AN APPRENTICE ’ S VIEW
KELLIE CHAPMAN
ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN
What is your current job / role and what are your responsibilities ? I am a Ground Support Systems Administrator , responsible for maintaining the Engineering and Mission Support System network and equipment for the Typhoon aircraft .
What apprenticeship did you do in the RAF ? Advanced Apprenticeship Unified Communications Technician .
Why did you decide to join the RAF as an apprentice ? For the opportunity to gain an apprenticeship and to get paid for learning .
What do you enjoy most about your role ? The ability to travel around the world and meet new people along the way .
What opportunities has the RAF given you as an apprentice ? A secure job , with guaranteed pay at the end of the month . I have been able to travel to different places around the world , from the USA to Asia and the Middle East .
What are the best experiences you have had ? My best experiences would have to be graduating from both phases of training , and deploying to the USA , Asia and the Middle East .
What educational opportunities have you had ? I have had the opportunity to gain a Foundation Degree in Information Technology and Communications from Staffordshire University at no cost .
What are your top tips for joining the RAF as an apprentice ? Be 100 % sure . Do research into the apprenticeship you would like to do before committing .
What have you learnt in your time here ? Take every opportunity you can to get involved in adventurous training and force development .
What has been the greatest challenge ? The Phase 2 training I went through . It was both physically and mentally challenging .
Would you recommend life in the RAF ? I would to anyone who would like a secure job , the potential to travel the world and to get paid while they learn their trade .
How has signing up for the RAF changed your life ? It has made me more independent .
What ’ s next for you ? To complete my time in my current post , and then apply for a posting overseas .
ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN
RAF Role : Cyberspace Communications Specialist ( CCS ) The RAF ’ s specialists in the management of Information Systems , the Cyber Domain and Communications Networks , including those that directly support aircraft . CCS Technicians can expect to be employed in : application support , maintenance of networks and information servers , telecoms , surveillance radar , cryptographic and defence of military networks in direct support of military operations .
RAF Role : Communication Infrastructure Technician The RAF ’ s specialists in working at height while constructing and maintaining complex antennae systems , in addition to maintaining radio frequency and high-power sites . CI Technicians can expect to be employed in direct support of the UK ’ s military network and global communications in operations . Duration : 30 Months