ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN

The Job

As an Electronics Technician you’ll be responsible for the maintenance, repair and modification of all electronic systems in use on the Army’s equipment. It’s a long list, incorporating equipment such as tanks, self-propelled guns, guided weapon systems and communication equipment.

The Right Job For Me?

You do not need to be super-fit to join the Territorials, but the training can sometimes be physically challenging so you need a good standard of health and stamina. As part of a larger unit, an ability to take orders is essential, but you must also be able to act on your own initiative if the situation calls for it. To become an Electronics Technician, your work will have to meet exacting engineering standards, and you’ll need to be able to absorb complex engineering principles and specialist repair techniques during periods of intensive training. Manual dexterity, particularly with intricate components, will be an advantage.

What Skills Will I Learn?

As an Electronics Technician, you’ll be trained to apply your existing skills in a military environment and taught to fix some of the Army’s most advanced equipment. Trade training covers static-sensitive devices, line-replaceable units, electrical cabling and communication equipment.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial training: Recruits carry out a number of training weekends with their new unit and the nearest Regional Recruiting Team. After completing this series of weekend courses, you then attend a two-week residential course at an Army Training Regiment, where you complete your initial training. The whole process takes around 12 months, and will equip you with the skills needed to fight and survive in the field, as well as boosting your fitness. Further training: After completing your initial training, you move on to your trade training at the School of Electronic and Aeronautical Engineering in Arborfield, Berkshire, which lasts two weeks. Your minimum annual training commitment is 27 days. This is broken down into 15 days of continuous training with your unit, either on exercises or on a course, and 12 days of ‘out of camp’ training, made up of weekend training and other activities. You might have to exceed the minimum requirement at first so you can get your qualifications.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

As a member of a Territorial unit you will have access to a Continuous Professional Development Plan and Personal Development Record. Together, these will help you identify and develop your skills and turn them into further recognised civilian qualifications, which may be of help to you in your civilian career.

Future Prospects

As well as keeping you fit and helping you make friends for life, being in the Army gives you a major advantage in the increasingly competitive job market. Employers recognise Territorial soldiers as committed individuals who work well in a team and who are always looking for challenges and opportunities to extend their skills. They will know you are flexible, self-motivated, dependable, confident and responsible. Above all, being a Territorial soldier demonstrates that you can handle pressure, and have professional expertise backed up by solid experience.