineering institutions.

Future Prospects

On completion of Phase 2 trade training, and dependent on leadership qualities, you may be eligible for immediate promotion to Lance Corporal. Promotion to full Corporal can be achieved after one year in rank. Promotion is dependent upon being suitably qualified at trade, and being selected on merit by a Promotion Board. Salary will increase with promotion and completion of trade training. While in the Army you may be selected to train as a REME Artificer. Selection for this means a fast track to promotion and each receives Staff Sergeant rank on graduation. As well as improving your career prospects, it could put you in line to become a commissioned officer. You can also volunteer for Special Forces. Whatever the role, you will gain essential communication and leadership skills.